Help w/ selecting dive op

[scubawife]

Thanks for the info! I understand that it's hard for someone who has only been there a couple times and dove w/ 1 or 2 operators to make an educated assessment. I was hoping one of the Coz people to chime in based on my desires (small diver to instructor ratio, preference to not go below 70', ability to show/find marine life).

Except for your max depth preference, you've described probably more then half the dive operators on the island. The difference between them is the "extras" they provide. The more extras, the higher the price. Things like drinks, snacks, beach club SIs, towels, jackets, gear storage, steel tanks, etc. are what account for the differences in price.

If you're comfortable at 70ft then you'll do fine at 80 or 90ft as well. If you are set on not going below 70ft make sure to tell the dive op that when you inquire if they have space for your dates. Unless they have a group of new divers, I think you'll have a hard time getting someone to guarantee you that. Another option is to hire your own DM who will stay with you even if the group goes deeper. But really, if you are comfortable at 70ft, you will be fine a bit deeper. Just let the DM know if it's your first dive deeper then that and stay close.

 

[cowboyneal]

Hmmm...not (ever) below 70 ft. sounds like Dive Paradise, big boat only, and a special beginners group, or hiring a private divemaster with them...you'll have to check around for that specific set of circumstances...there are a lot of people diving at least to 90-100 feet nowadays on the first dive...

 

[loudives]

For your profile Christi would be better than DP. If Christi is booked try Raul at www.bottomtimedivers.net Raul was one of Christi's dive masters before buying his own boat. He has a small fast boat (6 pack) does a real good job of finding the good stuff to look at and does not speed you through the dive. Many a dive we would encounter another group of divers and Raul would stop to let them pass us. He hates being close to many other divers.
He has a canopy on his boat, towels, snacks, drinks, rain jackets, and can rent you anything you need. Tanks and weighs are included with all dive operators in Coz.