And that's not a bad thing!
dnhill:
perhaps I will have the opportunity to compare boat to boat as you have been able to. I found most had a good trip without regard to the operation. Perhaps the reason these business are still in operation is that they all do a pretty good job. I will be most happy to provide a detailed review when I return. dnhill
The Nekton docks at the Government Pier, a large metal contraption that Cruise Ships use to tie up. It is located South of town, a 15 minute drive away from the dock that any other Live Aboard would use. Thus, only Nekton guests would have the opportunity to even see another live aboard- since Nekton guests are parked at the Hotel in town for 5 hours (during boat cleaning time) to relax, swim and walk out on the smaller wooden pier that all other live aboards are tied to. Nekton guests get to look at their other options- a bit late, but at least they get to look.
Like you say, "most had a good trip without regard to the operation". I used to think the Bahamas (or Jamaica or Cozumel) was the bestest place ever... until I sampled many more. Don't misunderstand, you've picked a world class dive operation no matter which you're doing.
It's just unfortunate that posts (or trip reviews) don't come with a "dive experience history" log so that we could understand from where this particular opinion comes.
The ships have their fans. Most that have dived on both prefer the Nekton due to it's staff, food and comfort of the boat. BUT- Most first time Belizian divers pick other boats because the Nekton doesn't do the fabled Blue Hole. The Nekton draws too much water to ease thru the hole that Captain Cousteau dynamited thru it. Once you've seen the Blue Hole (necessitating a dive to 130fsw to see some stalactites), you've seen it. The best view is from the air aboard TACA flying from Houston to Roatan. No big deal.
Then momentum kicks in. I did this live aboard before, I'm going back. This is the opposite of my dive trip selection policy. No, I hate planning trips. We will do 3 or 4 trips per year to someplace new, but we always manage to do at least one trip on a Nekton and CoCoView after those new trips. Variety is good, reliable excellence is arguably better.
Anybody want something really new and cool? Look at the Bay Islands Aggressor going to Cisne/Swan Islands North of Roatan. Not my favorite boat, but then again I liked the Antares Dancer because she took me to so many wrecks in Los Roques. Sometimes the dive location dictates the mode of transport. Adjustments are worth it... sometimes.
