Who to dive with in Roatan?? (honestly)

[zinfin]

Okay divers,
We have all been out on a cattle run dive boat! For ROATAN: Any suggestions for a shop that keeps the total number of divers on the boat less than 10? Any suggestions for a professional , dialed in crew ,with a 1:6 divemaster to diver ratio? let us know what you think ! Who to go with & Who to stay away from. I realize that if I want TLC it may cost a little more, but after looking at glossy dive mags all winter in New York, USA I want to spend our time well !!

 

[Doc]

Using your figures...You're looking for two divemasters,
well... maybe 1.5 per 9.

What function and services were you hoping that DM or "dive guide" to provide?

Were you thinking of an AI resort where you could economically and comfortably do 4 and 5 dives a day?

Or- were you looking for an ala carte thing where you could do two dives and then take time to eat a nice meal at a different restaurant every night? Would you like meals placed in front of you within the property, or did you want to take the time to cook for yourself... or again~ go out for leisurely meals?

It all depends on what you were looking for.

Me? I look for 5 a day with a night dive. To me, food is fuel. If I want to drink I can do that on the porch in July. I depend upon my DM to show me lots of cool stuff, nothing more. I want my Boat Captain to be ready to help me safely up and out with my gear. I take dive vacations.

Some folks like taking a vacation with some diving. Dive at 9:00 and 11:00, then sunbathe in the afternoon, or the next day maybe sleep-in, dive at 11, come in for a walk to a leisurely lunch, a beer or two, then a nap. Maybe go horseback riding... or not.

There is no one single perfect answer.

What's your desire?

 

[Bay Island Diver]

Most West End dive ops will have a ratio of 1 divemaster to 6 divers, or usually less. If you want less than 10 people total on the boat have a look at the dive shops that use small skiffs.

 

[halocline]

Coconut tree in the West end. Be nice, they are!

 

[zinfin]

Thanx for the input !!! I dove off a ? reputable shop(padi 5 star) in Zanzibar. They looked great on the web, but when I got there they were more interested in getting you from a to b as quick as possible. The ratio to dm was not great, no safety equipment,O2 etc. But, you live and learn. Thanx again for the advice- maybe we will see a whale shark!!

 

[Bay Island Diver]

Coconut Tree Divers certainly try to keep there Ratios down to 6:1 at most, it is often about half that and is adjusted accoriding to the ability of the divers.

Did you write to PADI about your experiences with the Zanzibar operation. They are clearly breaking standards if they do not have O2 first aid kit etc.

PADI relies on divers reporting experiences like this to them so that they can maintain the standards of their member operations. You are doing the whole diving community a service if you HELP PADI, police and enforce these essential diving safety standards, thats what they are there for, but they can't do it without your help.

 

[Delphinus]

I have stayed and dived with Pura Vida (right in West End), and can happily recommend them. They have a small hotel with decent rooms, a restaurant on site, and a dive shop right next door. They take groups of six out on small boats from the dock right in front of their shop. I stayed and dived with them in 2004, but a friend just did the same last month (Jan. 2008), and from the sound of it, they're just as great as they were in 2004.

 

[magnetic]

For my money I like a small room with a kitchen, and coconut tree divers. I am not the all inclusive type. I like a pot of great coffee waiting at the dive shop when I get there at 7:00, and a cooler of beer iced down when I come off the afternoon boat.

I spent 15 days diving with coconut in May, and I can safely say it's exactly what I want. It feels like a family; yet highly professional. In fact the gear is so good, I will definately leave mine at home when I go back.

You will be very impressed with this group of people. The only reason I would dive with anyone else would be to see the other side of the island, but now they have the fast boat for utila and the north side.

If you don't like all Inclusives west end cabin, and a reservation with Coconut tree is the way to go.

 

[zinfin]

Thanx Guys!!!!!!!!!!
We are renting a house in west end with another couple that does not dive. We will cook for ourselves some times, grab a cup of joe, and dive.Thanx again for the pointers I have already contacted Coconut Tree . They have been more than accomodating already! I will also check out Pura Vida.
Wish us luck seeing a whale shark! - Matt

 

[iamsharkbait]

My vote is for Bananarama Dive Center in West Bay. Not sure if you are going to be in that area, but they are great with that number in your group. Ask for Mal, the best guide Ive had in a while. Hope this helps.