papa hogs - cozumel

[DandyDon]

I ran a search on the operator, and I did find some references, but not a lot. A LDS has booked us a trip in November, and suggested them for an operator. Anyone have any specific comments or advise?

ldguy: I hve been to Coz before, staying at Alegro and diving with the on site operator - last January. That went well, and I guess this will, too. The LDS has us at Reef Club this time, which I found lots of info - good & bad - in a search. I might add that I have my Advanced OW and Nitrox cards, with over 100 dives - Catalina, Morehead, several Florida Keys, St.Kitts & Nevies, Roatan.

Happy bubbles, Don

 

[Natasha]

An instructor friend of mine has stayed at the Reef Club numerous times, and dives with Papa hogs. She won't use anyone else.
You should have a great time.
Have fun.

:sunny:

 

[Brules]

This might help you feel a bit more comfortable about diving with Papa Hogs ( I use them exclusively as well):

Online Reviews of Papa Hogs

If you rent a car when you are down there, I HIGHLY recomend driving to PH's each morning. Yes, it can be more of a hassle than being picked up at your dock, but the benefits of being able to meet/greet fellow divers, meet the DM's, and talk to Mike/Margaret far outweigh being picked up. Plus if you are there at their shop in the AM, you can more easily get assigned to a more advanced boat, since you seem to have alot of dives under your belot, and may not be happy with geting put on a boat with newer divers.

Just my $.02! But you should really enjoy them, plus the Hog Town Cafe across the street has the best kunch on the island IMHO!!!! It is cheap and GOOD!

Brules

 

[ggunn]

What's an LDS?

 

[cxg31s]

Ggunn--LDS means Local Dive Shop

Don, I will be diving with Papa Hogs in Aug--headed down Aug 9--so I will be happy to let you know what I think when I get back. I have talked to a LOT of people about Papa Hogs and have heard nothing but good things about them. They have more than one boat so they are able to cater to a variety of skill levels and I've heard the DM's are GREAT! Will post a report when I get back....

 

[Brules]

Don, I will be diving with Papa Hogs in Aug--headed down Aug 9--so I will be happy to let you know what I think when I get back. I have talked to a LOT of people about Papa Hogs and have heard nothing but good things about them. They have more than one boat so they are able to cater to a variety of skill levels and I've heard the DM's are GREAT! Will post a report when I get back....

Hey when will you be there and where you staying at???

I am doing 4 dives on the 9th with Papa Hogs. A 2 tank am and a 2 tank afternoon dive with some Okies coming down and one other texan. Maybe you could join us? The Okie and Texan are staying at the Brisas, and I will be at the Park Royal.

Lemme know if you are interested!

Justin

 

[Diver Kat]

Heading down to Coz next Friday (7/25) and are booked for 5 days with Papa Hoggs ...... after all the rave reviews, I'm looking forward to diving with them ...... I'll follow-up when I get back!!

 

[Brules]

Be sure to say hi to "Blanca". You can't miss her.

If you are renting a car or are staying close, go to the shop in the AM to leave out on the boats. You can have more of a say in what boat you go out on, plus you get to meet & greet with fellow divers. Then when you come back around noon, you can grab a bite to eat at the Hog Town Cafe (best burgers & quesadillas!!!!) and watch Blanca eat her lunch.

I always rent a Jeep for a week and drive to their shop each morning. It is nice to get there early and hang out with all the divers, DM's & drivers.

Let us know how it is,

Brules

 

[BetterLateThannever]

Don,

I dove with Papa Hog's about a year and a half ago one afternoon off a cruise ship. My experience wasn't all positive. I posted a report when I returned. If you're interested go to this address and read it.

www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4037&highlight=Papa+Hogs

 

[Brules]

Wow, sorry you had a bad experience with them BLT.

Just FYI, as far as I know, Tony is no longer affiliated with Papa Hogs (someone correct me if I am wrong).

In the 50+ dives I have done with them, I have never NOT done a 15' safety stop, and the DM's have always been attentive to people who need it. If they feel you are comfortable in the water, have your buancy under control, they usually leave you alone to enjoy the ride and/or look for critters on shallower dives.

I have heard similiar things about Tony, and am sorry you got to experience him. In fact if he is who I am thinking of, I think I was possibly there the day Mike fired him.

If anyone else has experiences like that, and Mike or Margaret are not around to tell, let them know!!!! I have seen Mike take care of stuff like that before, and it WILL get taken care off! The one guy I saw get fired will not be working there again.

Brules