Good Caribbean dive spots - and resorts?

PHXAZCRAIG wrote:

"massively better" is probably more like "massively different".

when we're talking about Anilao or Lembeh, coupled with your general preference towards macro and your other key items, massively better really is the correct description.   The number of subjects per dive is immensely higher, and while you have a pretty sweetheart arranagement with a personal DM in Roatan, you won't generally be able to get that elsewhere.   But in Anilao/Lembeh, the DM/spotter is the normal concept, albeit at a ratio or 2 or 3:1.   You could probably make it 1:1 for not too much $$, however, though honestly I suspect 3:1 gets it done.   By the time you got your image bagged, he points you to the next object.   (as a rule, he kept interrupting me)

Anilao does have strong currents roughly one in 4 dives, and somewhat unpredictably, so this is a factor to consider.   It can change right in the midst of a dive (either way)    Don't know how it is for Lembeh in this regard.

If airfares are over 1000, it's not that different than the costs of flying to Manila/Fiji/Tahiti, but Lembeh would be a bit more, and unfortunately even more hours in the air.  That's the main 'price' to pay.   And unfortunately,  no free answers here, other than to explore the premium economy offered by the Asian carriers.   It can make the difference, and not necessarily cost too much extra.   The American ones are lagging behind badly.

On the Caribbean side, I'd point to Caymans, but that's not a budget destination.  But it's one of the few I find rewarding enough in the Carib these days.   (Bahamas was great for the sharks, but seems to be a lot of lousy dive boat operations)

Cozumel seems well past the loved to death phase, and given the currents its not a macro spot.   I enjoy the flying, but the reef is mostly rubble.  Great as a cheaper trip to take my niece, but now that she's got 40 dives in, we're going to better destinations.

Belize might have some options in the same ball park, pricewise, in the Plancentia region, but being just up the coast from Roatan, may not really be very different.