Dive Operators in Roatan, Belize and Cozumel

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Divemaster195951

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Messages
6
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Location
Newburgh, New York
# of dives
100 - 199
I'm going on a cruise the end of May making stops in Roatan, Belize and Cozumel. The boat will dock in each place anywhere from 7 to 9 hours. I would like to get in two morning dives at each location. Has anyone done something similar or have been in any of the locations and had a really good experience?
 
I did a similar cruise last year April. there are a few different posts about this topic if you search.

It really depends what time you get into each port.

Belize diving I found to be easier to book through the ship since it is tendered and the boat ride out to the diving spots is about 1 hour.

Cozumel you can usually arrange your own diving because i believe most ships arrive arly in Coz. You'll fing dozens upon dozens of suggestions here as to who to book with. Everybody has a favorite. we used Aqua Safari b/c they are right off of Punta Langosta Pier & because they were easy to do business with from right here in the US.

Roatan I did not do, but find out if your ship docks, tenders, and what time it arrives.

Hope this helps! Have fun!
 
The only observation I can make is that I wouldn't use Paradise Divers on Cozumel again. I don't like their diving standards, their customer care, or their business practices.
 
I dive every time I am on a cruise. My best advice for you is to book your dive with the cruise ship. If by chance you dive on your own and something happens and you don't get back to the ship in time. It will leave you. If it is a shore excursion with the cruise line thay will wait if it runs late... What ship are you going on? I just got back from a 4 night over spring break.
 
I have done before, just what your going to do i would not reccomend diving in Belize, as the areas within striking distance of Belize City, where the Ship ties up, is pretty poor for diving. The real diving, in Belize, is WAYYYY out in the atolls, too far for a day trip. We found the reef conditions to be terrible, and little sea life, except for Squirrel fish. The reef where we went looked to have been blown up by grenades, or a hurricane.

Now that I have said that, Cozumel is certainly doable from the cruise ship. One problem we found with making advanced reservations, is that the cruise ship may not get to port on time, or even get there at all. We had planned a dive while stopping in Jamaica, and at the last minute, the cruise line decided to go to another port city, than the one originally called out for, which caused us to scramble to cancel the dive, and get a refund. Most places won't give you a refund if you cancel a day before or so. The other thing, is that if you book through the ship, as mentioned by DWC above, you'll pay more for the diving, but they won't leave untill you get back. On the other hand, if you book it all yourself, then your on your own to be back aboard in time to sail. Roatan is also doable. some dive ops will pick you up, others ask that you get a cab. Anthonys Key and Bay island beach resort cater to cruise ship customers. Cocoview will take you as well, but it's up to you to get there and back as far as I know, that hasn't changed. Call around or e-mail the resorts and see what they have to offer in Roatan. Good luck
 
The best bet in Belize is to fly up to Ambergris Caye and dive from here. Lots of people do it, and the cost for two dives + lunch + transport works out about the same as the cruise ship product, but with much better diving and a more interesting day overall. You need to fly back after two dives, but the plane stays low and you're well short of DAN-recommended limits. You'll taxi between the harbour and the airstrip. The views from the plane alone make the trip worthwhile!

There's an awful lot more to see up here than squirrel fish. I'm not going to list everything here, but there's a lot of underwater life here, both small and large.

Diverrick's warning about making sure you get back on time is right, because if you're doing your own thing and you aren't back in time they WILL leave without you. They want to "encourage" you to use their trips, as they make lots of money from them. You need to find out, not what time the ship leaves, but what time the last tender leaves harbour. Then make sure you're on it.

It is quite easy to do all that I've said above, AND get an early flight back so you don't miss the ship. Again, lots of people do it successfully.
 
I would highly recommend Bay Island Beach Resort for Roatan. I have stayed with them twice and they ran a great operation. I have not used them from a cruise ship but I would think there service would still be just as good.

On Cozumel, I would recommend Fernando with Manta Raya Divers, He has a small six pack type of boat and he is the best operation I have ever been with period! His web site is www.mantaraya.com I think.

BDSC
 
For Roatan check with AKR(Anthony's Key) and Cozumel go with Aldora( both do cruise ship stuff)....not familiar with Belize.....

EDIT...also as BDSC said, BIBR would be good for Roatan also, check with Bob, Cam or Ted there... We have a house just east of them & lately dive with them while we're on the island, good bunch of family folks ...PLUS the diving is better on the north side(both places are located together there)
 
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