Which dive shop on West Bay Beach?

[xaf1plt]

We are staying at Infinity Bay March 1-March 8th. 4 divers looking for a dive shop for the first 4 days of the trip. Would most likely just dive each morning, maybe an afternoon dive or 2. Three of the divers have their own gear, 1 will have to rent. The 3 that have their gear would like to store it at the shop overnight so they don't need to drag it up and down the beach each day. I understand that TGI now has an operation at Infinity, but because it's so new, I haven't read many reviews. Is the TGI operation at Infinity pretty much the same as at Henry Morgan? And can anyone compare the TGI operation to the one at Bananarama resort? I realize that the whole experience in many ways will depend on the personalities of the dive masters and other personnel, so I guess I'm trying to increase the odds of a favorable outcome by doing some research up front. Do both operations accept credit cards? March 1 looks the like the beginning of a very busy season. Would we need to book the dives in advance, or wait until we get there? Hope those questions make sense, I'm not the diver here; just the one with enough time to do the research.
Thanks in advance.

 

[jlevine]

We are staying at Infinity Bay March 1-March 8th. 4 divers looking for a dive shop for the first 4 days of the trip. Would most likely just dive each morning, maybe an afternoon dive or 2. Three of the divers have their own gear, 1 will have to rent. The 3 that have their gear would like to store it at the shop overnight so they don't need to drag it up and down the beach each day. I understand that TGI now has an operation at Infinity, but because it's so new, I haven't read many reviews. Is the TGI operation at Infinity pretty much the same as at Henry Morgan? And can anyone compare the TGI operation to the one at Bananarama resort? I realize that the whole experience in many ways will depend on the personalities of the dive masters and other personnel, so I guess I'm trying to increase the odds of a favorable outcome by doing some research up front. Do both operations accept credit cards? March 1 looks the like the beginning of a very busy season. Would we need to book the dives in advance, or wait until we get there? Hope those questions make sense, I'm not the diver here; just the one with enough time to do the research.
Thanks in advance.

Wow...lots of good questions. First, glad you are coming to Roatan! It's a great island. One of the things about Infinity Bay is that it is right near a dock. That alone is an incentive to use the onsite operation. It's just easier to board a boat at a dock rather than going into the water and climbing the ladder. TGI has a good reputation and has been on West Bay for years. I have dove with Bananarama and Mayan Divers. Both are great ops but you will need to walk into the water to board the boats. I am not talking about really deep water, just a few feet. I just prefer having a dock. All of the operators nowadays accept credit cards, but you may get a discount if you pay cash. As far as booking in advance, there are pros and cons. Letting the shop know you are coming helps them to plan for staff and boats. They can also have gear ready for you if you need it. On the flip side, I don't like paying for dives in advance if I don't know the shop's history. Also, different shops have different policies about refunds for previously booked dives. I never book dives in advance, but that's just me. You can always walk up the beach and pick another shop if Infinity Bay is full. Most shops will let you store your own gear there overnight.

Have fun!

 

[Carl_F]

My wife and I enjoyed Bananarama last year for a week at the end of February and this year will be staying two weeks (12 more days 'til departure!!!)

I really enjoyed the staff at Bananarama. I don't have any experience with TGI. Bananarama accepts credit cards and they are responsive to email, too. Last year I did not have a problem getting two dives in per day and arranging the dives the day before. The boats are definitely no frills but that was fine for me and they worked fine (pictures are on their website.) The dive staff is what made the trip so enjoyable and has us going back and staying longer.

They do have lockers available (if I recall correctly, bring your own lock ... they may have locks available ... I didn't ask at the time and didn't need it.)

Carl

 

[jerlane]

Not sure if you're still looking for info, but we've been to roatan twice (stayed at infinity bay both times) and dove with Bananrama both times. I can't say enough good things about them. Sofia and Mal run the dive shop and are great. The Shop is a short stroll down the beach. It's very convenient. The Thirsty Turtle is the bar and restaurant at Bananrama and is a great place to have lunch and a drink after a dive. We love them and can't wait to go back. FWIW, I brought my own gear and my wide rented.
If you have any other questions please let me know.

BTW, the staff at Infinity Bay has always been great too. Very friendly and helpful and most were there when we returned a few years later. Have fun!

 

[fins]

I used Mayan Divers last October and was very pleased with their operation. They are just a short walk down the beach from Infinity.