Need recommendation for small boats

[waynel]

Wife and I have been diving Coz for years. Dove Belize and Keys last year, so we're two years behind on any change. Over the years of diving Coz, wife and I dove from the big (sometimes 20 divers) boats. Belize was her first experience with six packs and she absolutley loved it. I was looking at Dive with Martin. Looks like they'll to a max of eight divers on their boats. True? And any other recommendations on Ops? She's not real concerned about having a cabin and head on a boat, she wants a fast boat and do the sits on the beach, if she can get it. Be on the island July 6. Thanks in advance.

[Ron Lee]

Bienvenidos - Aldora Divers | Only the best of Cozumel (http://www.Aldora.com) (my favorite)

| (http://bluextseadiving.com/)

Living Underwater offers a personalized, fun and safe Cozumel diving experience! (http://www.livingunderwater.com)

---------- Post added ----------

Also

http://www.bluextseadiving.com/

[diverokc]

Blue angel has small boats. I dive with DP, but don't mind the big boats. I know you can pay more at DP and get a small boat.

[Spearfish20]

When my wife and I go to Cozumel go we use Aldora Divers, Opals Dream, or Scuba Mau they have spoiled us for all other companies because they are so good. So for us there is no need to look anywhere else. However; some of our friends really like Living Underwater, Scuba Tony, Papa Hogs, and Diving with Alison and have nothing but good thing to say about them. I believe all of these shops have the small fast boats. If you were to choose any one of these dive shops, I am pretty confident you will be extremely happy with your selection

[markmantei]

Another vote for Aldora. They will match you with other divers of similar skill to try to keep the sites and depths and times fun for everyone on the boat, plus the steel 120's will give you nice long dive times. A little more expensive, but its worth it.

[Brules]

All the usual suspects will have fast 6 pack boats: Aldora, Blue XTSea, Dive W/ Martin, Living Under Water. All of those are what I call "Top Tier" service. Next down the list for less pampering (Fast small boat, a decent DM) are places like Papa Hogs, Roberta's Dive Ecp/Scuba Shack, Scuba Du etc etc.

The vast majority of the well known reputable ops on the island use 6-8 passenger fast boats. It all comes down to what service level you want to pay for and how long you want to stay down.

[Sue Sue]

Blue XT Sea Diving | (http://www.bluextseadiving.com) Michael and I started diving with Christi and her crew 10 years ago. Boutique professional service, fast 6 pack boats, SI on the beach, Long dive times (60 + min) based on individual use of air.

[RickyF]

X2 for XTSea. They will keep your gear (minus wetsuit), clean it every day and have it on the boat ready to go when they pick you up. Just got back June 2 from two weeks with them. Awesome time.

[scubawife]

There are a lot of "six pack" dive operators to choose from. To find one that you'll be happy with, you need to consider more than just the size of the boat and how many divers they put on a boat. You can get a more budget priced, less or no frills shop, or you can go up to a boutique or valet diving type shop, or something right in the middle. While all the shops mentioned so far have decent reputations and an established, repeat client base, their prices, service extras, diving style, types of tanks they use, etc., etc., will vary.

What are you looking for price wise? $60-65 for 2 tanks, or $85-95? Regular AL 80s, HP or LP steel 95, 100 or 120? Do you want beach surface intervals at a beach club or just on shore, or does that matter? Do you want snacks, drinks, towels provided? Do you want the shop to rinse and store your gear for you? Where are you staying and is pier pick-up/drop off a factor or can you go to the caleta to meet the boat? Decide on these things then look for the shop that best matches your criteria. There are shops in all price and service ranges in Cozumel that have the six pack boats.

[tejasdiver]

We have been using Papa Hogs for several years and love them. Great DM's, great rates, flexible dive schedules, no-frills diving. SI on the beach, water provided, we don't really need the snacks provided during dives.

There are alot of reputable dive ops in Cozumel, so should be easy to find one you will be happy with. Probably the list of who "not to dive with" would be shorter.

[gt68]

Give Bottomtime Divers a try.Raul Platas is the owner operator and dive master.He offers premium service at an affordable price and is an all around good guy and divemaster.We have used him for several years with no complaints.

