QueenAngel
Registered
Our trip to Coz this year was more wonderful than usual, due to the rain-free , norte - free weather, and the outstanding service of Christi's Blue XT Sea.
THE DIVE OP
I cannot say enough good things about this dive op. The Shamu, with DM Pedro and Captain Mago on board, showed up when they said they would on all of our dive days. It is a small boat, kitted out with O2, a shaded deck and the most helpful staff I have ever experienced. They set up our gear every dive, had an analyser on board for the Nitrox, and slogged our gear home with them every day for a wash and dry. You can"t beat that! I had an "iffy" knee at the time, and they were very careful with me.
A very throurgh dive brief was given every day and we got to the reefs early on most days, passing many other boats on the way there. There were no limits on dive time, we dove our computers and we had bottom times of 48 to 70 minutes. Pedro was extremely attentive to all divers, and was fantastic at finding whatever it was that we particularly wanted to see.
We had nice long SI, ( Safety is ALWAYS first with Christi's op) always at a local beach where we warmed up on a lounge, while nibbling on the wonderful muffins, sandwiches, nuts and the like, that Christi had prepared for us. Those nice warm fuzzy towels and long warm up jackets are a definate plus also! Then we were off for a 2nd dive, with tons of critters to see. I have never enjoyed a dive experience more, and we will not ,in the future, use anyone but Blue XT Sea.
THE HOTEL
We again stayed at the Iberostar this year, for the 3rd time. And, while I know most of you out there probably prefer going to town to eat, being the old girl that I am, I enjoyed just eating at the compound and going to bed early most nights. ( With a couple of exceptions). The Iberostar is becoming a little tired, but by most standards is quiet accomodating and in reality these days, not more than a 3 1/2 star establishment. As usual, the food was quiet acceptable, though, as is the case with most AI's, a little repeditive. The staff was very friendly as usual, and a few dollars tip every day was appreciated.
As I have said, we did not go out to dine a lot. Mostly because my knee wasn't up to the walking about by the end of the day. However, we did make a trip to town to try Christi's fav restaurant called Especias (sp?), which is a triffle off the beaten path, but well worth the little extra effort to walk there. The food was just fantastic and the owner Adrien greeted us and bid us farewell with a great big hug! Thanks to Christi for pointing us in his direction.
Well, I guess I have been a little wordy, but this is the first time I have posted a trip report. I just hope it goes in the right spot on the board. I just had to say " thanks" to Christi for making this year's trip to Coz so memorable.
Cindy
THE DIVE OP
I cannot say enough good things about this dive op. The Shamu, with DM Pedro and Captain Mago on board, showed up when they said they would on all of our dive days. It is a small boat, kitted out with O2, a shaded deck and the most helpful staff I have ever experienced. They set up our gear every dive, had an analyser on board for the Nitrox, and slogged our gear home with them every day for a wash and dry. You can"t beat that! I had an "iffy" knee at the time, and they were very careful with me.
A very throurgh dive brief was given every day and we got to the reefs early on most days, passing many other boats on the way there. There were no limits on dive time, we dove our computers and we had bottom times of 48 to 70 minutes. Pedro was extremely attentive to all divers, and was fantastic at finding whatever it was that we particularly wanted to see.
We had nice long SI, ( Safety is ALWAYS first with Christi's op) always at a local beach where we warmed up on a lounge, while nibbling on the wonderful muffins, sandwiches, nuts and the like, that Christi had prepared for us. Those nice warm fuzzy towels and long warm up jackets are a definate plus also! Then we were off for a 2nd dive, with tons of critters to see. I have never enjoyed a dive experience more, and we will not ,in the future, use anyone but Blue XT Sea.
THE HOTEL
We again stayed at the Iberostar this year, for the 3rd time. And, while I know most of you out there probably prefer going to town to eat, being the old girl that I am, I enjoyed just eating at the compound and going to bed early most nights. ( With a couple of exceptions). The Iberostar is becoming a little tired, but by most standards is quiet accomodating and in reality these days, not more than a 3 1/2 star establishment. As usual, the food was quiet acceptable, though, as is the case with most AI's, a little repeditive. The staff was very friendly as usual, and a few dollars tip every day was appreciated.
As I have said, we did not go out to dine a lot. Mostly because my knee wasn't up to the walking about by the end of the day. However, we did make a trip to town to try Christi's fav restaurant called Especias (sp?), which is a triffle off the beaten path, but well worth the little extra effort to walk there. The food was just fantastic and the owner Adrien greeted us and bid us farewell with a great big hug! Thanks to Christi for pointing us in his direction.
Well, I guess I have been a little wordy, but this is the first time I have posted a trip report. I just hope it goes in the right spot on the board. I just had to say " thanks" to Christi for making this year's trip to Coz so memorable.
Cindy
