How is Dive Paradise?

[johnnyscience]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with Dive paradise?

Are they a really good dive op? Any idea if they can do a PADI referral?

What hotels do they work with that are within walking distance?

I was thinking of staying at Hotel Cozumel or possibly Villablanca. Whichever has the best deal at the time.

 

[johnnyscience]

Ahh I see they are located on site with HC and service quite a few other hotels including Villablanca and Barracuda.

 

[Darol]

Friendly staff, and IMHO a good operation. Not known for the best boats in Coz.
Several, Aquaris, Sagatario, and Paradise Diver are very slow, but if you enjoy a
boat ride, then no problem. They also have the Cattle Boats for large groups,
Tango is thier biggest, and a few Fast Boats. I did an afternoon dive with them
last week, but did the rest of my trips with Scuba-Du, IMHO they are one of the
best Op's in Coz. Keep in mind this is only one persons opinion, and ya know what
they say about opinions. Hotel Cozumel is my favorite place to stay, it's
close to everything. The dive op rents tanks and weights for shore and night dives.

 

[macado]

I've dove with them before although it was a while back. They're a larger operation whom I'm sure would have no problem doing a PADI referral though you might might call or email them first just to be sure. Since you're doing your referral I would probably recommend a smaller boat over a larger one so you would get a bit more personalized service. I don't know enough about their boats but I i'm sure they could accommodate this. They are one of the oldest dive shops in Cozumel.

They will pick up from a lot of piers so shouldn't be a problem if you went with them. If you're looking for an even cheaper deal, might want to check out some of the hotels downtown. They're all in walking distance of most of the restaurants in San Miguel.

Aqua Safari has a bunch of package deals with Suites Bahia, Casa Mexicana, as well their own hotel Safari Inn. From my experience diving with them they also have some quality instructors and can do PADI referrals.

Lots of other great operators on the island too. If you stay at Villablanca, they also have Papa Hogs and Scuba Mau on-site. Both of those dive ops have great reputations as well and loyal followers.

I guess it's a hard question to answer since everyone has their own opinion what they think is the best dive op.

 

[Robby]

I have dived with them. One of my best dives on my many trips to Cozumel was with them. I took a new diver there last year. The first day the DM we got was the best. He helped me with the new diver and showed me things that i had never seen on any other dive there. The 2ND day we got a DM that was not very good. You can find them on Face book. The shore diving there is great. I have been told the night shore dive there is really good. They are located across the street from the Hotel Cozumel. There is a tunnel that goes under the street. I would dive with them again. They are located next door to the Scuba Club.

 

[firstdive2005]

Dude-if you're staying Villa Blanca, Scubamau is right beside it. Mau or one of the other instructors can certify you. Also then your shore dives are free. Right out your door. They will look after your gear. They are a lot of fun. Fast boats, snack on your beach surface interval, lots of water. Great dive masters. Great prices also. kev www.scubamaucozumel.com

 

[DennisS]

I like the big slow comfortable boats Dive Paradise has. They are nice for socializing. I'm on vacation so I'm in no rush to get anywhere, I just wish they had one that left around 10am

 

[rivers]

I was certified with them (as well as quite a few of my friends). Their instructors are great.

 

[Coralcop]

It's been a while, but I dove with them 10 years in a row, and had a great time with Dive Paradise. They do have some large, slow boats, but I enjoy taking my time. Most of the divemasters were excellent, and only a couple that weren't up to my standards. They are conveniently located next to the hotel Barracuda and had a package plan with that hotel last time I went. Apple was the owner (and I believe still is) and she was more than helpful with any problems we had. Once they had to hire a contract boat and crew to fill in for one of theirs that was down for maintenance. We had an incident where money was stolen from five divers by that crew while we were diving. When we reported it to Apple she immediately replaced the money, and fired the crew. I have to emphasize that this was a temporary contract crew and not one of Dive Paradise' regular staff.
Even when not staying at the Barracuda, DP's boats picked us up at other hotels. Their crews were always professional and well trained. I have seen them render first aid with O2 to other boats divers.
As for Hotel Barracuda, it is a diver's hotel. Nothing fancy, no tv's except in the lobby, and I'm not sure about WiFi. Beds were comfortable, ac's worked, and everything was clean.

 

[muzikbiz22]

Just got back from a week of diving with Dive Paradise/Hotel Cozumel. We dove with Jorge (el Capitan), Victor, Miguel, & Miguel every day. These guys were the best ! Great dives, great dive sites, fun, professional, very helpful, and a pleasure to be around. I was most impressed (and pleased) that Miguel handled my camera rig with the utmost care, when splashing in and getting back on the boat.

Back at the dock/dive shop, Angel was there every afternoon and always greeted me with pleasantries and great conversation. I accidentally left my BC hanging out to dry overnight, and he put it away for me, and was returned to me early the very next morning !

In all honesty, ALL of the Dive Paradise staff were like family. Not to mention running into Apple (the owner) and chatting with her for a quick bit. She's the best !!!!