[mediumone]

There are alot of reputable dive ops in Cozumel, so should be easy to find one you will be happy with. Probably the list of who "not to dive with" would be shorter.

Agreed.

I always advise people to thoroughly read an ops website, then after one or two emails, you'll have a pretty good idea whether or not you have a match.


Another op on my shosrt list: Buena Ventura.

[Zman96]

I will add another vote for Blue XTSea. Christi's DM Pedro is one of the most well respected DM's on the island. Miguel her other DM is probably one the best underwater photographers around and can really give you good tips for taking shots. They have topped my list for a number years and have had no reason to consider anybody else. The surface interval snacks are really good too!

[cvchief]

Scuba With Alison (http://www.scubawithalison.com/) doesn't have a six pack, but she does take only one group of 8 or less and the Maximus is one of the fastest on the water. The Maximus is a converted sport fishing boat, so there is more room and comfort. Alison is the owner and DM. Carlos is her long time Capitan. They are both wonderful.

[cobra269]

There are a lot of "six pack" dive operators to choose from. To find one that you'll be happy with, you need to consider more than just the size of the boat and how many divers they put on a boat. You can get a more budget priced, less or no frills shop, or you can go up to a boutique or valet diving type shop, or something right in the middle. While all the shops mentioned so far have decent reputations and an established, repeat client base, their prices, service extras, diving style, types of tanks they use, etc., etc., will vary.

What are you looking for price wise? $60-65 for 2 tanks, or $85-95? Regular AL 80s, HP or LP steel 95, 100 or 120? Do you want beach surface intervals at a beach club or just on shore, or does that matter? Do you want snacks, drinks, towels provided? Do you want the shop to rinse and store your gear for you? Where are you staying and is pier pick-up/drop off a factor or can you go to the caleta to meet the boat? Decide on these things then look for the shop that best matches your criteria. There are shops in all price and service ranges in Cozumel that have the six pack boats.

Totally agree with scubawife. Everyone cheers for there favorite dive op and boy there are loads of them in Cozumel. You must first decide what you are looking for in a dive op - personal service, price, tank size, pick up times just to name a few then ask for fellow scuba board members for their recommendations base on what you want not on what they want.

[mediumone]

Scuba With Alison (http://www.scubawithalison.com/). Alison is the owner and DM. Carlos is her long time Capitan. They are both wonderful.

So I've heard --- repeatedly.

I just wish she'd put her prices up on her website. Lack of is so annoying.

[Dave Dillehay]

Not all "small boat' operators limit their dive groups to 6 max. Indeed few do..

Dave Dillehay
Aldora Divers

[DjDiverDan]

I, too, really like the 6-packs. When I'm in Coz, if I have the choice of operator (not always the case), I'll go with Aldora. Its not just the small boats; among the reasons I choose Aldora are: (a) great dive masters - I've never had a bad experience with an Aldora DM; (b) steel 120 tanks - I'm big, and I'll suck air on the first few days at least, and I really like the bouyancy characteristics of the steel tanks; so far as I know, only Aldora and Blue Bubble Divers use the steel tanks; (c) everyone dives computers, much longer bottom times; (d) long surface interval on the beach at a club - time to relax, outgas, for a longer second dive; and (e) Aldora's level of service - they take care of everything. I have also dived with Dive with Martin, and I do like the DMs and the boats - they do not have the steel tanks, though I can get an AL 100. They do surface intervals on the beach, but not at a club. For budget conscious divers, Dive With Martin is an excellent choice. For my money, I'd rather pay more for the extras that Aldora provides.

