Isla Mujeres dive shops?

[dbuster]

I'll be spending a week on Isla Mujeres this winter and plan to do a few days of diving. I'm open-water certified with 15-20 dives.

I'm looking for a recommendation or two on dive shops you have used.

I found one listed on PADI's website, but it seems to have gone belly-up and didn't get such great reviews when it was alive and kicking. And other dive shops that turned up on a Google search either are slow to answer e-mail queries or also seem to be out of business.

So, has anybody on the board dived on Isla Mujeres in the past several months? What shop(s) did you use and what was your level of satisfaction with 'em?

Thanks much.

Dennis

[Balam Nautic Center]

Hi Dennis. We are on the playa norte of Isla Mujeres, located inside the beautiful hotel Nabalam with our small caribbean diveshop. Our concept is totally different from the rest of the diveshops in the area. As very experienced research divers we discovered a couple of very exclusive interesting spots with a lot of sealife and frequent encounters with reef, lemon and bull sharks. Very small groups and personal care, our politic is totally against the big boats with 25 divers on (Cozumel style) but every trip with us is a real adventure and generally we use the rude authentic diving boats for authentic divers... groups of max 5 divers and in case of more we split our groups. On the nabalam.com you can find all the informations you need and you can contact Guido at the nauticaatnabalam.com(diving manager)

[joeabroad]

(this should move to the regular Mexico list)

We're also going to Isla Mujeres for a week this winter. I was certified there so it's always fun to go back. The owner of Coral Scuba Dive Center retired last year, and two new operations grew out of it: Carey Dive Center, which occupies the same space, and Enrique's Unique Dives, run by one of the Coral divemasters.

I've only just heard about the new Balam Nautic Center, and look forward to checking them out.

[trigfunctions]

We dove with Enrique's Unique Dives earlier this year and had a great time. Our divemaster was named CJ. The diving was off of a small fishing boat. For the first dives there were three of us and the afternoon dives only two. It was great!

[Balam Nautic Center]

Hi guys. At the moment I am the only real instructor on the island (Padi M.I., Cmas 3stars, Dan instructor too, EFR instructor trainer, oxygen provider, etc.) the rest all divemasters.
The difference betwen me and the others is that I dive for passion first... than money. So I'm introducing a different concept on the island: real dives for real divers... not "manchones and bandera". My dives are very far from the shore, sometime more than 1 hour and half by boat to search different types of sharks and all kind of staff and I'm not worried about the gasoline I spend, as the most part of the shops here. By the way I can affirm that Enrique is a very good and professional diver. Ciao ;)

[mdalseg]

Hey Dennis.
I dove with Andres and Manual at Squaloadventures on Isla Mujeres over the past months of October and November. THey're a great crew, really laid back and just a lot of fun to dive with. My first package i bought was a great deal for 6 tanks over three days for $125 USD minus 10%. Email me to get their website cuz this site says i have to send atleast five messages to be able to link URLs and i just signed up today when i saw your post. Or you can look up Squaloadventures dot com and find them :)
Give them a try!
Marshall mdalseg@hotmail.com for more info

[cornflake_girl]

Hey Dennis!

I have been to Isla Mujeres in octber,spent there a month, at the NaBalam Dive Shop and it was the best time I ever had in a dive shop.
Friendly stuff, amazing trips (even saw 7 sharks on a dive:)) and prices you can deal with!
I really recommend you to go to NaBalam, especially cus it#s located directly on the beach, not like the other diveshops....on concrete...and the trips are a real adeventure: small boat, nice guide and nice boat crew.
It's worth trying, before choosong another diveshop from the Isla. If you don't like it, you can just walk away and choose another one.

But please let me know what you didn't like...cus for me it was just the nicesest diving experience!

Enjoy

[Balam Nautic Center]

Thanks Cornflake girl... you didn't sign the post with your name but of course I know who you are... ;)
you and that dive are unbelieveble !!!! A big kiss... ciao
G.

[jerryscuba]

I've been In Islamujeres twice (three in mex)
dives are very nice but beware of fake local dm. I disagree with the mexycan style, many divers lost and basic standards bypassed too easily... sorry my vote is for guido, the italian instructor of nabalam
jerry from belgium

[Balam Nautic Center]

thanks man.... hope to see you here soon. Greetings to Jessyca ;)
G.

