We visited Blue Angel in June and were not disappointed. A few quick comments/highlights.
Dove with Jorge for 3 days and Mat for 1. Each had their own style. Had 60 min dives with each and some a bit shorter. Both were fantastic. No preference necessarily. Had a nice surface interval at a beach/pier one day with Mat, a nice relaxing way to spend a surface interval. Pastrys on the SI were tasty too.
Overall communication Dive Op briefing was lacking. Not a big deal, I could have asked more questions, but it was my first Dive Vacation and first time to BA. I needed a bit more guidance. For example: I was not offered a gear locker and didn't even know they were an option. No biggie, fair comments about them being spartan I probably would have used my balcony anyway. I didn't know that you could get more weight after dive shop hours. Pony told me to drop them off each night. After the first day I just held on to them until the end of my stay. This was only a problem when we estimated a few pounds too little and it kept us from a shore dive on the first day. I could have used some guidance on how to pack up for the boat. Don't bring any extra stuff, no towels/hats or other crap it will just get in the way.
We always had more than 6 customers on the boat, generally closer to 8, possibly more. Cozy but not unbearable. Boats were quick. We definitely passed all of the other boats on the way out and never had a crowded dive site. Were also back for lunch well before other boats.
I think we stayed in 302 (2nd room down on the 3rd floor) and had internet access in the room.
Food was good, always delicious and plentiful. Variety might be nice. We chose to take our "included" breakfast & lunch but go elsewhere for dinner. I was a bit leary about signing a ticket for each lunch & breakfast but only the "extras" like margaritas were billed for the included meals.
All of the advise from others on the ScubaBoard was truly valuable and made our quickly planned trip a success. I think Jeannie has a one pager quick tips that she'll email out. It provided good advice on everything from taxis to restaurants. We'll be back in a few months with our newly certified son and look forward to it. I've hear that other hotels & Ops might be a few bucks cheaper or cater to other needs, or allow bulk package discounts from Orbitz but I've not done the research and can't wait to get back to BA.
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