Shattered__minds

Hi there,

I dove with Cozumel H2o back in January. I did a private dive but the boat also had about 5-6 snorkelers. I had to grab a cab from the port to the marina. It was great. PLENTY of time to shop around afterwards. In fact Loes took me back to the port herself as the cab that came picked up the snorkelers and took them to a restaurant and she didn't want me to have to wait for another cab. Very nice operation and superb staff and crew. VERY safe and VERY fun.

We just did the Rhapsody as well and are doing it again.

Diving in Roatan, Belize and Coz with a day at Maya Chan in Costa Maya.

All diving done independently of the ship.

Roatan: coconuttreedivers.com crappy weather led to poor viz so not the best conditions

Belize: there is only one in Belize city http://www.seasportsbelize.com/ Lionfish ceviche on your surface interval was AMAZING.

Cozumel: www.cozumelh2o.com/ <----- is why were going back to coz in October and then again in Jan.

Non Ship recommendations:

Roatan: Coconut tree https://www.coconuttreedivers.com/

Coz: Cozumel H2o http://www.cozumelh2o.com/

Did 2 tanks with both and were back with PLENTY of time to shop/drink. H20 offers private dives and I enjoyed it so much that we're going back in October to dive with them again.

Kathi, we are on the ROTS as well but leaving 1/28/18. I booked with Turtle for GC and am going back to dive with Cozumel H2O. I went out with them this year on a private dive and it was the 2nd best dive I have been on definitely worth the extra money. We passed tons of boats that had tons of divers. it was just me and my guide on ours. In fact it was so good were going back in October out of Mobile to dive Coz again :)

Thanks Robin I just sent them an email!

I tried to book with another opp (living the dream divers) and they said the ship schedule didn't work with their on island schedule. I didn't want to waste time emailing a bunch of shops if the timing was going to be bad.

Hopefully its a go with Turtle. They have good trip advisor reviews too.

Heading to Grand Cayman in early Feb 2018. in port from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. this doesn't seem like a good timeline to get in a 2 tank dive. That is why I am asking so early out. if this time in port doesn't jive with the shops we may need to look at other cruise options. So anyone have any recommendations for shops that would take me out for a 2 tank in this time frame? I would rather reschedule the cruise then be forced to go on a ship excursion to dive.

Thanks in advance!

UPDATE:

Ended up going with SeaSports and it was definitely worth it. Easy to find, awesome crew, small group and nice dive locations. I agree that the fresh Lion fish ceviche was a super awesome bonus. Dives were relaxing and fun. Everyone was professional and safe. Would definitely dive with them again.

We are sailing on the Rhapsody on the 28th with the same itinerary. Do you remember if they changed times to local or were you on ship's time the whole way?

Good to hear that you have found something that works for the both of you!! As far as fear preventing you from diving...I was the same way, I wouldn't even go in the water past my chest. Bad experience as a child. But then I started snorkeling and saw all the wondrous things that were under the water. It took some guts but I over came the fear I had and now work my cruises around ports with diving. Its a whole new world and one that most people don't experience. I got my Certification and then even went and got my Advanced level. The cool thing is, at least with my shop, is they don't make you feel different because of your fears. They take you step by step and don't rush you. I am so glad I did it and encourage you to at least give it a go, especially if its something your daughter enjoys. I have never felt unsafe or fearful on ANY dives regardless of op or location. Plus if you like pictures its amazing what kind of shots you can get under water. Good luck and have fun!

Ps I am from the east side of the CLE ;)

First off let me say reading your reviews is what got me into cruising so its nice that I can actually help (maybe).

I have dived in Curacao. I used Bas Harts. I am certified though and I am not sure if they offer any "discover" classes but I would ask to find out. The best part about them is they took pictures while we were under and sent them to you for free after. Super cool small shop with awesome DM's. If you really enjoy Scuba I recommend getting certified that way you can really get the full experience of being underwater and the amazing world that is there. Aruba we skipped and did the Trikes instead, super fun. Grand Turk I used Blue Water Divers. That one was my very first boat dive. AMAZING. I would reach out to them to for the "discover" potential.

If I remember right your from OH? If your anywhere near the NE look at Just Add Water scuba shop. They have all kinds of fun classes (certification and Pool days) and are very good at what they do. Ask for Brenda she is the owner and is great with kids too.

Good luck!

I used VIP as a single diver (no Buddy) while my other got with some friends and rented a golf cart and travelled around the island. They ended up finding us at one of our stops and had a blast exploring. I was with another couple and a DM. We didn't get to chose our sites but went to Sweet Dreams and the Salt Pier. I don't care what op you use but you HAVE to dive the Salt Pier 4-5 ft resident barracuda and the micro is pretty phenom too.

VIP was good if only for the small group, gear was good but I didn't get that warm fuzzy feeling from them didn't really seem to be "having fun" just doing the job. It was pretty rough getting in as it was windy but worth it when you got under. Overall one of the best sites I have been to but not the best operator.

They got me back in PLENTY of time to rinse gear, log the dives, get my stamps and back to the Village to shop. So don't worry about that. Lunch was great actual food not snacks. Neat to learn about the history of the island from our DM as well. Overall good day but next time I would have to try a different op.

PS all the diving is shore and not worth getting on a boat to go out. there are thousands of spots you can just pull off and get in the water. You will see all the entries marked with Yellow named rocks and some "other" methods. look for the flip flop trees, etc.