[scubawife]

"Six pack" is a term that's familiar and used for the small boat operators. Reality is most are "eight-pack." Yes, the high-end of the "valet diving" shops are fantastic... and one of them is my personal first-choice, but they aren't the best choice for everyone. Not everyone wants to pay $80-95+ for a 2 tank trip. Not everyone wants to have the dive shop rinse and store their gear, provide towels, fruit, water & soft drinks, SI's at beach clubs, have steel 95s, 100s or 120s, etc., etc. There's no shortage of dive shops in Cozumel. It's one of the few Caribbean destinations that I've been to that has such a vast selection of shops to choose from, regardless of where you decide to stay. Most places in the Caribbean that I've dived, your dive shop is decided by your choice of accommodation. The resort, condo complex, time share, or villa community has it's on-site shop. Choosing to dive with someone else adds cumbersome logistics to your vacation. In Cozumel, if you stay anywhere from town and south, you can pretty much choose any dive operator on the island and get pier pick up/drop off. It's almost impossible to have a dive vacation in Cozumel and not find your perfect combination of accommodations and dive shops. The downside is that as I recall, the first Cozumel dive vacation can be difficult to plan. Sooo many options and it's tough to sift through the cheerleading for various shops and finding which shop will really be YOUR best fit.

Definitely decide what you want in every aspect of your diving experience, then look for the shop that can check the most number of your boxes. The leg work is well worth it. Cozumel is a fantastic dive destination. If you can get through the selection process and make your best choices, you will surely be back again and again, and never be disappointed.

[Nursediver]

Blue Angel's Boats don't fit more then 8 people, so you have that guarantee.

[DStack]

Big fan of Living Underwater. Jeremy and crew are great. some of the best dive's we've had in Coz and we've been 4 years in a row now.
Comes to your hotel or condo and picks up your gear. They dive steel tanks and computers. Did 10 days of diving with him last September and I'm hoping to do that many this year.

[cvchief]

So I've heard --- repeatedly.

I just wish she'd put her prices up on her website. Lack of is so annoying.

I think Alison (http://scubawithalison.com) is charging $70 for a two tank this year. I don't know why she doesn't. I can only speculate that she wants people who want to dive with her and not people who price her cheaper than "Dive OP X." It does create some mystery. I was talking to a guy from a bigger op and he thought she was really expensive until I told him otherwise. So the experience only feels expensive....

[Ron Lee]

I was talking to a guy from a bigger op and he thought she was really expensive until I told him otherwise. So the experience only feels expensive....

The real issue is value. No doubt you can find cheaper. I pay more than $70 with Aldora.

You can pay less but often you get what you pay for.

[mediumone]

I think Alison (http://scubawithalison.com) is charging $70 for a two tank this year. I don't know why she doesn't. I can only speculate that she wants people who want to dive with her and not people who price her cheaper than "Dive OP X." It does create some mystery. I was talking to a guy from a bigger op and he thought she was really expensive until I told him otherwise. So the experience only feels expensive....

I think that your speculation is most likely correct. However, I still find it misguided. The folly of choosing an op based on price alone has been clearly discussed in this very thread. She needs to give me credit to have enough sense to determine whether the Dive with Alison experience is worth an extra $5.00, $10.00 or $40.00 per tank, or if the Dive with Alison experience just isn't for me because she wears blue split fins and I hate them.

Her website is detailed enough, that it gives the reader a pretty good idea of what she's about. I think we'd get along just fine. I'd be interested, and have to give her serious consideration at $70. At $85? --- not so much. But when I have a short list of 3 - 5 ops, that give me costs upfront, guess which list she's on.

[DiverG]

I think Alison (http://scubawithalison.com) is charging $70 for a two tank this year. I don't know why she doesn't. I can only speculate that she wants people who want to dive with her and not people who price her cheaper than "Dive OP X." It does create some mystery. I was talking to a guy from a bigger op and he thought she was really expensive until I told him otherwise. So the experience only feels expensive....
$70 is what she quoted me for a two tank dive.

[olphart]

Wife and I have been diving Coz for years. Dove Belize and Keys last year, so we're two years behind on any change. Over the years of diving Coz, wife and I dove from the big (sometimes 20 divers) boats. Belize was her first experience with six packs and she absolutley loved it. I was looking at Dive with Martin. Looks like they'll to a max of eight divers on their boats. True? And any other recommendations on Ops? She's not real concerned about having a cabin and head on a boat, she wants a fast boat and do the sits on the beach, if she can get it. Be on the island July 6. Thanks in advance.