[travelure]

I have been diving Isla for over 12 years now. I always dived with Coral until Tino sold out the shop to Gilberto. On the wall at Coral were all his DMs and Inst. certificates, so I can assure the folks here that isla has many PADI certified inst/DMs not just one.

There are many certified instructors on the island (not just one), and any that I have met follow the PADI program. I know this as I am PADI instructor.

If you are in doubt about your instructor/DM just ask to see their cert card. It should have a current year sticker.

The only shop I know of that is not on the water rally is Aqua Adventures. They are the only shop on the island that has a PADI Resort label.

Enriques Unique Dives is on the beach, Cristal Divers and Carey are across the street from Velaquez pier on the beach. Sea Hawk is around the corner from Na Ba Laam and Squalo is on the beach behind Sergios Bar.I think even Mundaca divers is on the beach at the Avalon Reef , and a couple of others like Tarzan etc.

So for choice there are lots of shops.

I personally dive with Enrique's Unique Dives and have done so since Coral closed.

I will be there diving every day the port is open from Dec. 14/09 to Jan 08/10. If you need a buddy drop by and enjoy.

regards

[jerryscuba]

Sorry Travelure but I disagree. Aquadventures just pays the annual fee to Padi as resort but uses lots of different free lances that spend a while there and than they desapear because the management of the shop and the standards are too poor.
And the sticker doesn't exist since the beginnig of 2009. Now you have to check on the padi website if an istr./dm is renewed. Anyway that's a consistence difference between a divemaster and an instructor. Last thing... Tino didn't sell the shop to Gilberto, but the shop was closed because during a dive they lost a diver last year. Greetings
Jeremy Trouver

[joeabroad]

Last thing... Tino didn't sell the shop to Gilberto, but the shop was closed because during a dive they lost a diver last year. Greetings
Jeremy Trouver

Hold on--lost a diver? Last I heard Gilberto was indeed the new owner and operating.

Are you saying that Caray is no longer in business? Can anyone confirm this?

[travelure]

Don't worry. I am on the island now and will be for the next month. I was talking to Gilberto this morning and he is still alive and running the shop.

And Jerry, I stay with Tino every time I'm down here and he did pass Coral (now Carey divers) on to Gilberto.

As far as a lost diver is concerned I have heard all the stories about why he closed (1/2/3 divers lost) but Tino told me why he sold/settledup with Coral. If you want to talk to him about it he is fairly open for his reasons.

My point in my original post is that there are lots of good DMs / instructors and good shops on the island not just one.

Also there is no law stating you must be PADI cert. DM to lead dives. In my experience it is sometimes better to dive with someone who has 500 + dives and has been living in an area their whole lives (even if they are only OW) than a DM with 30 dives who has never dived the area before.

There are always unscrupulous people in this business (just read PADI Quality stats) but I have never read anything about DMs or Instructors from the island being bounced for misrepresenting themselves.

As far as Aqua goes,yes they use freelance, it is a common practice in many countries.

My error on the sticker..I'll eat that, oh and I am OWSI, EAN, EFRI all in good standing insured until June 2010.

Sam

[jerryscuba]

I'm not on the island now. I'll be there perhaps in march. Travelure if you are in Isla now, of course you know better than me the situation. Maybe I was confused by the rumors last time I was there. I apologyze to you and Joeabroad.
By the way for sure I meet people on the island that doesn't respect the basic standards at all... I did almost all my courses with a very scrupulous instructor so I take a lot of care to the standards because as pros it's the only way to be protected and covered in an emergency situation. For example it's not true at all that each diver with or more than 500 dives can lead a group...!!! The program discover local diving MUST be conducted at least by a local divemaster and it's trough that after that there are no laws that say that certified divers must be leaded necessarly by a divemaster... but in case of emergency or accident can you tell me how an OWD gives the basic cares or emergency oxygen or rescue a victim? And more... I saw (this time with my eyes and not from rumors) absolute beginners leaded by simple Ow or Advanced divers... that's the approximation that I found on the island and that's the reason because me and my wife (advanced with 260 logged dives) prefer to dive with titled professionals also if I am a professional too... my best regards and sorry again for the missunderstanding
Jerry

[Sushi Boy]

Would y'all be willing to share your impressions of the diving from Isla Mujeres? I've been to Cozumel enough times that I'd like to find a good alternative. How does the diving on Isla Mujeres compare?

