Cruising and Diving

[Natasha]

Does anyone know if the diving would be better with the ship or with a local operator?
Thanks!

I have done it both ways many many times. If you do not already have a relationship with a dive op in any of these ports, I say, go with the ship.

The diving will be great in all of your ports, and you will have no worries about getting back to the ship on time.

Have a wonderful safe trip.

 

[alanconstant]

I second the recommendation of Alison on Cozumel.

We dove with Hugh Parkey in Belize once--very good operation, although they did not allow much bottom time. On our last cruise, we hopped a cab to the municipal airport and took a quick plane ride on Tropic Air to Ambergris Caye. We used Ambergris Divers; they were excellent. We even had time to catch a bite to eat before the trip back to the ship. Very cool, if you have the time. And the total cost was $145 pp.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi chuck e,

Isn't the op out by the Turtle Farm "Divetech" (http://www.divetech.com/)?

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[diveborg]

Grand Cayman is supposed to have great diving, but on my last 6 cruises, the ship didn't dock because of weather 4 times, and the dives were cancelled one other time because of rough water. I'd book with the ship on GC because they'll refund your money if they can't get to the island or the dive is cancelled because of weather.

Actually, most tour operators will refund your deposit if your ship does not make it's stop in Grand Cayman. This is definitely true for www.neptunesdivers.com

For me, it isn't totally about the cost difference between the ship's excursion vs. booking your own dives. It is more about the quality of the diving experience which includes the number of divers on the boat and their experience level. As for the ship waiting for you if your ship's tour is late getting back, I wouldn't worry about it. Dives usually take place first thing in the morning, dive operators know they you have to be back to the ship at a certain time, and missing the ship would be very bad publicity for them.