I just returned from a vacation to Playa del Carmen where we stayed at an all-inclusive resort, which I resisted (and will not do again). Prior to departure, I checked numerous discussion threads on scubaboard.com for recommendations for dive shops. There were only a couple dive shops that received nearly unanimous opinion. At the low end of the opinion scale was Dressel, which happened to be at my hotel
and I concur with everyones assessment. Receiving unanimously favorable comments was DiveMike. Finding DiveMike required a little effort since the sign in front (on Calle 8) reads Dive Center. Smaller writing elsewhere confirms that its DiveMike. Make the effort to find them
they are fantastic. Each member of my group of 5 divers had different desires, including diving on particular days, depth limitations, cenotes, advanced open water course, etc. It was quite a mix of requests. The staff at DiveMike cheerfully rearranged their upcoming dive schedule to accommodate everyones desires. The divemasters/instructors for our three days (Daniel, Victor, and Christian) were awesome. They paid close attention to safety while making sure we enjoyed the dives. Couldnt have asked for anything more. Next time I go to Playa, Im heading straight for DiveMike. They get my highest recommendation.
The reefs were okay, and Tortuga Reef was absolutely loaded with huge turtles. We must have seen 12-15. The cenote dives were awesome, but you have to have good buoyancy control. Theyre a little more expensive, but quite worth the difference.
The reefs were okay, and Tortuga Reef was absolutely loaded with huge turtles. We must have seen 12-15. The cenote dives were awesome, but you have to have good buoyancy control. Theyre a little more expensive, but quite worth the difference.
