After carefully evaluating a few great companies, we ended up using Captain's Corner. There were a few details that helped decide this. Their boat leaves 30 mins later then Dive Key West and they were within walking distance of our hotel. This gave us the better part of an hour in the morning with being able to walk there and not fight for a parking spot. It feels nice not to be rushed when your on vacation, who wants to get up at 6am every morning when you're supposed to be relaxing.
After running the numbers with (included) and without out guides (extra $), I realized that it made sense to just complete our AOW cert. This was only $100 more then adding a guide every time. While requesting AOW class prices Captain's Corner informed me that after completing our certification that we would be graduates and entitled to future discounted rates on diving, $85->$65. With that discount a double dip with guide is only $95pp after completing out AOW.
With most dive ops rating very similar these two options were enough to make the decision easy. There communication was superior compared to everyone else as well. I probably have over 15 emails back and forth with them, all answered usually within an hour. Other ops failed to even respond to a simple AOW price request.
Now as for their operation, it was great. I received a call from my instructor (Billy) the day before just to get an idea (for both of us) of what was going on. We discussed our experience, location, gear, ect ect. He also explained how things would work the next day as well. He even let us know not to hang our gear over the balcony where we were staying, as they do not appreciate that
. Not completely necessary but a very nice personal touch that was above and beyond.
They do have a nice new larger boat. It seems that most boats there are of this size, at least the ones we saw actually going out. Not small like the 6 packs of Cozumel.
Seas were 3-5' every day so the larger boat was much nicer. Now I know people can be disinterested in "Cattle Boats", but it never felt like that. Most days there were 20+ divers and they do a great job of loading and unloading. Never did we feel rushed, waiting or over crowded. Everything flowed very smoothly. Most divers on board were advanced and had their acts together as well. Unlike the Cancun boat that was filled with 25 divers plus guides, I was the most experienced diver with 15 dives and the only one with my own gear. That was definitely a cattle boat.
Captain, Teachers, DM's, Guides and dock help were all great. Very professional but still fun. We did 6 dives for our AOW with Billy, he seams to take most students. Very great teacher. Even spent extra time with my wife on compass comprehension as we were really rushed though that in OW. Before she had no idea what it was, now she is very confident with it. He debriefed us after every dive with things to work on and how to become better divers over all. After or training dives we did two more with another guide, Amanda. She was great too. Gave us an increased understanding of NDL, ppo and deco as related to our computers, and the major differences between them.
As far as handling your gear and "valet service", it goes both ways. Basically if you have your own gear, they wont touch it. They will politely ask if you'd like help, such as switching over in between dives, and are more then happy to do so. But a simple no thank you and they will not touch your gear. They are very understanding that most people don't want their gear touched. Now if you rent a full setup from them, they usually tell you to relax and enjoy your vacation, as they switch it over for you.
All and all we did 8 dives over 3 days. Most days there were divers from other op's on their boat as well. I'm not sure if it was due to weather or lack of interest, but the only other boat we ever saw out there was Southpoint. I would absolutely recommend them and they will be my first choice when we return.
