I'm not a first-time poster (although d_aviddiver looks pretty close to being one) and have posted numerous comments, both positive and negative, about dive ops over a number of years. I won't re-post any of my previously-posted comments about Blue Magic here as there's no particular utility in doing so.
Many previous posts address all the questions raised by d_aviddiver, and a quick search will find that information with little difficulty. To summarize based on multiple trips since shortly after Blue Magic opened:
Some questions not asked above include:
For those familiar with Sandro's and Gabriel's last place of employment, BMS seems more organized and tightly-run. Sandro is the general manager.
To be extra-clear: nobody at Blue Magic Scuba has ever asked me to post a review, let alone a positive one. This includes Sando and Gabriel, whom we've considered friends for years before they joined BMS, and the owners Joyce and Mark. We happily do favors for them, such as bringing athletic shoes or nutritional supplements, but wouldn't do reviews as favors.
I think the reason that there are multiple positive reviews of this dive operator is that they are warranted.
Many previous posts address all the questions raised by d_aviddiver, and a quick search will find that information with little difficulty. To summarize based on multiple trips since shortly after Blue Magic opened:
bottom times - depends on your SAC rate and nitrogen loading. These are not predetermined by BMS.
sites dived - wherever the divers want, within the confines of practicality and safety (especially weather). We tend to like Maracaibo and the Punta Sur sites, but Joyce has been encouraging us to head for Barracuda when we're there in February. I haven't heard that they go to any of the more exotic sites (e.g., on the eastern side).
depth allowed - we usually decide this based on our dive plan to balance bottom time vs. seeing what's there. We had a diver on one trip who wanted to test out his homemade light at 160 feet. He did, but the rest of us stayed at 120.
docks used - pretty much the same as most other ops, as far as I can tell. We actually like going to the caleta, so get on the boat there. We've picked up other divers at most of the southern docks. I don't know about northern ones.
services provided
sites dived - wherever the divers want, within the confines of practicality and safety (especially weather). We tend to like Maracaibo and the Punta Sur sites, but Joyce has been encouraging us to head for Barracuda when we're there in February. I haven't heard that they go to any of the more exotic sites (e.g., on the eastern side).
depth allowed - we usually decide this based on our dive plan to balance bottom time vs. seeing what's there. We had a diver on one trip who wanted to test out his homemade light at 160 feet. He did, but the rest of us stayed at 120.
docks used - pretty much the same as most other ops, as far as I can tell. We actually like going to the caleta, so get on the boat there. We've picked up other divers at most of the southern docks. I don't know about northern ones.
services provided
gear cleaning and storage - yes, if you want and are diving with them for a few days.
water - of course, and plenty of it. No other beverages provided.
snacks - fruit, usually a variety including melon, banana, papaya, maybe mango.
water - of course, and plenty of it. No other beverages provided.
snacks - fruit, usually a variety including melon, banana, papaya, maybe mango.
Some questions not asked above include:
boats - as far as I can tell, these are the former Scuba Staff's four 6-packs, all hauled and refurbished within the last year. They have new, large engines, full canopies, and foam deck matting.
equipment - all the boats we've been on carry oxygen, first aid, and radios. Every time there's been nitrox on-board, there's been an analyzer.
towels - dry, fluffy.
rental gear - at least when my nephew rented gear from them, it was fairly new and well-maintained.
arrangements - things have been very organized and on-time.
handling of emergencies - haven't seen one, so can't say.
equipment - all the boats we've been on carry oxygen, first aid, and radios. Every time there's been nitrox on-board, there's been an analyzer.
towels - dry, fluffy.
rental gear - at least when my nephew rented gear from them, it was fairly new and well-maintained.
arrangements - things have been very organized and on-time.
handling of emergencies - haven't seen one, so can't say.
For those familiar with Sandro's and Gabriel's last place of employment, BMS seems more organized and tightly-run. Sandro is the general manager.
To be extra-clear: nobody at Blue Magic Scuba has ever asked me to post a review, let alone a positive one. This includes Sando and Gabriel, whom we've considered friends for years before they joined BMS, and the owners Joyce and Mark. We happily do favors for them, such as bringing athletic shoes or nutritional supplements, but wouldn't do reviews as favors.
I think the reason that there are multiple positive reviews of this dive operator is that they are warranted.
