SandyUT
Contributor
- Messages
- 417
- Reaction score
- 32
- # of dives
- 200 - 499
We were at Blackbird resort the first week for April for 7 days. We went with the 6 days of diving included and Nitrox was also included at no charge. Some guests ala carted their diving and nitrox. I read tons of reviews and researched heavily before choosing Blackbird and have no regrets at all.
They pick you up at the airport and take you to the Radisson where all the resorts and live boards fetch their guests. We had time for a snack and a couple brews while waiting for the boat. It’s a nice place to rest in between. The van was not immediately waiting for us as he was driving back and forth throughout the day. The people at the airport knew Mr. Moreno and assured us he was just there and would return. Which all occurred as planned.
Big Bird picked us all up and with all our gear and there were complimentary brews on the hour plus boat ride. We all chatted and started to get to know our friends for the week. I love free beer so this was a nice addition. Once we arrived we all met up in the bar for a welcome rum punch (love that as well) and briefing. While this was going on our bags were taken to our bungalows. After the review of schedule and such the bungalow numbers were given out and one by one we departed for them.
Our bungalow was spacious and the AC worked so well we had to turn the temp up as it was chilly. Couple couches, closet area, screened porch with 2 chairs and a hammock. Very nice. Water was drinkable from the faucet, shower was hot, ceiling fan went from low to lift off. Water pressure was on the lower side – but they make their own fresh water and we didn’t care about it at all.
Meals; Breakfast and lunch were buffet style and we say family style so we got to meet everyone and talk it up at all meals. Both breakfast and lunch were delicious with meat, salads, fruits, hot and cold items. Dinner was meat or fish. Both were outstanding. The portions were just right. Deserts were all good. After dinner Michael (manager) gave a briefing about the weather forecast and next day’s plan.
Bar; nice view and snacks at 5 including lion fish fingers – very yummy.
Diving; The crew was top notch! Cardinal, Ken and Max were out DM’s, Leo was our captain on and off. The DMs were fun knowledgeable and safe. They were good genuine people and we enjoyed getting to know about them and their families. We enjoyed beers with them our last night and that was a treat. They handled all our tanks and equip for the week. I was delighted that we didn’t need to surface when the first person ran out of air. We don’t used air very fast and feel cheated when this is the norm. we were on schedule but it was not a militant schedule. Belize time but not late. Perfect for the relaxed vacation attitude. I have only good things to say about the dive operation. We did not do the blue hole as we had done it previously, we were able to do three “local” dives that were great. Lot of the usual critters, many turtles and eagle rays, large green morays, one curious dolphin, toad fish, and a new one for us – bat fish.
Check out was Friday and it was easy. Bar tab was lower than anticipated and that was a nice was to leave. Tips could be charged and I loved that! Saturday morning departure was very timely and we had a smooth ride back to the Radisson on Big Bird. The van was waiting and we were quickly whisked back to the airport.
They pick you up at the airport and take you to the Radisson where all the resorts and live boards fetch their guests. We had time for a snack and a couple brews while waiting for the boat. It’s a nice place to rest in between. The van was not immediately waiting for us as he was driving back and forth throughout the day. The people at the airport knew Mr. Moreno and assured us he was just there and would return. Which all occurred as planned.
Big Bird picked us all up and with all our gear and there were complimentary brews on the hour plus boat ride. We all chatted and started to get to know our friends for the week. I love free beer so this was a nice addition. Once we arrived we all met up in the bar for a welcome rum punch (love that as well) and briefing. While this was going on our bags were taken to our bungalows. After the review of schedule and such the bungalow numbers were given out and one by one we departed for them.
Our bungalow was spacious and the AC worked so well we had to turn the temp up as it was chilly. Couple couches, closet area, screened porch with 2 chairs and a hammock. Very nice. Water was drinkable from the faucet, shower was hot, ceiling fan went from low to lift off. Water pressure was on the lower side – but they make their own fresh water and we didn’t care about it at all.
Meals; Breakfast and lunch were buffet style and we say family style so we got to meet everyone and talk it up at all meals. Both breakfast and lunch were delicious with meat, salads, fruits, hot and cold items. Dinner was meat or fish. Both were outstanding. The portions were just right. Deserts were all good. After dinner Michael (manager) gave a briefing about the weather forecast and next day’s plan.
Bar; nice view and snacks at 5 including lion fish fingers – very yummy.
Diving; The crew was top notch! Cardinal, Ken and Max were out DM’s, Leo was our captain on and off. The DMs were fun knowledgeable and safe. They were good genuine people and we enjoyed getting to know about them and their families. We enjoyed beers with them our last night and that was a treat. They handled all our tanks and equip for the week. I was delighted that we didn’t need to surface when the first person ran out of air. We don’t used air very fast and feel cheated when this is the norm. we were on schedule but it was not a militant schedule. Belize time but not late. Perfect for the relaxed vacation attitude. I have only good things to say about the dive operation. We did not do the blue hole as we had done it previously, we were able to do three “local” dives that were great. Lot of the usual critters, many turtles and eagle rays, large green morays, one curious dolphin, toad fish, and a new one for us – bat fish.
Check out was Friday and it was easy. Bar tab was lower than anticipated and that was a nice was to leave. Tips could be charged and I loved that! Saturday morning departure was very timely and we had a smooth ride back to the Radisson on Big Bird. The van was waiting and we were quickly whisked back to the airport.