In Roatan on Oct 19th, suggestions needed.

[jgoodstein]

I'll be in Roatan on October 19th and am looking to book a couple of dives. Technically I'm there on a cruise ship and to be honest I don't want to book through them as they overcharge. This is my 25th cruise ( in-laws are cruise agents), so please don't spew me the BS about if you don't book with the cruise line you may get left behind garbage.

I called Anthony's key, and they said they are closed that week and can only book through the cruise line. Then she changed her story and said that because I'm on a cruise I can't book through them. I know that Anthony's is the sub contractor for my particular cruise, and am disappointed that they took this approach with me.

So I wanted to see if there are any other charters that you guys recommend that I can call up an book on my own. I am in port from 8am-5pm and looking for a reef/wall type dive ( 2 tank dive max). Suggestions welcome !!!!!

 

[diversteve]

Try Barefoot Divers. They're also a lot closer than AKR.
Cruise Ship Shore Excursions, Roatan 5 Star PADI Dive Shop

 

[weaponeer]

This thread will give you some understanding as to why AKR won't book cruise ship passengers directly.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bay-islands/344291-anthonys-key-resort.html

Go luck bypassing the cruise ship pricing.

 

[jgoodstein]

Bare foot has really stepped up. I think I'll probably go through them.

I knew I shouldn't have let it slip to AKR that i was on a ship, but business is business and I'm not worth losing their contract over. So I appreciate the link to the thread. Any other dive places you guys recommend. The port is on the south east side of the island.

 

[diversteve]

If you want to dive the North side, Subway Watersports also has a cruise program - I don't know anything abouit it or them. You aren't missing that much not going with AKR, they often dive Overheat Reef on their cruise dive - which while convenient (esp. for them...lol) - is not a particularly great dive.

Barefoot is the closest dive op to the port(s). If you're on Carnival, the new terminal at Mahogany Bay is about 5 mins. away. Coxen Hole is slightly farther east. (15mins?)

I should've mentioned earlier that we dove with Barefoot once. They're a really good diveop, very accommodating and since most of their business is from Barefoot Cay, probably have very uncrowded boats. Nice dive boat also, with an easy to access swim-step.

The day we were there, the 7 of us were the only ones on the morning boat. But it was off-season. (May)

 

[georoc01]

Coconut Tree's boats go out at 9, 1 & 3. Depending on what times you are in port, this may or may not work for you.

AKR is closed during that time too.

 

[barrydrn]

I dove with barefoot for 3 weeks in march. I was staying off resort. the experience was great the diving was great. the boat was never crowded and if it was there were more dive masters along. I would highly recommend Barefoot. I will be diving with them again mext march

 

[Sinatra]

Try Mayan Divers in West Bay, I always dive with them. The word on the island is that no one wants to deal with people from cruises because they are considered a hassle. There, I just told you what no dive operator will. Ask for Anja or Liber or look up their web site, you can book your dives there.

Enjoy!

 

[cdolphin]

Barefoot Divers gets my vote, we dove with them last December for a week. I see their cruise packages include lunch. Score! The kitchen staff at Barefoot Cay puts on a spread. Very good food, lots of fresh veggies and fruit.

And the diving is awesome. Mary's Place, one of the best sites in Roatan IMHO, is right in front of Barefoot. The dive masters are great, top notch organization, fast, safe boats. You'll love them.