Pier Fees

[cvchief]

Theoretically, the law of supply and demand should even things out. Boutique operators will cater to the consumer who is willing to pay and the bar for satisfactory service from the standard operators will rise to meet the demands of customers. If prices rise to the point that divers object, a cheaper operator will arise to meet that demand.

Exactly my point, if the subscription dock fee model increase prices for a the small one boat op to the point that a diver objects, they can move to a big op, thus putting even more pressure on the small boutique operators.

Might sound idealistic, but for Cozumel, there is no shortage of dive operators and consumers have several choices of operators that will meet their needs.

Absolutely true and I would hate to see that change.

From what I read, the house operators at resorts are now offering dives/groups intended for more experienced divers. That did not happen by coincidence.

There you go. House ops trying to copy the service, while driving up the costs to the small ops.

So what are consumers to do ? Prioritize. What is most important to you ? Boutique operator because they meet your needs, support the smaller operators, standard operator because they are good enough ? I like boutique operators because of their unique services, but I also like supporting a smaller operation.

But at some point there would be a breaking point, where you won't pay what they need to charge and a big op will get your business and there goes the small, boutique ops model. We are still a long way from that happening, but the Iberostar deal should be concerning. Tell you friends not to stay there and tell them to let Ibero know why!

 

[ronscuba]

Just my opinion, but I think the boutique operators will be fine. It is the small operators that are offering standard service that will have trouble.

Like most on scubaboard, I support my dive operators of choice with my business and recommendations to other divers.

What do you do when diving at a new location for the 1st time ? Do you research and purposely dive with someone other than the house operator ?

Here is a good question that might cause a stir. Are there too many dive operators in Cozumel ? Is supply greater than demand ?

 

[cvchief]

Just my opinion, but I think the boutique operators will be fine. It is the small operators that are offering standard service that will have trouble.

I guess I don't separate boutique vs small as much as you do. I think of all small operators that way I guess.

What do you do when diving at a new location for the 1st time ? Do you research and purposely dive with someone other than the house operator ?

Interesting question. Way back I spent a bunch of time researching ops in Antigua before I picked out one for our OW check diver. They sucked by the way as I picked WRONG.

First trip to Coz was to the Occidental Grand. Little time on Scubaboard hooked me up with Alison and I have been there ever since. Never even considered the house op.

Actually haven't dove anywhere else than Coz, since the Antigua debacle.

Here is a good question that might cause a stir. Are there too many dive operators in Cozumel ? Is supply greater than demand ?

I don't think that is a hard question at all. I think the supply is greater. Every gringo want to own a dive op and many throw out the dinero and do it. However, in fonatur this week, CARNAVAL week, there were still alot of dive boats that didn't go out. Friend of mine and a great DM said he had NO trips that week.

 

[ronscuba]

I consider boutique operators as the ones doing things above and beyond what I've experienced diving with other operators, both on Coz and at other locations.

In know particular order here are examples of what I am talking about:

Towels
Jackets
Storing gear
Transporting gear to the boat
Setting up gear
Rinsing gear
Large tanks
Extended bottom times
Computer diving
Snacks
Beverages
Trip summaries listing dive sites and dates
Measuring nitrox tanks for me to witness
Surface intervals at beach club

I consider myself lucky to have so many good operators to choose from on Coz. The boutique operators spoil us and I gladly pay more for that level of service.

Small operators who aren't doing special things have nothing to differentiate themselves other than price. They are the companies that might run into problems staying in business.

Haven't dove anyplace else ? I highly recommend a liveaboard.

 

[cvchief]

I consider boutique operators as the ones doing things above and beyond what I've experienced diving with other operators, both on Coz and at other locations.

In know particular order here are examples of what I am talking about:

Towels
Jackets
Storing gear
Transporting gear to the boat
Setting up gear
Rinsing gear
Large tanks
Extended bottom times
Computer diving
Snacks
Beverages
Trip summaries listing dive sites and dates
Measuring nitrox tanks for me to witness
Surface intervals at beach club

I consider myself lucky to have so many good operators to choose from on Coz. The boutique operators spoil us and I gladly pay more for that level of service.

Small operators who aren't doing special things have nothing to differentiate themselves other than price. They are the companies that might run into problems staying in business.

Haven't dove anyplace else ? I highly recommend a liveaboard.

Can you name a small op that doesn't have some of these things? That is where I run into the issue. I would think lots of them have their own 'something special.'

A liveaboard does sound fun, but.... miss Coz?

 

[ronscuba]

Can you name a small op that doesn't have some of these things? That is where I run into the issue. I would think lots of them have their own 'something special.'

A liveaboard does sound fun, but.... miss Coz?

On Coz, I've dove with Aldora, Blue XT Sea, Living Underwater and Paul's Dive. Paul moved off the island years ago. Great guy, his operation was more standard. Not sure what other Coz dive ops do. Comparing to dive ops at other destinations including right across the water in Playa, many did not do any of the above.

Never done a liveaboard ? Try it. Belize, Cayman and Turks & Caicos are my liveaboard recommendations in the Caribbean.

 

[ggunn]

Never done a liveaboard ? Try it. Belize, Cayman and Turks & Caicos are my liveaboard recommendations in the Caribbean.

To each his/her own, but the liveaboard experience has never been that attractive to me. I love diving Cozumel where the dive sites are close by, and I can go to a different great restaurant every night and sleep in a comfortable bed.

DSFDF and YMMV.

 

[cvchief]

To each his/her own, but the liveaboard experience has never been that attractive to me. I love diving Cozumel where the dive sites are close by, and I can go to a different great restaurant every night and sleep in a comfortable bed.

DSFDF and YMMV.

Yea. Isn't Coz sort of a liveaboard?