FIBR trip report jan 6-13, the good the bad and the ugly

[formernuke]

Wookie,

Be nice , I need to update my profile do reflect actual dives etc.

I was an MM1 in a past life.

For the rest. I enjoyed myself come on 40 ft vis and 82 degree water temp. I'm used to diving in 10ft vis and 50 degree temp water, what is not to enjoy.

Several people I met there had told me that there travel agent had told them that it was a 5 star resort.

 

[Doc]

Several people I met there had told me that there travel agent had told them that it was a 5 star resort.

Travel Agents talking SUBA are similar to used car salesmen. they're going to sell you "what's in the cart".

Travel Agents have very little clue about the destinations they are selling and have absolutely no idea about the reality of SCUBA dive destinations. Their basis for a standard is a Club Dread.

If they have been to an island destination at all, they were wined and dined on a "FAMiliarization" trip by the hosting resorts. What little they dived, they likely did a "discover scuba" once or twice.

I have been along on travel agent FAM trips as a hired dive leader, and after their one or three dives for the trip, I spent the rest of the week diving with the best of whichever dive op we had access to... while the Agents went out and toured other hotels (site inspections) , drank, and lay on the beach.

Most of them aren't in it for the money.

 

[ncchuck]

I'm surprised RoatanMan. You usually chose your words a little more carefully. I have found many travel agents that have extensive knowledge of dive locations and many are avid divers. You must remember that not everyone wants to dive 5 times a day for 5 days in a row. A dive vacation can consist of a lot more than diving. I usally don't use travel agents but when I have, I have a couple of favorites and they have never led me astray.
I personally think that the "divers" on this forum that are fanatics about one place or another are even worse than the travel agents. Many if not most have never been to more than one resort and then they believe it's the best. You have a favorite on Roatan but you always attempt to share accurate information about all of them and I for one really appreciate your efforts including your pictures and maps.

 

[RTBDiver]

I have found many travel agents that have extensive knowledge of dive locations and many are avid divers. .

Too bad the OP had not used one of your travel guru's, would you care to share some with extensive knowledge on diving?

 

[Doc]

I'm surprised RoatanMan. You usually chose your words a little more carefully..... A dive vacation can consist of a lot more than diving....

Nah... then a "dive trip":goingdown:becomes a "vacation with some diving"ooldive:

 

[Graeme Tolton]

I just spent a week at FIBR. Jan 18-25. If you aren't going with the intention of Dive, Dive Dive... don't bother. If you are going with that intention, it is a great place to go. They make 4-5 + dives/day really easy. The rooms were basic, clean, and certainly nothing fancy. While I was there, one new boat was delivered from a local builder, to begin replacing an aging fleet. Visibility wasn't the best when I was there, but that seemed to be due to the abnormal weather conditions. Most days the boat I was on was not crowded, usually 7-10. I would definitely go back.. with the same intentions... to eat, sleep and dive.

 

[RTBDiver]

. Visibility wasn't the best when I was there, but that seemed to be due to the abnormal weather conditions. .

What were the abnormal weather conditions? January is still well inside what is considered the rainy season. Was theree some odd weather change up in French harbor area?

 

[tridacna]

I do want to add, that as a passenger on the new CCV dive boat's maiden voyage, that it is a 5 star boat! Liz sent us go on a 1 hour cruise and the boat is simply superb. They will be running excursion trips to some of the more 'distant' dive locations which will add a totally new dimension to CCV. I can't wait.

 

[cap10]

test test

 

[cap10]

Well, it's easy to see why some folks would think it might be a 5 star resort, they claim it right on the home page:

Fantasy Island PADI 5 Star Resort

Some of the more more jaded of us know what a PADI 5 star means, but maybe not some of the newer divers.

To the OP; MM, EM, IC, ET, ELT?

Don't forget BLT