lil93bit

ScubaLuis is another option.  He too used to work with a larger operation and struck out on his own. I love his customized service.

We used ProDive Roatan. A long time ago they were called Quality Time Divers. They personally don't pick you up, but if you schedule with them, they contract with a particular taxi driver to pick you up and drop you off at the cruise port. (Or they used to)

Even though you are a newbie, if it were me and I had the confidence to do it; I would do every port.  The diving is great!  That is the ultimate dive cruise right there. Be honest with yourself, your dive buddies, the dive master - you will be fine. As long as you are in your comfort zone, you will enjoy every dive experience and a good dive master will cater the dive locations to your comfort/experience level.

I enjoy going to smaller dive shops that will give me the customized dive experience to do each port back-to-back.  I like ProDive Roatan, in Roatan. Every time I have dove with them it was just me, my husband (my dive partner), and the dive master.  In Belize, there is only one shop (as everyone mentioned) Sea Shop Belize. Gypsea Divers in Costa Maya is one of the best dive operations that I have encountered. You enter as a customer and leave as a friend. Finally, in Cozumel, I dive with Scuba Luis. He limits his boat to 6 divers so you have a customized, personalized diving experience.

Trust me - at the end of 4 days, you will be tired, but the memories and experiences will be worth it. You CAN do it.

We did a shore dive from Coki Beach in St. Thomas and loved it.  It was recommended to me by a person born and raised there.

Coki Beach is a great place to snorkel on St. Thomas. If you have your own gear, I would not pay for an excursion as it is a perfect beach entry.  It has been several years since I went, but we actually did a shore dive there and just rented tanks. (We took a taxi - I think it was - to get there). 

I tried to find somewhere at Labadee to snorkel, but there wasn't anything there to dive or snorkel.

I think I found a scuba shop at St. Maarten, but I don't remember. Good Luck.

We have always had a wonderful, customized experience with ProDive Roatan.  We started diving with them when they were known as Quality Time Divers.  Even though we have not dove with them for a bit, they will be my first call the next time we stop in Roatan.

Not sure how you're doing the math, but 25% off each and 0% off one 50% off the other should be the same exact price.

$346.63*.75*2 (25% off each) = $519.95

$346.63+($346.63*.5) (Full price one, half price second) = $519.95

I totally agree, but the purchase price for both the packages ring up to be $554.60 not $519.95. Donno

I too just called RC about the buy one, get one 50%. They said that the system would not allow the 50% so each package was 25% off.

I did the math (with them on the phone). The full price for one package would be $346.63 each (gratuity included) for a 5 night sailing on the Brilliance in September. I figured out for 2 people buying one package at full price + one at 50% would cost $519.95. The "sale" that they have with 25% off each package would cost $554.60. The math did not add up. So I asked if I could get a $30 OBC to offset the difference, of course not. The price was take it or leave it.

I'm hoping for a better sale (that is truth in advertising).

I have always done a "dressy Sunday" (like Easter Sunday dressing). The average guy does shirt tie or shirt, tie, sport coat. You will see some less dressy and you will see some tuxes and beaded ball gowns. Hope this helps.

Headed out on the Allure of the Seas and wanting to DIVE! Looking for recommendations for operators (no RCCL excursions please) for 2 divers. We will have all equipment except tanks and weights.

Thanks in Advance.

I would check with Off the Wall Divers. Great operation! First time I dove with them, we did the best shore dive in GC - Turtle Reef. You won't be disappointed.

I have done the RCCL trip and dove ALL the spots. Enjoyed every one.

As for shops my recommendations are:

Roatan: Quality Time Divers. You choose your group (it was me and the hubby only). Dives are based upon your skills, desires, and water conditions. They even offer an outdoor shower and towels before your departure.

Grand Cayman: Off the Wall Divers. You know they care when they call you at home before your departure to make sure things are right (yes, from Grand Cayman).

Belize City: There is only one shop in the city. Sea Sports Belize. Nice shop within walking distance of the tender port. I would dive with them again. All other shops are at Ambergris Cay (you can take a short (hop) plane ride there for an extra $100 (I think it was) and dive there.

Costa Maya: Gypsea Divers. Very nice. Quaint little dive shop with good personalized service. I have dove with them numerous times. (note: Nitrox is not available here).

Cozumel: Good luck. I have dove there twice and have not found my diving home there yet!

Good Luck and enjoy your trips!

If you are docking in Belize City, there is only one dive shop in the city. All others are in Ambergris Cay.

You can take a short (hop) flight to the Cay otherwise I think they said the boat ride was about an hour.

I dove with the shop in Belize City, Sea Sports Belize. I enjoyed the dive, the guide, and the surface interval food. I was very satisfied with trip and would dive with them again. They are within walking distance of the port.

For me, one of the other deciding points was the tendering. I just didn't want to pay $200pp for flights, dives, and worrying about getting back on time.

I have dove with Coconut Tree. I did like them, but felt a little rushed to get into the water by their dive master.

Last time I went to Roatan, I dove with Quality Time Divers. TOP NOTCH! You choose your group and the dives are determined based upon your desires (and water conditions, of course). The dive master even takes video of your excursion with him. They even provide an outdoor shower and towels to clean up after the dive, if you choose. This is the ONLY place I will dive with now. *Plus, the boat captain has family that owns a restaurant within walking distance. The coconut shrimp was great for our surface interval.*

No matter what, take your time don't rush to get in the water. Also, don't be afraid to tell the DM that this is some of your first dives. I'm sure (if they are good DMs) that they will help you anyway possible to feel comfortable in the water. Plus, they usually give some good tips too.

I would totally recommend Of the Wall Divers in Grand Cayman. Stopped there on a cruise in August. Tom, the owner, ran a top notch shop. Not only did he accomidate this (at the time) brand new diver; he also allowed my (at the time) non-diving husband to snorkel the same location. His boat was full, so he took us to one of the best shore dives in GC, Turtle Reef. Prior to my arrival, he even called me 3 times (in Alabama) to assist with the planning of this diving adventure.

I found out about this shop via this forum (old thread) and read reviews on Trip Advisor. Not only will you not be disappointed, I plan to use this shop when I return!

Planning to sail Mid-August on RCCL Freedom of the Seas. Going to Haiti, Jamacia, Grand Cayman, & Cozumel. I am looking for suggestions for a new diver (finishing certification now). My husband loves to snorkel, but not a diver.

What places would be on your "bucket list"? Can you dive & snorkel together? Who/what operators would you use?

Looking for ideas.