this thread is turning into a bunch of BS. There are some dive shops on the island that charge a lot less than Evolution. I don't believe that any shop that charges less than Matt is compromising quality. Don't make this guy sound like he is a cheap skate. I have been there 3 times and I didn't want to pay Matt his 40% premium so I dove with another operator. If you want to pay the extra and feel you are getting value for it then so be it, its your money to spend.
I have nothing against Evolution. I am sure they are a good dive shop. I know there are other shops on the island that do a great job too. For me I wouldn't and didn't pay their premium.
I appreciate that this is probably not, but have to admit that this feels slightly like a personal attack. I don't even know who you are and you're using my name to disparage me on the internet.
It is not "my" 40%, I own and operate a business - yet your turn of phrase seems to imply that I'm charging excessive prices which just go directly to my pocket. (This xmas(as every year for the last 3 years) evolution sponsored a xmas party for the local kids, 300 of whom were fed, played games with prizes and were given xmas gifts; our staff also benefit from good salaries, benefits, xmas gifts, and medical care when necessary)
AND there's is no way it's 40% so you should probably check your calculator. Our prices are pretty much inline with what other people charge at the shops/resorts of a similar standing. People tend to get over excited when you add up the dive price(ours is currently P1300-P1400), with equipment rental, and marine fees, and even more if you add nitrox. But the fact remains our price is P1300-P1400 per dive.
If you can get it cheaper then that's your prerogative as the customer, but
don't make it out like we are ripping people off for no good reason. That is simply not the case.
I'd would be good for people to also understand what happens in Malapascua...there's a few of the key diveshops getting involved in working with the government to improve the fisheries protections, and generally for the good of the island, for the diving and the local marinelife. I take time out of running my (excessively expensive) business to attend meetings and work together with the local community to improve things for all the divers who visit here - whether or not they dive with Evolution - and there is almost always only a few diving operators present at those meetings...so please bear that in mind when you discuss dive operators. Some of them might be cheaper, but they are also operating with a completely different mindset. Evolution puts money, time and personnel into replacing moorings, creating new reef areas and generally working for the better of Malapascua. All is not even in that respect.
Although our community efforts are not something that are reflected in our prices, my point is that diveshop selection should have other factors than just price. If everyone is just competing on price then it's a losing game for all of us and all of you, and all of Malapascua.
This thread may be BS in your opinion, but the OP asked for recommendations and he got some. He is free to pick and choose. Just because you think it's BS doesn't mean it is so.
With kinds regards and best wishes for 2015.
Matt.