Dive Grenada is an awesome shop. Plus if your with non divers they have a great beach for them to hang out at while you are out. You have to dive the Sculpture park in Grenada it is fantastic. We dove Purple Rain and the Park with homemade cookies in between. Owner picked us up from the terminal and was a great mini history lesson on the way to Gran Anse beach. Super awesome crew.

St Croix I used SCUBA St Croix ultimate bluewater adventure. They were all set up at the end of the Cruise pier and dropped you back at the same spot. Very organized and really awesome group too. We dove Kayak and Aliens on that one.

I am also a newbie and all of these dives were very easy.

PS Dominica you have to do the river tubing its fantastic.

This dive op is no longer in business (Hugh) and there are no excursions through the ship. Sorry I should have mentioned that.

This is one of the ports where I will use the ship excursions, if they are using Hugh Parkeys they normally pick you up from the ship and take you back to the ship without having to go into the terminal at Belize City. Boat is clean and normally the groups are not very large, the diving is excellent.

 

Trying to go out to Cay Caulker on the water taxi is really going to push you for time since you have to go into the terminal at Belize City, then head on over to the island and hope you get there before the boats leave in the morning. Keep in mind that your ship may not be on local time and that will really throw a wrench in the works.

 

We just spent a week on Cay Caulker, that's the way to go diving there. Great place to be, no problem with time difference and in the evening you can sit on the waters edge and watch the sun go down while indulging in your favorite adult beverage. Southwest flies there from Houston, book far enough out and it's not that expensive, also with their two checked bags you can take your own gear.

 

Just read where Hugh Parkeys has closed so now I'm going to have to find another operator. That's a shame because they were always a class act.

So I have been researching options to dive in Belize and need some opinions.

Ship will be in on 1/31/17 from 7-5. Only ship in port that day.

Experience level beginner w. advanced cert. 17 dives over Caribbean. Need to rent gear.

Travel companion does not dive :( And I know I wont miss the ship unless there is a BIG issue so I am not worried about that.

Options:

1) 2 tank local dive with Sea Sports Belize. Thinking about this just for logistics. No flight or tender needed. Local and Boyfriend can explore the city while I am out. $146.25 total

2) 2 tank at Ambergris Caye w. ShoreExcursioneer. Thinking about this as I have heard the diving is better away from the city. Not sure what to do with the boyfriend he may stay behind. Involves a flight. $169.00

3) 2 tank at EcoTours Belize. Again away from the city at Ambergris Caye. $175.00.

4) I was thinking of taking the ferry over to Caye Caulker and hitting up a shop when I got there as well. Not sure if the diving is better there or what the cost would be but that way he can hang out on the beach while I am out.

Question: Which option and why?

What do you recommend if there are no options through the boat?

It seems the only good diving is out in Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, both of which involve getting on a puddle jumper to get there. Not something I want to do and risk missing the boat entirely. Maybe a boat sponsored excursion will open up closer to the cruise (1/17).

Thanks all had no idea the naming was just itinerary names that's a first. :)

New to Holland and was looking at the available cruises they have on their site. Is there a difference between a Wayfarer classified cruise and a Seafarer? if so what is that difference? thanks!

Weather is here, wish you were beautiful. Jimmy Buffett

Sounds like you may be on the carnival cruise I am on too. I am diving in St croix, grenada, bonaire and curacao. Let me know if you want names of ops I found.

I have reached out to as many dive op's as I can find, both indi and resort based. Thinking about VIP or Buddy Dive as top 2 so far. Need to stay away from the one the boat uses which is Dive Friends. Also need to consider non diver and be sure that they have something to do while i am out. Who did you dive with in Bonaire and how did you like it?

Who did you use and how did you like them? I am torn between N2the Blue and SCUBA. They seem to be equal in every way, $, sites, time, pickup drop off, etc. Tell me who you used and did you like them? Not really interested in feedback on any others. thanks

Awesome thanks and great to hear that you had good dives!

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Please let us know who you chose to go with and your experiences when you get back. I am going to the same set of islands but not until feb 2016 and would like to know how things went for you!!

I just got back and dove with Oasis divers in GT. It was through the boat (carnival Liberty 120ish for 2 tank) that is the only way they will book you.

I also am a new diver and this was only my 2nd dive (first one off a boat) since i was certified in July.

I also did not have a buddy. There were only 6 of us on the tour plenty for the DM to handle. We weren't assigned buddies but really just watched out for each other.

The dive was great and the staff was good too. We went down 75 ft on the first dive and I was not at all worried. stayed down for @ 45-50 min. If you tend to get cold rent a shortie (10$) i didnt and even though the water was 78degrees i was freezing when i got back onboard. they do 2 tanks and the wall was amazing.

I would recommend them and would def use them again if ever back in GT. HAVE FUN!

(him) -- We are on your same cruise, just not going to the meet and greet.

As (her) pointed out, we are staying at Cape.

There a few hotels/motels they offer shuttle services ( I Googled hotels w/ shuttle service), I know renting a car can sometimes be a hassle, but but cheaper then using the shuttle if you have to pay for it and want several stops.

I also did a quick look at "family days out" for Cape Canaveral, there some close activities for kids, but the transportation could be a factor.

You can find a hotel close to the beach and play in the sand, hunt for shells, walk and run in the surf, build sand castles. Your little guy might really like the simple pleasures of building a castle on the beach, in the middle of your Canadian winter you'll be missing.