Chris at Silent World:
Hi C-Dawg. Sorry to hear that you were not completely satisfied. The previous owner was probably just trying to keep all his customers happy whilst not loosing money. Feb is a quiet month, so Ric probably had one boat running and was just trying to accommodate trips for both novice and advanced divers. The best way to guarantee your diving schedule is to charter a whole boat, which for eight of you, would probably have been cost effective. Then you can dive when and where you want, within reason. To avoid this type of situation occuring, we dont guarantee any dive sites when people book, however we do take requests and do our utmost to meet them. I have also just started a Tek 'n Wreck email list, where I will send customers details of up and coming wreck trips. I will add you on the list if you are interested - just let me know. That goes for anyone else out there who is interested! Also call me for custom dive charters at the best rates!
Best regards
Chris
Chris,
You're right, the best way would have been to book the whole boat, but I put the trip together, and when booking, was told that wouldn't be necessary by Rick, so I didn't book the whole boat. We didn't have a problem with other divers joining us, or the shop trying to make some extra money by booking more divers for that trip. We had a problem with the experience level of those joining us, causing a last minute change of itenerary, and having to go to Carys Fort reef instead of the Spiegel Grove.
When we arrived in Key Largo, we stopped by the shop, and went over our dive site preferences with Rick while paying for the charters and picking up lead. We had the SG planned for Sunday in our itenerary, but was told by the shop that a storm front was going thru, and Monday would be better, so we agreed, and expected to do the S.G. Monday. When we arrived on Monday, we were setting up when a couple of divers arrived. I was then pulled aside and told there was a change of plans by the Capt. When I started to complain, he agreed with me but told me he had to go where the shop told him, and we should take it up with the shop when we got back. We ended up going to Cary's Fort Reef.
One good thing happened doing Cary's Fort reef that day. My dive buddy and I saw 2 Hammerhead sharks, 6-7 ft long, in about 26 ft of water, heading out to sea. THAT was amazing, as one came within 10-15 ft of me.
I understand Rick and Janet have sold the shop, and my beef is with them, not necessarily the shop. So, I wish you the best of luck in making a go of it. As for me, I have learned my lesson, and when putting together trips will only book the whole boat and have all promises in writing.
C-Dawg
