Got my referral - heading to Blu Caribe/Blue Angel April 3

[mschaub]

Hi All,

Have referral in hand and am slowly starting the packing process -- 2 weeks to go. My boyfriend and I will arrive at Blu Caribe on 3-April and diving with Blue Angel. Have read through all the posts and see that quite a few people have stayed and dove with this operation.

Looking forward to more trip reports. Sounds like I can expect some noisiness of construction. Having not been to Coz before, I'm likely not to be as disappointed as others at some of the changes.

For those who have dove with Blue Angel - can anyone speak to the boats, equipment, etc? Just starting out, I haven't yet bought my own BCD or reg (have suit though) so am wondering if anyone remembers what they use down there.

Looking forward to maybe seeing some folks from the board down there!

Mary

 

[HammerNoMore]

Never used their rental gear, but the boats are all fast 6-packs. This is the best IMHO as it gets you to/from the dive sites quickly. Great people there, you should have a good time.

No head's on the boats so go before. They will pull up to a beach for surface intervals. Once you've got that cert be sure to do some shore dives to enforce what you've learned.

James

 

[ggunn]

For those who have dove with Blue Angel - can anyone speak to the boats, equipment, etc? Just starting out, I haven't yet bought my own BCD or reg (have suit though) so am wondering if anyone remembers what they use down there.

I don't remember the branding, but their rental gear was all new (thanks, I believe to Wilma) and in good condition when we were there in January.

 

[slingshot]

Congrats Mary: Lots of scubaboard folks will be in Cozumel that week, including me and Capybara on our first trip there. Check out www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=130645. If you and your boyfriend are interested, I think people are getting together casually on Sunday, and can PM you with info, if nobody has done so yet.

 

[akbpilot]

We just did our ow referral there in Feb. B/Cs were Mares Vectors I think, basic B/Cs weight belt. Can't remember the regs, but if you think of it when you get back, post the type, I'd like to put it in my log.
Servando was our inst, and he is very good. You will do 2 shore dives the first day in front of the shop (current picked up on our second and it became a drift dive. We just went to shore after we finished our skills and flagged a cab) Second day was two boat dives, about 12 other people from the cruise ships with 2 dive masters for them and ourselves and Servando doing the skills. Boat was bigger then the six packs we used later with a platform at the stern. Worked out well.
Paperwork was done the following day by Jeannie and we received our cards at home about 2 weeks later. No problems

 

[Daxter]

Hi Mary, my wife and I will be at Caribe Blu from the 1st to the 8th so we will see you down there . Slingshot they will be there one day after Sunday night drinks see you there.

 

[MMM]

In addition to the 6 packs, they have two larger boats. They go out later in the morning and come back around 3:30. They seem to cater to snorkellers, cruise ship passengers and people coming on the ferry from Playa. They may also have heads ;^) but there is a bathroom next to the shop (although sometimes the light works, sometimes it doesn't...sometimes it has toilet paper and sometimes it doesn't... ;^) I agree with the suggestion about practising the shore diving to reinforce your skills. It's very easy diving and so you can concentrate on skills. Although if you are like me and doing several dives during the day, you'll want lots of thermal protection - I chill easily!

I see someone below mentioned Cervando's name as their instructor. He is very kind and I think you will be very happy if he is assigned to you.

One thing I'd point out - with as many boats as they have going out every day, you might get moved around from boat to boat. So when I'm diving with them, I tip each day, just in case I'm not back with that DM/captain again.

You'll have a great time.

Never used their rental gear, but the boats are all fast 6-packs.
No head's on the boats so go before. They will pull up to a beach for surface intervals. Once you've got that cert be sure to do some shore dives to enforce what you've learned.

James

 

[Daxter]

By the way Mary if you want to see Blue Angels boats goto http://www.lorenz.pl/angel/ (hope that is the right address). They have pictures of the boats there.

 

[harpua]

My wife and I got back two weeks ago and completed our OW with Catherine. She is a great instructer as well. It was a great experience all around. They will treat you like family, they sure did us. Heck, all but a few of the staff new us by name after 3 days, and it wasn't like we were hanging around the shop all day.

After the 2 shore dives we went on one of the larger boats the following day to wrap up the OW requirements. It was cool, and we didn't "get in the way" of the regulars that way. It all worked so smoothly. I just can't say enopugh about Blue Angel. I want to go back tomorrow. Work sucks.

 

[jjwdiver]

I have been diving with Caribe Blu/Blue Angel many times and will continue to. Their staff is top notch in my opinion. Cervando is an excellent instructor, jeannie a great host, Maxi is a hoot, and Matteo is like a brother, Jorge like the guy you want to keep away from your daughter.

They have small, quick boats. They give great attention to needs, but you do have to ask or speak up. They run a hotel and dive operation, not mind readers. If you want something just ask and watch as they bend over backwards to help.

Relax, you're in good hands. Head upstairs at the restaurant and enjoy a Chimichanga, chips & salsa!