[Balam Nautic Center]

Hola Sushy boy. I've been in Cozumel one year and half and in Isla Mujeres almost two years.
Dives in Isla are very interesting. On the west-south side it's all natural park and dives are nice and easy. On the north side there is the sleeping shark's cave, Medialuna and other very nice drops. I have my personal spots on my "precious" gps, sites with no name but very amazing also for the most experienced divers. At least 6/7 miles far from the shore. Of course, in Isla there is not the wall that is an incredible coral gap unic in the world, and sometime visibility is a little bit worse than Cozu, but if you are looking for an alternative try Isla and you'll be not disappointed. Of course, you have to select your DC to avoid a double tank with four discoveries ;)
But anyway it's so easy to get on the island that it doesn't coast too much time and money to try the experience once! Have a nice day.
Guido Cocchia
Padi MI 964959

[traciedee]

Maybe I'm confused, but the only dive shop I see on the padi dive site for IM is Aqua Adventures. Balam I don't see your dive shop on there. Also Aqua Adventures says in their website they have padi certified dive masters. Am I missing something?

[travelure]

Hi Tracidee,

As stated in some posts above there are many dive shops on Isla. They are run by PADI certified DM's and instructors. Some are better than others, but it ends up being personal preference in the end. I have complete confidence and would recommend Enrique's Unique Diving (for advanced divers), Cristal Divers and Carey. All their staff are very professional.

I have been diving Isla for 12 years and I have not dived with any other shops on the island so I won't comment on them.

You don't have to be listed on PADI's resort site to have PADI cert. staff and offer diving.

As far as Aqua Adventures go, as Jerry Scuba pointed out they are basically a store front. They either set you up on a dive and hire a boat/DM or take a commission and put you with other shops. Yes they are on the PADI site, but that is more of a designation they purchased. As far as I know they don't have boats or permanent dive staff.

I have heard good things about Squalo Divers as well, but never dived with them. I think the owner (Andreas?) is the son of the person who owns the dive shops for the Cancun Moon Palace and the Isla Mujeres Palace. I have dived with some of the staff that work there when they worked at other shops and can say that they were very professional. They are located across from the Nauti Beach Hotel by the Playa Sol beach bar.

Hope this helps. Guido can answer questions about his shop.

Regards,

Sam

[traciedee]

Did not know you could buy a padi certificate. Kind of defeats the purpose doesn't it? I also just assumed that a padi shop would only have padi certified dive masters/etc and follow padi guidelines. I guess that's why I always come here to get recommendations for the best/safest dive shops to wherever I am going. Thanks for the info.

[travelure]

Did not know you could buy a padi certificate. Kind of defeats the purpose doesn't it? I also just assumed that a padi shop would only have padi certified dive masters/etc and follow padi guidelines. I guess that's why I always come here to get recommendations for the best/safest dive shops to wherever I am going. Thanks for the info.

Hi Traci,

Please don't misunderstand what I have written. You don't buy a PADI certificate, you have to fulfill certain requirements laid out by PADI to to be recognized as a "PADI dive shop, scuba diving shop, dive resort or scuba dive shop., then you maintain the requirements and pay a yearly fee to PADI to keep the rating.

I am fairly certain that Aqua follows PADI guidelines etc. and use certified DM's and Instructors. Please don't misunderstand what I've said. It is just that, to my knowledge they don't have fulltime staff.

[scubaswenson]

I have been travelling to Isla Mujeres since the spring of 2007. My first dive ever was with Aqua adventures on a discover scuba dive. I came home and got certified and was on the fast track to OWSI. I finished in near record time Just over 6 months. That’s the fastest PADI will allow. Luckily I had quit my job that summer and was able to do nothing but dive. I have spent many months on Isla since that time, I consider myself a Isla aficionado. I have dived at least 50 dives with Aqua adventures the latest was the summer of 2009. I must admit the quality of the dive masters has suffered lately. If they still employ Wilbert, well Wilbert is awesome. The claim they are a front and send you with other operators is complete BS. I know the owner, Sonia, she is American and legit. Donna used to help her run it and did a great job. They own their own boat, permits, and gear. I would have only dived with Coral or Aqua Adventures but I guess Coral is gone. There may be other operators that are good but be careful. I saw someone mention seahawk...sketchy and not even a PADI operator despite the illegal use of the logo. I called PADI North America when I was last on the island to confirm who was and was not legit. Aqua adventures was, Sea hawk was not. PADI asked me to take pictures of the illegal use of their logo and send it to them. I did. According to Sonia they have complained before but little can be done. I would consider other operators on the island but buyer beware. If you’re not a competent diver, you need to dive more! Yeah but really if you’re not comfortable in your own skills dive with Aqua Adventures. Aqua's rental gear is pretty used, but I always bring my own stuff. My wife has rented thier gear a few times. Most rental gear outside of intense dive areas in MX seems to be pretty ...well used. If you know your stuff , have your own gear minus tanks, don't worry just get a operator that has good tanks and good air and a decent boat to take you out to many of the fabulous spots. As a certified diver you should always take care of your own safety don't rely on others. But if you have to or want to I recommend Aqua Adventures.

