Picking a dive op between similar outfits

[LeggoDiveyDivey]

I think we have all been there at some point. We pick a location, all the dive ops have 4.8-5.0 ratings on Google and have been recommended here by multiple divers.

After doing some personal due diligence (i.e. checking the dive op hasn't sunk a boat yet), most times I just choose who I feel a better vibe with, or who's local (except Egypt), or who responds first, or who is cheaper, or who has smaller dive group sizes, but I was wondering if anyone else has any other conditions like charitable courses, free slots etc.

There are marginal trade offs for sure, sometimes a small 10-20 dollar difference means extra dive time, better equipment, amenities, things that add up to a great experience. So tell me, what do you look out for when picking a dive op?

 

[ontdiver]

Due diligence is where it starts for me as well. Being brutally objective about budget; cost and complexity of flights; seasonal weather conditions at departure airport; availability/quality of arrival location accommodation; safety considerations at arrival; feedback in this space; opportunity to travel with a dive shop that has done due diligence in advance. The latter consideration takes quite a bit of stress out of the equation particularly if you have not done a great deal of travel planning.

But against all of this is the opportunity to go somewhere different to work your way through that bucket list.

 

[Wants2divemore]

This are the things I usually ask about:

What’s the cancelation policy?

Payment forms accepted: Visa, MC, cash (do they give as cash discount?)

Minimum number of divers needed for the boat to go out.

Safety equipment on board (O2, AED, first aid kit)

Boat size

Shade?

Marine head?

Diver/Guide ratio

If large enough to form more than 1 group, are they based on ability?

Does everyone surface together?

 

[lowwall]

This are the things I usually ask about:

What’s the cancelation policy?

Payment forms accepted: Visa, MC, cash (do they give as cash discount?)

Minimum number of divers needed for the boat to go out.

Safety equipment on board (O2, AED, first aid kit)

Boat size

Shade?

Marine head?

Diver/Guide ratio

If large enough to form more than 1 group, are they based on ability?

Does everyone surface together?

Any restrictions on dive length? Typical dive length?

Upcharge for nitrox?

HP100 availability and cost?

Package deals?