scjoe
Contributor
I've only been diving with Sams and like them a lot. PDA is a much smaller and quieter operation than Sams or Neco. Neco has the newest facilities. Sam's has the most activity at the bar and restaurant and appears to be the largest operation. It has a lot of boats. All three operators use the same size boats for the most part. 6 to 8 divers and 2 to 3 crew per boat seemed to be about the norm, but that probably varies by season.
If you stay at the Sea Passion, PDA is on site. Sam's is about two blocks away (if you take the short cut through the equipment yard) and Neco is maybe a block and a half away on the other side of the street. It is closer to Palau Royal Resort. Sam's will come get you in the morning by boat (at least at the Sea Passion) and take you home in the afternoon by van. I'm not sure about Neco, but I assume it is the same. Neco and Sams pick you up at the airport. Not sure about PDA. Sam's has the nicest view from its bar area and has the mandarin fish dive at its location.
My recollection is that Neco has newer and slightly faster boats with front facing seating as opposed to benches along the sides.
You will have a great time with any of the three operators.
If you stay at the Sea Passion, PDA is on site. Sam's is about two blocks away (if you take the short cut through the equipment yard) and Neco is maybe a block and a half away on the other side of the street. It is closer to Palau Royal Resort. Sam's will come get you in the morning by boat (at least at the Sea Passion) and take you home in the afternoon by van. I'm not sure about Neco, but I assume it is the same. Neco and Sams pick you up at the airport. Not sure about PDA. Sam's has the nicest view from its bar area and has the mandarin fish dive at its location.
My recollection is that Neco has newer and slightly faster boats with front facing seating as opposed to benches along the sides.
You will have a great time with any of the three operators.