Recommendations for Dive operators on Tortola and Dominica

[dwigton]

We are going on a Princess Cruise to St. Thomas, Tortola, Antigua, Dominica, and Barbados in two weeks. We can only afford to dive twice. We are moderately experienced divers with about 16-18 dives since certification 4 years ago. Still not comfortable at depths more than about 80 feet, and frankly like to stay a little shallower for better visibility. If you have suggestions for dive operators on Tortola or Dominica we would appreciate the advice. Thanks!

 

[claymore]

I dove off of a cruise ship in Dominica last year. the cruise line used Dive Dominica as a dive op and they seemed to do a good job. No problems with the operator. We dove L'Abym, a wall dive and Champagne, a shallow volcanic area on the edge of the wall. I thought they were two of the best dives I have done. I saw LOTS of stuff in the reef and in the sand and rocks. Nothing very big, except a turtle, but LOTS of small critters, spotted eels, puffers, snake eel, fire worm and other cool stuff.

Dominica is very nice island to visit, we have been there twice and there is lots to see and do. If you can take a tour of the island after you dive it is an interesting island to see and learn about.

From my experience St. Thomas is all about shopping, do not know much about Tortola or Antigua. We have been to Barbados once and seemed like a nice Island, a little more prosperous than a lot of the islands in the Caribbean.

Hope this helps.

 

[Fishpie]

BVI
Blue Water Divers.
Dive the Rhone....max depth 78'

 

[Rhone Man]

For Tortola, I would suggest Sail Caribbean Divers. Good outfit, and they do pickups from the cruise ship dock. Nothing against BWD - I like the guys down there, but I rate SCD better. Pretty much all cruise ship passengers get taken to the RMS Rhone.

For St Thomas, I'd recommend Admiralty. They also pick up from the cruise ship dock.

I am afraid I can't suggest anything in the other stops.

In each case, I'd suggest booking independently of the cruise ship operator. You pay less, and they get a larger overall take. You do the same tour.

 

[dwigton]

I was wondering about Sail Caribbean. But I'm kind of wondering if we really want to dive the Rhone. Some have said that while it is certainly a famous wreck, that there is not much coral or sea life like there would be on a healthy reef. Also, with our cruise ship in, it could be crowded. What about Wonderland?

 

[ocdiver1]

Anchorage Dive in Dominica. Attached to the Anchorage Inn which was also a nice, affordable place to stay

 

[agilis]

You will be in Roseau, Dominica. ALDive and Dive Dominica are two operations there that I prefer. Both visit several sites that meet your preferences. ALDive has a shore dive that is great fun. Since you will be in Dominica for just a day you might want to contact both in advance to find out what is available. If possible, I'd make my own arrangements rather than go through the cruise line's shore activity coodinator. Find outwhere they are taking their passenders who want to dive, and then go elsewhere. Be discrete about doing so because the cruise lines have a lot of clout and pressure the government to prevent this kind of thing. The days that cruise ship visit are crowded and busy. I am land based there and stay away from Roseau and tourist destinations on the days that cruise ships are in port. Dominica is stunningly beautiful. It's very different, quite unique.

 

[dwigton]

Apparently Dive Dominica is the contracted shop for Princess. Anyone know anything about Cabrit's? And also ALDive? On Tortola, I'd like to dive with Dive Dominica, but they are also the contracted dive shop, and it will cost $80 more for the dives for us. So I'm looking for another shop on Tortola. Maybe Blue Water?

 

[agilis]

AL Dive is first rate. Ask for Samantha. Cabrits is a 90 minute drive north from Roseau, in Portsmouth. I'll be in Dominica tomorrow afternoon.

 

[Rhone Man]

I was wondering about Sail Caribbean. But I'm kind of wondering if we really want to dive the Rhone. Some have said that while it is certainly a famous wreck, that there is not much coral or sea life like there would be on a healthy reef. Also, with our cruise ship in, it could be crowded. What about Wonderland?

The Rhone is pretty coral encrusted after nearly 150 years underwater (see photo below). It has been a national park for just under 50 years. To be honest I haven't dived it for a while, but the marine life is usually pretty decent.

That said, if you prefer reefs to wrecks, there are certainly some options. Alice in Wonderland is a nice enough dive, but certainly not one of the BVI's "signature" dives. If you get good weather, Painted Walls and Blonde Rock are lovely reef dives. If it is a bit rough I'd aim for Rainbow Canyons, the Indians or Angel Fish Reef.

One other thing I should mention about the BVI - when the cruise ships arrive in Tortola there is not a lot to do other than either dive, or go and sit on a nice beach somewhere. I tend to think most of the cruise ship excurisions in the BVI are pretty lame compared to other Caribbean islands, and there is no real shopping to speak of (I feel a sense of pity for cruise ship passengers wandering forlornly around Road Town - which is not the most pedestrian friendly of places, and certainly not a particularly beautiful capital city).

By all means drop me a PM and tell me what sort of stuff you are looking to see and I'd be happy to make some suggestions.