Search results

For some reason, I wasn't alerted that you responded. Thanks a million! :)

Thank you for this information! For me specifically, 77F-79F would be 3mm full-suit territory, maybe with a vest over it if I started feeling cool.

Do you have any recommendations/tips for this specific boat?

Wife and I are headed to Socorro on the Belle Amie in December. First time, and looking forward to it! Tacking on to this thread: anyone been to Socorro in late-December? I'm specifically looking for water temperature information.

Definitely not a nerd, and not a waste of time particularly if comfort/confidence in water is the goal. If I had access to a pool, I'd spend hours in it working on gear placement and skills (despite 500+ dives, not panicking when my mask comes off takes active concentration!).

Since I've solved my fogging mask issue (polishing using a Magic Eraser between dives, btw), I'd say it's a tie between money for dive trips, and taking time off of work to take those trips. Sadly, one has a dramatic effect on the other....

Late reply, but I have 2 suggestions: If your heart is set on Belize, I recommend Chuck & Robbie's on San Pedro. Very low key dive shop. Tell them what you're interested in, the pace you are looking for, and they'll dial it in for you. Can't recommend them enough. If you're willing to take a...

For a 4 day trip coming out of the US, and you're snorkeling, Caymans (GC, LC, CB) are going to be your best bet for turtles.

I've been to Roatan 5 times now since 2017. Never bothered with the antimalarial drugs (they give me very vivid and disturbing dreams anyway). Generally, when there is a good breeze, the bugs lie low. I recommend bringing 2 different bug sprays in the event one doesn't do the trick for you: Deep...

I believe they 'max' out the boats at 20 divers, but on most weeks there are far less per boat. We came with a club of over 30 4 years ago, and they divvied us into 2 boats. We were just there last week with a group of 16, and were on one boat. Talking to the DMs and captains, with groups...

Afternoon everyone! I genuinely hate asking this question, because I know comfort in certain water temperatures and the thickness of wetsuits is SUCH a personal feeling. But here goes.... My wife (@OctopusSneakers) and I are celebrating Christmas 2024 on the Nautilus Belle Amie going to...

Absolutely true. My takeaway from my visit (and commentary here on SB) is that a lot divers are attracted to Bonaire because of the freedom to shore dive where and when they want to (less structure). Also -- let's be honest here -- unguided shore diving is less expensive than boat dives with a DM.

I mean, same is true in most Caribbean locations where poverty is high yet tourism thrives. For Bonaire specifically, just keep the windows rolled down, keep everything unlocked and don't leave anything in/on the truck unless you don't care if it got taken. Get a capsule for the truck key and...

+1 for Bonaire, based on your criteria. It's not my favorite dive location (mostly because I prefer boat diving to shore diving), but it ticks all your boxes. Have a great trip!

I think they're 100% worth the investment, but there is little action you can take other than preparation. On our return home from Indonesia (Manado) we connected Singapore--JFK--BOS. We had 3 AirTag equipped gear bags. At JFK we transferred our gear bags from Singapore Airlines to JetBlue...

To the OP: why did you get into scuba diving? Did you want your air consumption to be the envy of other divers right out the gates? Did you want to collect all the certifications as fast as possible like a game of Pokemon? Or maybe -- hopefully -- you did it to have FUN. :) Here's a tip from...

I think you're making the right call. The first BC I bought for myself was the Dimension with the I3 inflator. Sold it after about 30 dives. Taco city.

I did 4 days of diving in PV in 2018, also with Ocean Tours. Marc runs a great operation, very safe and professional, and I had a great time. The diving itself is decent, but I don't feel a strong need to do it again. Viz was not great. The food of PV on the other hand would be have me coming...

Enough. Take this spat elsewhere.

IMO... Mask, fins, exposure protection, computer. In that order. Rent everything else until you start to recognize your preferences. No offense intended, but most new divers don't know their preferences until about ~50 dives. 'Better gear' does not solve for bad technique or lack of skills...