buster243
Registered
Hedonism II Diving – Because Why Not?
Negril, Jamaica – Feb 14, 2025 (Yes, we spent Valentine’s Day at Hedo. Romantic, right?)Hedonism II has been around since the ‘90s, offering an all-inclusive experience where everything is included—including scuba diving! That’s right, two dives a day, no extra cost, and even decent rental gear (mostly Cressi). You can bring your own equipment and store it in their locked section overnight, so no need to cuddle your regulator in bed.
The Dive Plan
- Morning dive: Advanced divers (or higher), up to 90 feet
- Second dive: Open Water (or higher), max 60 feet
- You get a nice 45-minute break between dives—just enough time to grab a drink (not recommended) or contemplate why you’re up this early at Hedonism.
Are Jamaica’s Reefs Thriving?
Mmmm, let’s just say the reefs are like that one guy at the bar who used to be in great shape. They’ve seen some rough years thanks to rising ocean temperatures, but there’s been a bit of a comeback. Things are still growing, just… not as colorful as they once were.Is There Marine Life?
Jamaica’s reefs aren’t protected, and Negril is a fishing village, so marine life has to dodge a few extra hooks. That said, this trip we saw:A large reef shark (taking a nap).
Several rays, including Eagle and Gray.
Eels, lobsters, crabs, and some sneaky lionfish.
Tons of colorful Caribbean fish.
The local fishermen discovered lionfish are tasty, so they’re now harder to find. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty to see, including two plane wrecks and a tugboat turned artificial reef. Past trips have blessed us with dolphins, turtles, and baby rays. Just because we didn’t see everything this time doesn’t mean the ocean isn’t still putting on a show.
The Dive Masters – Hedo’s Underwater MVPs
These guys are top-notch—skilled, funny, and always on point. They lead dives, spot marine life, and help with any gear mishaps. My wife and I pretty much use them as the gold standard to judge all other dive masters.The Boat – Functional, Not Fancy
It’s basic but does the job. Room for about 18 divers, two big Yamaha engines, and it gets to dive sites fast. No frills, no espresso machine—but hey, it floats and gets us where we need to be.Final Thoughts?
If you’re staying at Sandals or Couples next door, congrats, you’ll be diving the same reefs. But if you like your all-inclusive with a side of extra-curricular activities, Hedonism is where it’s at. The diving helps justify the cost, and the afternoon and evening entertainment… well, let’s just say it’s what keeps us coming back.Would we dive here again? Of course! Would we stay out of trouble at the resort? No comment.
