Need a good Dive Operator Multiple Locales.

[usmc4x4]

I am going on cruise in September and was wanting to get everything booked for the dives. Here is where I will be:

Galveston, TX; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; Galveston, TX

I don't know if Galveston is worth diving (anyone dive around there) and I already have a Dive Op I like in Cozumel but could really use some info on Grand Cayman and Montego Bay.

If you know the best sites throw those in too please .... Thanks.

 

[USDiver]

Galveston...no diving, unless you have time to charter a day trip to the oil rigs (if you do try UltraDive.com). The vis is usually horrible near shore. I like Blue Angel Divers in Cozumel, but you said that you already have someone. DiveTech on Grand Cayman has always been good for us and as far as Jamaica goes...I have never made a dive there. But I am sure someone has and will give you some good info.

 

[usmc4x4]

Galveston...no diving, unless you have time to charter a day trip to the oil rigs (if you do try UltraDive.com). The vis is usually horrible near shore. I like Blue Angel Divers in Cozumel, but you said that you already have someone. DiveTech on Grand Cayman has always been good for us and as far as Jamaica goes...I have never made a dive there. But I am sure someone has and will give you some good info.

Thanks for the info. I will have to add that to my dive-a-dex!!!! Always nice to have alternatives even if you have a preferred Dive Op.

 

[usmc4x4]

No one else?

 

[imaswfan]

I used Don Foster's in Grand Cayman and I have no complaints. Nice boat, nice shade and helpful crew. I was on a cruise as well so only used them for 2 tanks, therefore it is hard to give a very strong recommendation...not enough time spent with them. However, I did enjoy the short time I had.

 

[NorCalDawg]

You would probably find some better info if you asked in the sub-forums for each port you're going to be in.

 

[cleung]

In Cozumel, Aqua Safari is good and they accommodate cruise passengers easily with their schedules. They are right downtown. For Grand Cayman, you might consider doing the shore dives at Eden Rocks which is a 3 minute walk from the cruise ship ports after the tender boat takes you in. I have an article about this dive in my website below.

 

[BrianV]

Why is gulf diving so expensive? You can charter boats in Southern California for 3 dive day trips to Catalina (25-30 miles off shore) and/or channel islands quite a bit less.

I got excited when I saw the ultradive does day trips, but $220 per person for two dives seems steep to me considering I go to California almost once a month for a weekend.

I guess it's caused I'm spoiled with vacations where diving is fairly cheap. 6 dives in the bahamas = $175 and hotel and air are covered by points.

Are there any cheaper solutions for shore diving in the Houston area? I particularly like the idea of day trips, and wouldn't mind a boat that had a few more people on it than 6. I bet that's great diving with only six people, but for $440, I could plan an entire vacation for me and my g/f (to Hawaii or the Carribean).

Thanks