Giving recommendations ain't always easy, because it stronly depends on what you're expecting. We've been there at the end of september now for the 2nd time and again it was absolutely ok for us. The center is a bit long in the tooth, but they try to keep it well and organized. If you're looking for a "full service" diving center (meaning getting pampered), then you'll be probably disappointed. If you're looking for a place, where you can just grab your stuff and (quite) dive whenever you want independently, then going there won't be a mistake - IMHO.
Dives offered:
house reef (north and southside, shore & zodiak one way) - 08:00 am - 04:00 / 05:00 pm
zodiak dives - 4 times a day
minibus tours - halfday and fullday
daily boot (no recommendation here, the boat seems to be kept together merely by rust and paint ;-) )
speedboat to Elphinstone (nice, but only if you've not a tendency of getting seasick)
When you check in, you will be asked for your diving certification, medical certificate, a copy of your passport and if you have a diving insurence. They'll keep this stuff until check out. You'll get a box and will have your personal cabinet (padlock), dryroom is not locked. If you dive Nitrox, you'll be responsible to prepare your tank for the dive (meaning: you have to analyze your nitrox, to label your tank and to write it on the list), regular air tanks are always ready at the beach or will be prepared for you if you're going e.g. by minibus.
Because visability wasn't that great this time (and we were a little spoiled by St. John's the week before our stay at Brayka Bay), I decided to finally make my stress & rescue course, which was really terrific. I had two Instructors (Ahmed & Murad) just for myself (business is kinda slow since the revolution) and I learned a lot - this course I'd rate high end qualitiy: challenging, individual, and now I know, that I can a lot more than I thought I could and I also know what I have to train more often (and it was fun
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I realise that they are German, but my jingoist tendencies are minor. What were the experiences and evaluation?
Yep, Extra Divers are German, but the diving center is quite international (customers were from all over Europe); the stuff at least speaks English and IIRC Italien, Dutch, ... (well, and some of course even speak German ;-) ) I'd go there anytime again, IMO the stuff is professional and friendly, but they are not animators ;-)
HTH
