What's the scoop on Papa Hog's?

[iguano]

We are fairly particular about what we want:

• small (6-pack) boats
• access to shore dives
• laid-back/fun divemasters
• willing to listen to suggestions on dive sites
• not overbearing/control freak divemasters :no
• long bottom times (assuming our group aren't noobs)
• snacks or water for SI would be nice

Any thoughts would be very much appreciated!

Sounds like Papa Hog's to me!

 

[dartref]

Papa Hog's will clean and store your gear for you. You leave it on the boat when you get to your hotel and the boys take it back, rinse and store it for you. Then it is on the boat ready to go the next morning when they pick you up.

That had always been my experience when in groups prior to my last visit, but when I was there last summer with just two of us, I was told each day to carry my own stuff to and from the boat. Between that and what I considered poor DM's during that trip, I was not too happy. I hope it was a one time thing.

 

[Christi]

That had always been my experience when in groups prior to my last visit, but when I was there last summer with just two of us, I was told each day to carry my own stuff to and from the boat. Between that and what I considered poor DM's during that trip, I was not too happy. I hope it was a one time thing.

I think any shop you are diving with will allow you to leave your gear at their shop during the week (well, not all) - but that does not mean they are going to wash it for you unless they expressly state they will...and they may or may not transport it back and forth to/from the boat. Otherwise, your gear will sit piled in the gear room until the next day when it is loaded back on the boat, with maybe a quick full gear bag dunk in the rinse tank.

There are only a FEW shops I know of that ACTUALLY wash your gear for you or provide full gear service...so if this is something you are expecting/wanting as part of your dive package, make sure to clarify that with the operation you are booking with or inquiring with. If it's not important to you, then no big deal...but there is a difference. Also, make sure you understand the difference between a quick full bag dunk in fresh (or not so fresh) water or if the gear is individually washed and hung to dry.

 

[Firefyter]

Hehe! that just made me giggle and smile REAL big...haha! It's starting to sink in that I'm going to be an "old married woman" before year's end

Christi, you're a beautiful Texan who's living the dream in Paradise. You may get married, but you'll never be "old"......

 

[sharky60]

Hehe! that just made me giggle and smile REAL big...haha! It's starting to sink in that I'm going to be an "old married woman" before year's end

Married yes, 'old'? not by a long shot kiddo!

 

[ggunn]

Married yes, 'old'? not by a long shot kiddo!

Not compared to some of us, anyway! ;^)

 

[bernieol]

My family and I dove with Papa Hogs last summer. We had a great experience with them...they hauled our gear to and from the boat, showed great patience and sights (my DIL was a brand new diver and now she is hooked!)and took good care of us.

In one case, one divers's DBC failed. The DM, Monkey, gave the person his primary and he used a backup BC and the trip continued!

I can say nothing but good things about Papa Hog's, Monkey and our captain, Joaquin.

We will be in CZM from 5/17-24/08 and can't wait to dive with them again.

Bernie

 

[dartref]

I can say nothing but good things about Papa Hog's, Monkey and our captain, Joaquin.

Bernie

I love diving with Monkey. He is very good, especially with kids and newbies. Unfortunately, he was out on vacation when I was there last.

 

[kgm815]

WHOA! WHOA!.................hit this link searching around and had to comment.
Just back from long stay at papa hogs and missing it already.found them by happenstance 10weeks ago by staying at Villablanca and had such a great experiece that just went again for another long week.Learned some tricks down there and had just pulled trigger on new gear.Was jonesing to get back in water.Dropped in on 12-14 ft hammerhead while truckin down punta tenich and was sold.Donny,monkey,eric,aurturo and rosendo were all phenominal in giving great tours underwater.all have diff personalities and got put with all for both trips<remember to tip your guys and didnt see a whole lot of that going on>.They all did great job in ensuring saftey while pointing out wonders underwater.It was all increable.....from the mini seahorses off of paradise reef to the huge green moray hanging out off villablanca wall.Boats were gone by 8ish and back to beach by noon on all days and bodega attendent even stored gear for me that i had left out numerous days to get more drying time.Impressive.Stayed at hog town this time to trim some fat and was very pleased.Magerat had put a great package together and enjoyed the family atmosphere.Nice rooms in back of shop and you really don't need to leave the compound except to go to town and it is well within walking distance for those trying to burn calories or a 4$ cab ride for those that are lazy.Great food at cafe and Dilan the family dog is always hangin around to make you feel at home<better bring him a toy though to get on his good side>.Whole place full of energy and would recommend to anyone.Just like being at home except scenery at 80feet is a little different.Dont skip Villablanca wall becuase its close......wasbest dive of the week! GREAT place to stay or just spend morning with..............

kgm




confused:

Ok, what's the deal with these guys? We used to really like Papa Hog's, but now I'm not so sure.

My wife and I dove with them 4 times before, and used to enjoy the experience. The divemasters were laid back, funny, and generally a happy bunch. They were glad to point out things to us, and seemed to want us to have a good time. The last time we dove with them was not too long after the big hurricane (Wilma?) that really messed up the island. Although their operation was in full swing, and things were basically back to normal, they seemed like a different bunch. Most of the staff had gone to other dive operations, including all of our favorite people. I heard stories of strife between the staff and the management. The new staff were basically just going through the motions, providing the minimum required service. We dove the same damn sites almost every day. The boat captains were not unfriendly, but they clearly weren't enjoying dealing with us. Overall, it was not exactly a bad experience, but not nearly what it used to be. Could anybody please provide some insight, and perhaps confirm or deny if this is still the case?

I'd also really appreciate suggestions about good alternative operations. I read a bunch of other posts, but most were pretty old, and I didn't really get what I was looking for. We are fairly particular about what we want:

• small (6-pack) boats
• access to shore dives
• laid-back/fun divemasters
• willing to listen to suggestions on dive sites
• not overbearing/control freak divemasters :no
• long bottom times (assuming our group aren't noobs)
• snacks or water for SI would be nice

Any thoughts would be very much appreciated!

 

[becca31]

That's an interesting location choice and business arrangement... basically right on the premises of their previous employer and making no bones about leaving with no love lost. Has the makings for some awkward moments for the customers, don't you think?

scubawife - they didn't have a choice in leaving. After the hurricane, the DM's were booted with no help from Papa Hogs. The employees had to find replacement work at different dive shops for the last few years and now they are coming back together as Scuba Mau Dive Shop. Opal and Pumba previously worked at Blue Angel so I know Pumba from there (he always does a great job). I have not personally dived with Opal and the others but have heard great things from others that have. In my next trip down I will be switching from Blue Angel to Scuba Mau.