Chicago Ben
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I was searching for recommendations for diving in PV before I went so I figured I should post my experiences from down there for others. I was there from Jan 18th until Jan 26th, 2007.
I did my 4 Open Water Certification dives while in PV through Twin Dolphins (Delfines Gemelos) dive shop - http://www.twindolphinspv.com/ - and highly recommend them. Our dive instructor Felipe was great! Really funny and relaxed. I set up our trip through Giovani.
First I'm going to give my general thoughts about diving in PV, and then more specifics about Twin Dolphins. Again, my experience is only with the certification dives. I think most places have comparable prices for regular dives. It's more if you want to be on a big party boat, or a little private dive boat.
Tips:
1. Don't expect too much. I love Mexico, and have actually lived there so I don't feel too guilty saying this, but you will be promised whatever you want, but you may not get exactly that. My sister and I were told we would be on a private boat (meaning just us and the dive instructor). The first day there were about 12 people (some for certification, some not), but the second day it was just us. Not a big deal, but just take things as they are. After all, you're most likely on vacation there right?
2. Research locations before you go. Not only where the shops are, but also where you leave from. Some places have many little outfits to sign you up, but then you have to travel far the day of your trip to get to the marina.
3. Ask if the price includes the $25 fee for your PADI cert card (assuming you're doing PADI). Some include it in the price, some don't.
4. Find out about the locations they will take you to. Some places only go to certain spots for the certification, some will go to various places. Do you really want to dive in the same spot 4 times in a row?
5. Find somewhere that is offering a deal and ask others if they will match it. Some dive shops were offering 10% off if we paid in cash. Twin Dolphins wasn't, but I got them to agree to it.
6. Be careful with signing up online before your trip. This one is more of a personal preference, but you never know what the weather is going to be like and there are generally no refunds. Lots of web sites offer discounts for signing up ahead of time via the internet, but as my point above shows, you can get money off other ways.
General Notes:
-If you are on a tight budget, Ocean Quest is the cheapest I found ($160 for dives plus $25 for certification card), but you have to get to Mismaloya Marina on your own. It's not hard, but it's far and it takes a while if you take the bus. I think you even have to transfer one time. If you have the money for a cab to get there, then you're not on that tight of a budget. If you're staying towards that end of town though, it could be a great option.
-Before I left there were rumors that Chico's dive shop closed. That is not true. One store front for them closed, but the operation is still open. They actually had a little stand at the hotel I stayed at.
-It was cloudy both days we went, and raining the second day, so we actually went to Los Arcos both days. We were supposed to go to Marietas Island the second day, but the water was too rough. We dove 4 different locations at Los Arcos and saw some pretty cool stuff.
I recommend Twin Dolphins, but also heard great things about Pacific Scuba.
I also did some deep sea fishing and have a captain's card if anyone wants that info. Great captain and crew. We went out for only 4 hours, and caught 4 Jack Cravel, and 1 Sierra (small). We had a great time. Don't have the info with me right now, but happy to pass it on if requested.
This thing is getting long so I guess I'll stop now. If you have other questions, let me know.
I did my 4 Open Water Certification dives while in PV through Twin Dolphins (Delfines Gemelos) dive shop - http://www.twindolphinspv.com/ - and highly recommend them. Our dive instructor Felipe was great! Really funny and relaxed. I set up our trip through Giovani.
First I'm going to give my general thoughts about diving in PV, and then more specifics about Twin Dolphins. Again, my experience is only with the certification dives. I think most places have comparable prices for regular dives. It's more if you want to be on a big party boat, or a little private dive boat.
Tips:
1. Don't expect too much. I love Mexico, and have actually lived there so I don't feel too guilty saying this, but you will be promised whatever you want, but you may not get exactly that. My sister and I were told we would be on a private boat (meaning just us and the dive instructor). The first day there were about 12 people (some for certification, some not), but the second day it was just us. Not a big deal, but just take things as they are. After all, you're most likely on vacation there right?
2. Research locations before you go. Not only where the shops are, but also where you leave from. Some places have many little outfits to sign you up, but then you have to travel far the day of your trip to get to the marina.
3. Ask if the price includes the $25 fee for your PADI cert card (assuming you're doing PADI). Some include it in the price, some don't.
4. Find out about the locations they will take you to. Some places only go to certain spots for the certification, some will go to various places. Do you really want to dive in the same spot 4 times in a row?
5. Find somewhere that is offering a deal and ask others if they will match it. Some dive shops were offering 10% off if we paid in cash. Twin Dolphins wasn't, but I got them to agree to it.
6. Be careful with signing up online before your trip. This one is more of a personal preference, but you never know what the weather is going to be like and there are generally no refunds. Lots of web sites offer discounts for signing up ahead of time via the internet, but as my point above shows, you can get money off other ways.
General Notes:
-If you are on a tight budget, Ocean Quest is the cheapest I found ($160 for dives plus $25 for certification card), but you have to get to Mismaloya Marina on your own. It's not hard, but it's far and it takes a while if you take the bus. I think you even have to transfer one time. If you have the money for a cab to get there, then you're not on that tight of a budget. If you're staying towards that end of town though, it could be a great option.
-Before I left there were rumors that Chico's dive shop closed. That is not true. One store front for them closed, but the operation is still open. They actually had a little stand at the hotel I stayed at.
-It was cloudy both days we went, and raining the second day, so we actually went to Los Arcos both days. We were supposed to go to Marietas Island the second day, but the water was too rough. We dove 4 different locations at Los Arcos and saw some pretty cool stuff.
I recommend Twin Dolphins, but also heard great things about Pacific Scuba.
I also did some deep sea fishing and have a captain's card if anyone wants that info. Great captain and crew. We went out for only 4 hours, and caught 4 Jack Cravel, and 1 Sierra (small). We had a great time. Don't have the info with me right now, but happy to pass it on if requested.
This thing is getting long so I guess I'll stop now. If you have other questions, let me know.
