Also with what sites are open that month
Variety of dive sites from same OP?
- Thread starter Strombo
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nodakdive
Contributor
I dive with Deep Blue. They've been around a long time and are a "small, fast boat" dive op. What I described in terms of site selection, etc., is going to be pretty standard with most of the "small, fast boat" dive ops.
If you're trying to figure out who to dive with, people here will be able to make much better suggestions if they know where you're staying. If you're trying to figure out where to stay, information about what kind of accommodations you're after will also go a long way in helping others offer on-point suggestions.
Most likely in San Miguel, small budget hotel in the Mercado Municipal area. I'm not really a resort type. Deep Blue was already on my short list. I also like Cozudive, they're a small shop with good prices, small groups and great communication, but they operate out of marina Asipona which is aprox. a $16-18 USD round trip cab ride each day. If I'm doing morning and afternoon dives with them the transpo can add up. So maybe an OP I can walk to in the village is a better choice.
nodakdive
Contributor
I'm not sure where the Mercado Municipal is, but if MM is the area around the square right across from the people ferry, there should be lots of options for dive shops that will get you to their boats. Tres Pelicanos and I suspect Deep Blue would get you to the south marina by vehicle. You just need to get to their shop. Aldora would probably have you go to a pier "downtown", so right in that area. Deep Blue might also have you do the same. Their shop is about 3 blocks from the water and another block or half block to the pier. I think Salty Endeavors would have you go to a pier right down there.
With Deep Blue, and I imagine this is true of other shops, if it's a 4 tank day, they'll drop you off at a beach club where you can get something to eat, etc., and then pick you up from that club after they switch out tanks back at the marina. So, it's about an hour and a half lunch time from when get dropped off until they pick you up for tanks 3 and 4. I leave a mesh bag with my bcd, reg, fins, etc. with them and a second mesh bag with me that has dry stuff, cameras, neoprene etc. When I 4 tank, I like to change into a dry swimsuit and neoprene shirt at lunch. I also sun my wet neoprene. Makes for a toastier 3rd and 4th tanks.
Edited to add that Hotel Pepita is very close to Deep Blue. I've never stayed there, but it's simple and very inexpensive. It's 3.5 blocks to the ocean from there. Deep Blue is 2 blocks from the ocean and right on the way from Hotel Pepita.
Wow, this info is tremendously helpful, Nodak. Thanks again!
nodakdive
Contributor
No Problem. It sounds like you've got a list going. I'd contact those shops on your list and ask what they'd recommend for accommodations within your budget.
This is just to my preference, but if I decided I was going to stay "in town", meaning down around the square or within blocks of it, I'd be inclined to stay at the Barracuda and dive with a shop that will pick me up and deliver me back to my dock. It wouldn't be as inexpensive as the Pepita, or Mary Carmen, for instance, but it's not as expensive as other options, like Casa Mexicana. Plus you have access to a shore dive or two if you want.
When I get off the boat, or get on it for that matter, I want to be able to deal with my gear without having to lug it very far and be back at my room. Also, I'd just as soon not have to go to a marina and back via land. Most shops will deal with your bcd, fins, reg etc., but you may still have a camera, neoprene, etc to deal with. It's about 6 blocks to the square and there's an enormous amount of eating between the Barracuda and the square. It's not luxury, but the rooms are ocean view and right on the ocean.
My second choice would be to stay near a/the downtown pier and dive with a shop that will pick me up and drop me off there so that it's just a short walk to my room. Suites Colonial, Mary Carmen, etc.
If you ask the shops on your list, they'll have good ideas.
The convenience of staying at a hotel with a dock where I can be picked up for diving is a factor in deciding where to stay. It is worth some extra expense to me, especially if I am otherwise going to have to cab it to and from the marina. YMMV
keesmon
Contributor
Great advice so far, and I would second staying with one OP for the week. I dive with Punta Sur Divers and on a dive week we generally will not repeat a dive site unless it's something we specifically want to go back to. They also take my gear before the first dive and keep it for the week. As a repeat customer they actually keep my gear year around, so I only see it on the boat. I stay in a house town and ride a bicycle to the Marina Fonatur each morning. It's about 25 minutes at a very leisurely pace, and I find that I like moving my legs a bit before and after the diving. Most people do not want to ride in the mid day heat though.
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