Negril, Jamaica diving

[crazycanuck]

Just returned from a week long trip in Jamaica. We stayed at Couples Negril and while down there, I figured that I would go from my AOW as the price was half of what my LDS would charge. The course was nice and easy and I was able to get the 5 dives in without issue.

Now I have never dove the area before but let me tell you, after reading the posts on here I was not expecting anything other than angefish. How incorrect..... The sea life was plentiful raning from Sea Turtles, lobster, baracuda, makarel and a nurse shark. A dive group that went out in the afternoon actual came across a Hammerhead. In the end, it came down to the Divemaster taking the time to look for the sea life and just drift along. Most of the dives were in the 40 minute range of depth into the 45 to 75 range.

And, the dive shot on the resort - TOP NOTCH. Craig and Sherik were my instructors / divemasters for the dives and they were great. All equipment was kept up and the dive boat was in great condition.

We are definitely planning on going back next year and I will be diving again in the area. That is after a long summer of dark and dreary lake diving in Manitoba.

 

[ibj40]

Thanks for the trip report. We are going back there in 2013, after first going in 2005 and again in 2008. Between 2005 and 2008 we saw a vast improvement in the fish populations, and from your report, it appears that trend continues. Do you remember the exact sites you dove?

Finally, did you dive with the resort's dive op (wasn't clear from your post, well at least to me)? We dove with them on our first trip, but went with an off-site op on our second.

 

[crazycanuck]

Yep, I dove with the Resorts crew. The average time that the guys have worked there is 8 years with most sitting around the 10 year mark. They knew the area, ran a professional shop and safety was number one. Most of the equipment was in decent shape with a fair amount of newer peices. Sherwood brand throughout.

Dove the Shark Reef, Rocky Point, Mystery Reef, Deep Plane and Island Reef.

I would have no issue in referring anyone ot the Resort crew.

 

[editmojo]

Craig and Alain were a blast to dive with in 2007. Great crew and a great resort.

 

[divejay]

Another great dive location in Jamaica is on the East end at Port Antonio. We stayed at a Eco tourism beachfront called Great Huts, built on a 4 acre plateau. The blue hole is a great afternoon snorkel after your morning dives. There is also Reach Falls, is the best falls in Jamaica (go with a local guide from the resort).

I see your from Winnipeg, Canada. I'm a Moose hockey fan. Nancy the owner of Divetech in Grand Cayman is also from Winnipeg and has awesome diving adventures. I like the shore diving in Grand Cayman and the marine life is some of the best in the world, plus the wreck diving is a
lot of fun.