Trying to plan a College Spring break dive trip

[Bodie]

I'm part of a fraternity on campus here that specializes in outdoor activities and extreme sports and this year for spring break I'm trying to get a trip for 4-15 people (I know its a huge range but its still August) to go diving somewhere, anywhere <Gahhh! I need to go diving before I go nuts!>. I have some pretty specific requirements but the bottom line is of course the price.
Break is at a maximum 9 days so I'm looking for a 4-5 days diving. Here's what I'm looking for:
- March 22nd-30th range 2007
- Cheep!!! I'd love to do under $500 but in reality, $800 inc. airfare (good luck, I know)
- As far as I'm concearned we can camp on a beach; in fact if there are places with national parks or campgrounds that are SAFE (or reasonably so) to do this I'm very interested. - we're a pretty rough and tumble group but if I'm bringing my Subal or the Amphibico I'd like to come home with 'em.
- Within one day travel each way (leaving from Denver)
- Diving that would be safe for novice, new and rusty divers as well as someone with experience (although most of the experienced guys (self) would be happy to go anywhere)
- SAFE place to get air/ preferably Nitrox 2-5 dives a day either from shore or boat
- A night dive location would be nice but not needed.
- Decient night/bar scene... gotta do something in the 24hr preflight time, right?
- 2 hours evac of a chamber
- US Coast Guard patroled/within reach
- Land attractions in case nondivers/girlfriends come (although hopefully they'll dive also)

I know I'm not going to get all of these, but some are obviously more important than others.

Anyone know of package deals? Charters? Good travel agent? Good location? a fantastic site like: Divingforbrokecollegestudents.com (Disclaimer: just made that up not a real site!)

Thanks,
Dan
.... and if anyone wants to see what we're about:
www.thetaxiboulder.org

[Jonathan Bird]

Two places come to mind. The FL keys and Mexico.

The FL keys are cheap to get to, pretty cheap when you get there and you can get a dive package that is pretty cheap too. You have wrecks and shallow reefs, lots of fish, and plenty of easy dives for newbies. The flip side is that it may be mobbed during spring break, not sure.

For a little more money, Cozumel is a real bargain. Also, the Riviera Maya, across the water from Cozumel on the Mexican mainland. RM has reef dives as well as cenote diving which is really cool. In general, the reef diving is better on Cozumel, but it will be a tad more expensive to get there. But Cozumel is a bargain in diving circles and the diving is first class.

I think both places will have excellent night life too.

Jonathan