Aldora trip report

[Skittl1321]

For the record, Aldora does offer Steel 100s (lighter than Alum 80s) and tiny Steel 80s. Also, we never ask anyone to climb the ladder with their gear on…its also tough on the ladders!Dave DillehayAldora Divers

Do you send those people up on their own before the rest of the divers finish? For some reason, I thought Aldora surfaced as a group (after a long dive.)

Villa Aldora sounds amazing (I love that you can snorkel outside of it)- but I'm tiny, and I don't think I could handle a 120 (especially if someone 5'8" is describing it as too long). But on an AL80, my buddy and I get nearly identical dive times. I think I'd really cut him short if I was on a steel 100 and he was on a 120. And if the whole group had to come up... I don't think people would be too happy.

 

[Dave Dillehay]

Dear Skitti,

We almost never put a 120 on a woman, they usually take less air than a man and the most common is a Steel 100 which is smaller than an aluminum 80 and lets you take 4 lbs off your weight belt. The the really tiny ladies we use really tiny steel 80s that are MUCH smaller and lighter than aluminum 80s. We do leave Steel 80s at the Villa for our guests to use at any time. They are much better for shore dives than aluminum 80s. They are about half the height.

As for as coming up together ( I firmly believe that is safer) we do that but employ a lot of tricks to give everyone long safe dives, which for the average diver (not just macho experts) is 1 hour 10 minutes per tank—including all deep and shallow dives.


Dave Dillehay
Aldora Divers


PS We have 9 boats and do a pretty good job of matching Skills, interests…and of course air consumption.

 

[lindenbruce]

Yes, my last three visits to Coz have been with Aldora, both diving and at the Villa. The Villa is just north of town, San Miguel, a short walking distance. The only time I have used a vehicle was to bring groceries back to the room. The showers have been strong and hot if you wanted. They have a BBQ to use if you like. The rooms I have used all had full kitchens. I nice little beach with a covered area. And a salt water pool filled fresh each day. And yes diving from the Villa if you wish, which in that area is quit shallow. A short swim to get a little deeper water, but not deep deep if you know what I mean. If you want a mellow nice place to stay in Coz and want to get away from the large "party" atmosphere of an all inclusive, which at times can be a little loud late into the night, then the Villa Aldora is the place.

And yes. Going back in late September for my 5th, yes 5th, trip to dive Coz. Can't wait!!!! Bruce

 

[Lorenzoid]

For the record, Aldora does offer Steel 100s (lighter than Alum 80s) and tiny Steel 80s. Also, we never ask anyone to climb the ladder with their gear on…its also tough on the ladders!Dave DillehayAldora Divers

Duly noted, Dave.

 

[paulw]

I could not agree with the OP more, Aldora is my favorite because of how everyone in their origination treats their customers. There are several really good shops on the island and a lot of people have their favorite so saying Aldora is "The Best" will probably be contested so I will just say this, Aldora is simply AWESOME ! No matter who your favorite shop is I know you will not be disappointed with Aldora and once you dive or stay with them you will probably return.

Paul Werner
Austin Texas

 

[wader]

I forgot to mention a few things. My wife is an five foot tall. She was originally put on a 100, but wanted to change to a 120 and did. She had no issues with the bigger tank. Your results may vary, of course.About bottom time. The DM we dove with most of the time would follow this procedure. When the first person reached 750 psi, they would buddy share with him. This would conserve their air and extend the dive for everyone else if you had someone going through air too fast. When the second person signaled 750, we would start making our way up.On the first dive of the second day, we were facing a rather brisk current on a Santa Rosa wall, and I could get past 50 feet due to ear issues. The rest of the group was down and I was struggling to maintain my position above them. Knowing I was burning air and getting exhausted, I decided to abort my dive. I signaled to the DM, who immediately sent up the sausage. The boat was there immediately and I was back on the boat soon after. The group continued their dive while I sadly waited. I felt well taken care for.Also, you get a free tshirt if you stay at the villa����A taxi ride to anywhere into the city is only 5$ if walking or biking is out. The exception is the ride to the airport which is 18$. Another diver went fishing one day and got a snapper. Brent recommended a restaurant to cook it. For only 4$ they cooked it up and served it with rice. It was delicious. Once again, trust Brent.