Scubagolf
Contributor
My wife and I (both divers) are looking for a new dive resort for a trip in April. We have been to Turneffe Island Resort and liked it a lot. Anyone recently been to Ramon's?
Anyone been to Ramon's Village Resort - Ambergris Caye
- Thread starter Scubagolf
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Dickiesprettythings
Contributor
I have never been but my buddy stayed there a couple of months ago and loved it. Looks like the diving was very nice too!
OP
Scubagolf
Contributor
Any comments on the condition of the island after the hurricane in August?
OP
Scubagolf
Contributor
Questions on dive op service at Ramon's.
Do we haul our gear to the boat and set up for the first tank every morning?
Will the crew change the gear over during the surface interval?
Do we haul our gear off the boat, rinse, and store for the night? If so, are secure lockers assigned?
Will we be assigned to a boat and a DM for the duration of our stay?
Finally, is there an effort to segregate divers to boats by experience level?
Do we haul our gear to the boat and set up for the first tank every morning?
Will the crew change the gear over during the surface interval?
Do we haul our gear off the boat, rinse, and store for the night? If so, are secure lockers assigned?
Will we be assigned to a boat and a DM for the duration of our stay?
Finally, is there an effort to segregate divers to boats by experience level?
If you've been to Turneffe Island Resort, you will be let down diving from Ramon's... Best diving is out at Turneffe Atoll. Diving from Ramon's is nice but definitely not in the same league as the atoll.
My opinion of Ramon's is so-so... Haven't been there in a while so it might have changed for the better... Or not. Also, sometimes they have trouble getting a boat out past the breakwater in the morning. Depends on the weather and tides.
My opinion of Ramon's is so-so... Haven't been there in a while so it might have changed for the better... Or not. Also, sometimes they have trouble getting a boat out past the breakwater in the morning. Depends on the weather and tides.
Breakwater? Do you mean the reef? When the easterlies blow more than about 20, the cut in the reef can be rough. I dive off Amebrgris Caye a few times a year. I do not stay at Ramons because it is too expensive for what it is. They have a pretty good reputation. Do not get any meal plan there since there are probably 50 restaurants within 10 minutes walk. Their pier was totally wiped off the face of the earth during Hurricane Earl in August. I was there that night. It may have been rebuilt since many of the docks have been rebuilt. I also heard they have continued to run dives loading off of the beach. Most if not all shops in San Pedro will rinse and store your gear each night and have it on the boat for you each day. I rarely handle a tank there. Check out Banyan Bay. It is a bit further from the center of town, but it is right next to my favorite dive op, Island Divers. It is a 5$ taxi ride to town from there or a short ride on a golf cart. Banana Beach is also right next to Island Divers.
- <- I don't want these bullet points but can't get rid of them for some reason. Moving on to my actual post:
Banyan Bay is a good recommendation. Also, look at Xanadu. Very cool place with the tropical ambiance, almost a mix of beach and jungle and the units are fabulous. Another place I like in this area is Mata Rocks. I'll second a strong recommendation for Island Divers.
My concern is the comparison of diving at the Atolls (Turneffe) vs Ambergris Caye. Turneffe is definitely superior, however, if willing to accept that in order to be able to enjoy what the town has to offer, it's a good trade. Not so for a strictly dive focused trip.
As for riding out over the reef cut when it's roiling . . .I've always really enjoyed that but it's probably not everyone's favorite.
lthomas132
Contributor
I would, and have several times, stay at The Palms Condos (The Belize Palms - Suites & Hotel - San Pedro, Belize) next to Ramon's. For about the same price as 2 rooms at Ramon's you can get a 2 bedroom/2 bath condo. Very nice, very clean. Then you can eat & dive with whomever you want. Just my 2 cents
Oh my gosh, yes!! The Palms! I definitely recommend this place as well!
OP
Scubagolf
Contributor
Thanks for the input. We are booked for 10 days at Ramon's in April -- by then I will take any dive trip anywhere.
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