Recommend dive operator for cruise ship passengers.

[Skittl1321]

I asked Barefoot some follow up questions, and based on their answers, I don't think they are the right op for me. I am sure they are fabulous in general, as they do get incredible recommendations.

In addition to Subway, I was pleased with the way West End Divers responded to my questions. I see they have a few recommendations here on the board (more than I can find for Subway) and more reviews on Trip Advisor. Does anyone care to weigh in on how to choose between the two? I really don't know what to look for in an op, other than them being highly recommended, as well as address my specific concerns as a new diver with some health concerns.

 

[diversteve]

One thing I look for - even now - is boat size. I know West End has a big boat - it's easier to dive from/re-board if they have a swimstep and a ladder. I know Subway has several dive boats - I've seen two of them personally at moorings - we dove a few times in their area. They'll at least have better ladders and probably swim steps - we weren't close enough to tell.

Some of the operators in the West End have pangas also - 26' open boats. They're fine when it's calm but will pitch a little more in rougher water. Also to re-board a panga there's a short ladder dropped over the side - it's a little more difficult if there's any wave action - often you'll be asked/want to hand up your weights first. I have a bad knee so near the end of a dive week I often get completely out of my BC and have the crew pull it onboard. Go to the boats page on the West End site - Kiko is a panga. The slideshow shot shows a guy reboarding on the side.

The other issue to consider is when are you going? The North side where both Subway and West End are located is rougher in winter at times. They get Northers that blow thru - diving shuts down then. The bigger operators (both of these) move their boats to the south and shuttle you over as needed. But the day after the Norther might also be a little rough also. That's when you want the biggest boat possible as they're less affected - pangas can bounce around pretty good at times while tied up. The south side is protected by the island so generally unaffected.

I'm surprised you're not getting what you need from Barefoot. They're one of few "valet" operations I've dove with that actually are.

 

[Wanttogoawayagain]

Hi Skittl123 We are a family of four ( 13,10 year olds) that completed our open water with Subway Watersports in January. We couldn't of asked for a better experience. They took us to appropriate dive sites based on our skill levels ( or lack of them). We also had a few windy days and we went to dive sites that were relatively calm. Our boat rides were no more than 5-7 minutes each time. They do not over fill the boats. I think the most we had one one day was 2 snorklers and the four of us. They even took my daughter and I out by ourselves. We usually had an intern with us also on each trip, and no they were not teaching the interns at the same time. They were their to assist us. We were staying at the resort but I do know they were picking up customers at the ship docks and bringing them to the resort. As we were certifying we set up all our equipment but I do know they would set it up for regular customers unless they were asked not to. They always carried extra weight with them if we needed it. The larger boats had a ladder and platform that were easy to get in and out of and the boat captain always assisted us. We had a great time diving with Subway and would go back in a heartbeat. Anything else you may want to know about Subway I can try to answer for you if you like.
Sorry a little long winded but have never posted before.

 

[scubapro50]

My wife and I did the dive with Anthony's Key Resort last year while cruising on the Carnival Magic. After 40 years of diving and I will tell everyone they are "one 1st class operation". The rental gear was new and everything worked as it was suppose to. They had a water checkout at the dock to determine if you had the proper weight and knew how to used the gear correctly. My wife and I brought our own stuff so they only had to provide tanks and weights. Norma is a short diver and requires a smaller tank ..... they had a 63 that worked well for her. We love the experience so much we are planning a trip back to Roatan just to dive with this operation.

 

[Skittl1321]

My wife and I did the dive with Anthony's Key Resort last year while cruising on the Carnival Magic.

Do you by chance know what they charged for rental equipment? The dive on NCL does not include anything but tanks and weights, so we'd need additional rentals if we use AKR through the cruiseline. (However, we've thought about going to them for a land vacation, so it would be a good preview.)

 

[Doc]

The might have a special rate for cruise shippers, but... from their website...

Mask, Fins & Snorkel: Daily $8.00, Weekly $40.00
Mask & Snorkel: Daily $5.00, Weekly $25.00
Fins: Daily $5.00, Weekly $25.00
BC Jacket: Daily $12.00, Weekly $60.00
Regulator w/Console and alternate air source: Daily $10.00, Weekly $50.00
Dive computer: Daily $10.00, Weekly $50.00
Regulator with computer: Daily $16.00, Weekly $80.00
Wet Suit (Full): Daily $10.00, Weekly $50.00
Wet Suit (Shorty): Daily $8.00, Weekly $40.00

 

[Skittl1321]

Thanks
i saw that on their website but my concern is "special rates" greatly increases the price. Everything else seems to go that way for cruise excursions, since the ship takes a cut.

Im about 90% sure we are going with West End Divers

 

[dlofting]

Im about 90% sure we are going with West End Divers

You won`t be disappointed, they`re a good operation.