Question on CCV and schedule

[openhelix]

We are planning to stay at the Island Pearl for 6-7 days (gf wants west bay sandy beaches and close to West End). I want "dive, dive, dive"... So here's the compromise. She gets her time at Island Pearl (where I'll probably dive a few times with Bananarama), but before that we are planning to spend time at a "dive intensive" resort Because of all the feedback here, and the ease of diving the "front yard" anytime, we're looking at cocoview. The rub is the schedule would be a little strange.

Flying in thurs morning and planning to stay through Sunday or Monday. I'm wondering if Saturday is a "lost" day with all the hubub of most people leaving/arriving. On the other hand, it could be perfect with very small dive groups on the boats and maybe something special?

Does anyone have any experience with staying over a Sat and/or not doing the standard Sat-Sat stay?

 

[lmorin]

Last summer, we went Sun-Sun. It was a bit odd arriving on a Sun. PM with no staff around. After some searching, we found a senior DM who essentially said, "You've been here before and know the drill. No need for the intro lecture. Go get wet." Then, at the other end of the stay, most of the folks left on Sat. AM. We did the morning dives as usual, on a different boat, combining with other divers who were also leaving Sunday or staying additional time. No PM Sat. dive.

 

[openhelix]

thanks lMorin. So, really only missing out on the Sat PM dive? Would you say it was a big negative experience (not staying Sat-Sat)?

I guess the other option I have is is be there thurs-Sat... Leave after the morning dive Sat and head to west bay?

 

[Doc]

Your post today on CoCoChat CoCo Chat should clear most of this up.

Diving at CCV on Saturday is very cool if you have been there a few days and the DM's can size up your ability. There are some select dive sites that would not be good for everybody. By that time, after a week of diving (this is usually when divers spend two weeks at a crack), they know what you can handle and what you can enjoy. A boat runs out of CCV every day, both AM & PM departures. Yes- there are some very unique and special places that they go on Saturdays- but your buoyancy should be as good as any other diver who might spend two weeks there... pretty damned good.

CCV requires, of any new arrival, a dive orientation. This is done so you understand your navigation around the "front yard", which is one of the main attractions- the shore dive from the resort.

As to your question about Saturdays, which most other people view as an arrival day ....

Saturday arrivals are the norm, but usually afternoon!

If you fall outside the normal schedule- Once you have had that DM led orientation dive, the rest of the land based "orientation lecturette" will wait until the regular Sunday Morning meeting. Contact the resort thru Roatan Charters (the US Booking Agent) and let them know that you want to do a dive orientation on Saturday morning. (And understand that I am talking about arriving on property with luggage at 0800 hrs) As Saturday is the only logical day off for dive staff, don't count on getting this done on Saturday afternoon.

Many guests arrive early in the afternoon and are chomping at the bit to dive. It is okay to go if you are a repeat visitor- they want to make sure you are keyed in on the above map! It is wise to wait overnight and re-hydrate from your plane trip. That means no adult beverages! If you arrive after noon on Saturday... Relax, unpack, drink lots of water, go for a snorkel !

For weekly stays, if your schedule doesn't fall on the expected Saturday afternoon arrival, talk to Roatan Charter, they can likely hook you up, but all should understand- a dive orientation on mid Saturday isn't an option and is ill advised due to dehyrdation and the threat of DCS. Be smart, be safe, you'll have opportunities to easily dive 27 times before the week is out.



El Linko Clicko ->CoCoView Explained in Pictures pictures by Doc_Adelman - Photobucket

 

[robint]

thanks lMorin. So, really only missing out on the Sat PM dive? Would you say it was a big negative experience (not staying Sat-Sat)?

I guess the other option I have is is be there thurs-Sat... Leave after the morning dive Sat and head to west bay?

have you checked with CCV to even see if they have rooms available for mid-week stays? Most people are there Sat-Sat and they fill all the rooms most weeks.
If you are not arriving until mid-week, then unless there is someone else with a mid-week schedule, that room sits empty for several days. Not a problem if they aren't book full, but alot of times they are full and there is even a waiting list for any cancellations.

as far as diving goes..... it really isn't as big an issue as some people are there for 2 weeks straight so a boat goes out every day am and pm. We found Friday PM was the only time when we didn't see any boats go out but that was because everyone was leaving on Saturday so most people were drying out their dive gear and doing land tours in the afternoon on Friday. (Our DM asked us if we were planning to dive in the afternoon and we told him no.. we were done. He was happy as that meant he could leave early for the day.) Most of the staff have Friday afternoon and the day off on Saturday as it is arrival day for most guests. Regardless, shore diving is available 24/7.

robin

 

[openhelix]

A quick call to CCV (or rather their booking agent) confirmed nothing is available Aug 6-9... except the 9th, and there is a 4-night minimum. Hmm the latter part would be good info to have on the website instead of saying "for 1-4 nights the rate is $xxx". Throughout the call I felt like I was bothering her not like she wanted to help me.

Regardless it looks like CCV is out for this trip for lack of availability. I'll post another thread asking about places that do allow shorter stays. (booked the Island Pearl for the 8th-15th after talking with the agent at CCV)

 

[robint]

A quick call to CCV (or rather their booking agent) confirmed nothing is available Aug 6-9... except the 9th, and there is a 4-night minimum. Hmm the latter part would be good info to have on the website instead of saying "for 1-4 nights the rate is $xxx". Throughout the call I felt like I was bothering her not like she wanted to help me.

Regardless it looks like CCV is out for this trip for lack of availability. I'll post another thread asking about places that do allow shorter stays. (booked the Island Pearl for the 8th-15th after talking with the agent at CCV)

Well, I am glad you called and found out for sure. I doubt she was being rude, she was probably just confused why you would only want to go there for a few days! They don't get too many calls like that, I am sure.

 

[CajunDiva]

A quick call to CCV (or rather their booking agent) confirmed nothing is available Aug 6-9... except the 9th, and there is a 4-night minimum. Hmm the latter part would be good info to have on the website instead of saying "for 1-4 nights the rate is $xxx". Throughout the call I felt like I was bothering her not like she wanted to help me.

Regardless it looks like CCV is out for this trip for lack of availability. I'll post another thread asking about places that do allow shorter stays. (booked the Island Pearl for the 8th-15th after talking with the agent at CCV)

You might want to check out Fantasy Island. It's right next door to CCV and offers the same amazing dive sites...

 

[Vetdrm]

You are probably not the person to answer this question, but I'll take a stab anyway. Do you know if CoCoView allows walk-in divers to their front yard if you are not staying there? I'm interested in renting a tank or two from them for shore diving.

 

[UTLgirl]

I know they have on occasion in the past when we were there, just remember the 1st dive will have to be w/one of their DM's to show you the front yard, so there may be a surcharge for the service, as it would be pulling one of them off the boat most likely, but we used to have some folks who rented a house down in 1st Bight that dove with us whenever they were down. That may have changed, or may not be available depending on how busy they are on a given week.

Since what you're wanting to do is sort of outside the norm, I'd contact them directly, or contact Dockside Dive Center, the onsite PADI dive shop to see what can be arranged.