Isla is different than Coz, but in many ways it is just as beautiful. Manchones is chill and very nice 30 ft, tons of fish occasional nurse shark, rays, and turtles. Punta Sur has nice current loads of sea stars, an old galleon's anchor, cannon, and cannon balls. Punta Negra (Cancun hotel zone) is a great 70 foot reef with lots of life, media luna cool topography some current, and many others. Its a great place to dive. I never get sick of manchones, and I have been a spoiled diver so I don't compliment places easily. Diving on Isla is a great value and awsome experience.

I just have to say if you get the chance you MUST go down to Hidden Worlds Cenote park and Jungle tours just south of Akumal and dive the cenotoes dos ojos, bat cave, stomach of the snake, they are unreal. I had been to the Yucatan dozens of time before I did the Cenote Dive. WOW! what a dummy I was. It is worth the time, money and "hassle". I will be back diving them in just over a month! Can't wait. If anyone ever want travel advice to Isla I am happy to provide it just shoot me an email. scubaswenson@hotmail.com

[cs.photography]

Okay, now I am curious because I always heard that visibility was only half of that compared to the waters around Cozumel...to be specific, only around 50 feet. Since you don't have a website, please provide more info about the types of dives, visibility, rates (diving and hotel) as I am told that you do not yet have a website. We were thinking about going back to Cozumel end of May '10, but are may change our mind should we like your info.

Thanks a bunch.

[scubaswenson]

The viz on Isla is comparable to Cozumel. Coz has more current and that can help improve viz. But 50 FT!? NO WAY. The worst I have ever seen it was about 2 years ago during a plankton bloom. Viz was about 60-75 feet. 100 foot viz is not uncommon. I just got back from a cruise that hit Coz. I didn't dive. I will be back there next month for 8 days. I will dive Coz, Isla, Akumal, Cenotes and mabey Banco Chincorro. I will report.

[cs.photography]

Thank you for your comment! I am looking forward to your report!

[scubaswenson]

I am super interested in your operation. I will be on Isla off and on next week (March 16-24, 2010). I would love to give you a try. I am familiar with the hotel you are at. I have stayed there before. The URL you gave for your website isn't working. I would like to get more info. How do I do that?

[Balam Nautic Center]

Hi Scubasvensonn. Thanks for your interest in my operation but unlukely I'm relocating my business.
After this winter my favoutrites dives are completely gone. The wild side is covered by the sand removed by the ships that were draining the bottoms to fill the Riviera Maya's beachs. It was a biological disaster. I' moving to Playa del Carmen cause I was a little bit tired of the market of the Island. The hotel where I was (I went away) is an authentic bandit's cove. DON'T GO AT NABALAM FOR ANY REASON IN THE WORLD: the new owner is a thieve bandit, the hotel is too expensive for the services and the poor quality offered. I lost about 20 divers reservations in one month due to the hotel bad management. So, in june I'll be operative once again, just in the season of the whale sharks. Please for any further communication write me at guidofrancisco67@hotmail.com

[fjdele]

I've been following this thread for a while, heading to Isla for Spring Break March 19-26. We booked with Aqua Adventures, Sonia has been real helpful and accomodating. The trip is mainly for relaxation with the fam but we can hardly go without doing a little diving! After reading the above, I'm glad we are bringing our own gear. It's a PITA when we are only diving for three days with the weight restrictions and extra charges for luggage but worth the peace of mind. Scubaswenson, we'll be staying at the Palace Resort, maybe we'll see you there!

[beckerman]

Hands down Enrique's Unique Dives! Dove with them for 25 dives in October and they were phenomenal.