I am also a fan of smaller boats/smaller dive group sizes, of buddy diving and also of hiring a dive guide if it is your first dive in a new area or new situation. That way, you can relax a bit and enjoy the dive more as the guide should be quite helpful in navigating and pointing out the highlights that you most likely wouldn't otherwise see if on your own.
When I was newly-certified, I went on my first boat dive and didn't want to look like a noob so I didn't ask important questions and stressed out quite a bit. It really undermined the quality of my dive and it was purely my fault! Now, I am not afraid to ask questions and let the captain/dive guide know my concerns or shortcomings/lack of experience as a diver in that particular setting. I definitely recommend a dive guide if your area (we don't know where you are!) offers one.
Best of luck to you and happy diving. Hopefully you will let us know how your first boat dive goes
When I was newly-certified, I went on my first boat dive and didn't want to look like a noob so I didn't ask important questions and stressed out quite a bit. It really undermined the quality of my dive and it was purely my fault! Now, I am not afraid to ask questions and let the captain/dive guide know my concerns or shortcomings/lack of experience as a diver in that particular setting. I definitely recommend a dive guide if your area (we don't know where you are!) offers one.
Best of luck to you and happy diving. Hopefully you will let us know how your first boat dive goes