The problem with daily trips is the distance from shore to the reefs. The best diving sites, ones not visited by the day-trippers and the 'cattle car' hydro trips that bring groups of wanna-be's on discover dives to 30 feet, are ideal for the liveaboard experience. Even by hydrofoil it takes up to two hours to reach the reefs.

If you really want the most bang for your buck, do a weeklong trip if at all possible. You will thank yourself at the end of the week (not to mention the possible let-down when three or four days pass so very quickly, which they will).

If you would like specific recommendations I suggest you go to www.scubadiving.com (Rodale's Scuba Diving website) and hit the boards there. You will be talking to nothing but divers and will generate many hits.