Eco Dive Shop Barbados - Trip Report

[tt5five]

Just got back from Barbados. Tried to schedule with a couple of shops mentioned in prior posts but either were not going out the days I needed, would not accommodate a non-diver or could not put 2 days together. Ended up going with Eco Dive and was very happy. Andrew and Michael worked hard to make it a good dive trip. I am a newer diver and will try to address some review issues noted by senior posters. Equipment (bcd and reg) was 4 months old and looked new. (Used our own masks and snorkels, by our choice.) Boat is as shown on website and was in great shape. Fresh paint and well kept. Eco Dive Barbados - Our Boat Shop arranged pickup for 2, two tank morning dives. Taxi on time and got right to business when arrived at shop. Shop is at port in Bridgetown and boat is right outside shop. Easy and convenient. First day they worked with us to allow us to dive Carlisle Bay and had a non-diver snorkel the wrecks while we were diving. Snorkeled with turtles during surface time. Then dove Accra for the second dive. Second day ended with Friar's Craig. (We had asked for dives in the 60 foot range due to diving with teenagers.) I would compare diving and sea life to the better reef dives we did in Florida, but Barbados water is much clearer and the color does not even look real. Had great dives in Barbados. Did not see larger species such as barracuda. Did see at least one turtle on every dive. Saw squid, some unusual fish I can't spell, eels, rays and the usual array of reef fish. Large french angle fish is one that stood out. Chose Barbados because of the turtles, and they were great. Watched a large hawkbill sleeping in part of the wreck, which was really cool. Had one with us on a drift over the reef, and on another dive one was swimming over us and kept getting in our bubbles, which was fun to watch. Andrew worked with us to extend our bottom time, an issue we are still working with. Followed normal protocol, and dive time was only limited by our air consumption. With Andrew's help, these were our longest dives yet. I would highly recommend Andrew and thought he had good equipment, good shop location, good knowledge of the local sites and good safety. As newer divers, we really appreciated his comments and suggestions. The second day we were joined by a local diver which was also a fun experience. You could tell they were trying to provide a good service and did little things such as carrying jugs of fresh water to rinse your face between dives. By way of full disclosure and responding to reviews being one sided, i will add that one of our group who had booked both days was not able to dive the second day day due to ear concerns. Andrew asked us to pay for the second day since it had been booked and he had turned away other business. I had actually heard the telephone conversation the day before, so I paid as requested. No hard feelings, just trying to give a full and balanced review. Enjoyed the dives and would use again.http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/images/smilies/Standard Smiles/04.gif

 

[RICHinNC]

Not sure I understand the second day pay. More detail??

 

[tt5five]

If asking about the second day: Did two dives on the second day. Don't have my book here so I don't recall the name of the first sight. Saw the big angel fish, squid and had a turtle swiming overhead during part of the first dive, with the usual reef fish. The second dive on the second day was to Friar's Craig. That is where were we watched the large hawksbill sleeping in part of the wreck, saw an eel and some really unusual fish. If asking second pay: there was no second pay. Just paid for what was originally booked. Did not pay till all dives completed. (Sorry if the post was confusing.)

 

[tt5five]

I finally get the question, I think. (Been busy trying to catch up. The flight home did not arrive so had to do a lot of rerouting and took an extra day to get home. Still tired) On the second day, one diver that had booked a dive that day and reserved a spot did not show due to ear concerns. Paid for the missed dive and the the prior dives. Esentially paid for one dive that was booked but missed.

 

[RICHinNC]

Thanks for the come back. What did you do above the water? I have made a number of trips to Bim and just love it. Saving for my next one.

 

[tt5five]

It was a short trip but had a great time. Bajans were really nice people. Dove the first two days. We stayed in St. Lawerence Beach Condos and just hung around the Gap those two evenings. The third day we attended First Baptist Church in Bridgetown and then went to Payne's Bay Beach. After seeing some other beaches that had more facilities, I probably would chose another beach next time. I rented a car for the entire trip and we made several trips to the grocery store and did a little looking around. The last full day we drove the whole island. Went from the Gap, to Crane Beach, ate at Cutters, got lost, went up to Bathsheba, continued up the coast, stopped at the animal sanctuary to hang out with the monkeys and finished up at Animal Flower Cave. We got there at 4:40 and they were closed so just took in the view from the top. Then just went back down to make the full circle. Did make it to Uncle George's at Oistin as well. All in all, a very nice trip and a place I would recommend to others. We were there for the official "rainy season" but it was not an issue at all. A few showers but nothing that interfered with the trip. Now I have just made you want to go back more. : ) It was interesting to me that the day we drove the island was some type of national holiday and the whole country had gone to the beach. Kind of cool to see that laid back attitude. I used Stoute's for may car, and it got a workout. I also went to a crickett game at the field at the end of St. Lawrence Gap. Since it was a holiday weekend, they were having some type of tournament. My first crickett game which was also interesting. Are you getting out the credit cards yet. : ) BTW - I did appreciate your responses and tips as I was getting my trips planned. Happy Diving.

 

[RICHinNC]

Always glad to be of help. And you bet, I am so ready to go back it hurts!!