Montego Bay operator

[matts1w]

Hi all:

I am going to Montego Bay in March with some friends who dont dive and staying at Breezes. Ohhh- please dont unload on me that there are drugs, and poverty and mean people in Jamaica. I knew that when I booked the trip and am glad to enjoy Jamaica on Jamaica's terms. I also know the diving is so-so, but this is not so much a dive trip as it is a hang with my friends trip. So enough of that.

Anyway, since I will be diving a morning or two I was hoping someone could suggest an operator in the area. I am trying to avoid the operator who is only concened with getting the beginners to a safe spot. What I am looking for is someone who will take me to deeper water (80+) as I have been told that is the way to go. Oh yeah- obviously safety/class operation is important too.

Anyway have any positive experiences?

Thanks!!!
Matt

 

[matts1w]

Anyone?

 

[DocVikingo]

Sounds like you've got your expectations adjusted appropriately.

Be aware that your diving is going to be directly impacted by the experience levels of the others on the boat. Given that Jamaica is not recognized as a dedicated dive destination & not much frequented by serious divers, the chances of newbies, novices & the rusty are high. This means least common denominator diving. The crew cannot risk taking such divers to more challening/deeper sites & cannot allow you to dive your own profile.

Your best bet is probably an independent like Rodney Davis's Cool Aqua Divers http://www.dive-jamaica.com/. E-mail him & tell him what your are looking for. They got me to some of the premier dive sites.

Resort-based ops in the Montego Bay area that have better reps than the others include onsites at Sandals Montego Bay http://www2.sandals.com/main/montego/mo-home.cfm & Jack Tar Village Montego Bay http://www.geographia.com/bestfitacc/hlinfo.asp?Hotel=54&agency_id=0, but again watch out for the inexperienced.

Best of luck.

DocVikingo