I haven't seen any posts about Pelagic Ventures..a small op that never takes more than 5 or 6. Troy's DM, Alex is the best I've ever been with. Always shows you all the great critters. You dive your own profile, though he'll give you as much support as you need. He has a website, but doesn't put prices up. The last time I dove with them I think it was $70 for a 2 tank dive.
The only time I dove with anyone else was when they set me up with Papa Hog's for a night dive.

[waynel]

X2 for XTSea. They will keep your gear (minus wetsuit), clean it every day and have it on the boat ready to go when they pick you up. Just got back June 2 from two weeks with them. Awesome time.

I like this storing the gear for you. To answer some other questions poppin up. 120's aren't neccessary. 65-75 dollars per two tank. SIT on the beach where the wife can get some ice tea, but she'll bring her own. Just doesn't want to ride waves for an hour. Storing gear is nice (Belize). Pick up and drop off at hotel cozumel. Nothing fancy. Just want to get on a fast boat, get in the dives, have someone store the gear, sit on land between dives. I've got some great suggestions and I think I have want I need. We're at 100 dives now and while we love it, we've learned what we want out of the whole trip experience. Thanks everyone.

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"Six pack" is a term that's familiar and used for the small boat operators. Reality is most are "eight-pack." Yes, the high-end of the "valet diving" shops are fantastic... and one of them is my personal first-choice, but they aren't the best choice for everyone. Not everyone wants to pay $80-95+ for a 2 tank trip. Not everyone wants to have the dive shop rinse and store their gear, provide towels, fruit, water & soft drinks, SI's at beach clubs, have steel 95s, 100s or 120s, etc., etc. There's no shortage of dive shops in Cozumel. It's one of the few Caribbean destinations that I've been to that has such a vast selection of shops to choose from, regardless of where you decide to stay. Most places in the Caribbean that I've dived, your dive shop is decided by your choice of accommodation. The resort, condo complex, time share, or villa community has it's on-site shop. Choosing to dive with someone else adds cumbersome logistics to your vacation. In Cozumel, if you stay anywhere from town and south, you can pretty much choose any dive operator on the island and get pier pick up/drop off. It's almost impossible to have a dive vacation in Cozumel and not find your perfect combination of accommodations and dive shops. The downside is that as I recall, the first Cozumel dive vacation can be difficult to plan. Sooo many options and it's tough to sift through the cheerleading for various shops and finding which shop will really be YOUR best fit.

Definitely decide what you want in every aspect of your diving experience, then look for the shop that can check the most number of your boxes. The leg work is well worth it. Cozumel is a fantastic dive destination. If you can get through the selection process and make your best choices, you will surely be back again and again, and never be disappointed.

Thanks. This is our fifth trip to Coz. We've had valet service at several other dive destinations we frequent. Just looking for names and opinions on ops with small boats. Got some great advise here. This is a great board for us.

[ColoDale]

Another plug for Bottomtime Divers. I have used them for many years and dove with Raul when he was with the "original" Blue Bubble over a decade ago. Raul is the now the owner/DM of BTD and offers gear setup, snacks, water, rain gear and has a knack for finding small things like pipefish, pipehorses, and other small critters although he spots larger life as he did with some dolphins on the surface this last May (who thinks to keep looking up). I think he still loves diving and does not like lionfish.

He charges around $70/2 tanks but check his website for package prices. He has a 6-pack boat and generally uses AL 80's but can get AL 100's if you ask. His dive profiles stay on the tables (no deco unless you arrange it), stairstep profiles to maximize dive time and is safety conscious. Make sure you let him know how you want to dive i.e. walls, on top of walls, swimthroughs, look for specific things, etc though the dives are divers choice and you may have to contend with other divers wishes. Cozumel Scuba Diving | Go diving in Cozumel with BottomTimeDivers dive operator (http://www.bottomtimedivers.net/).

I have used Living Underwater and like Jeremy. I have heard good things about Dive with Allison and have friends who like Aldora. I like diving with Pedro Pablo with Blue XT-Sea. I have heard lately (Feb and May 2012) from divers that used Dive with Martin, that it's good - I haven't used them. Basically I choose the DM and not the company. It's tough to recommend a DM as you won't know their style until you dive with them. Many will be good, some will be perfect for you and a few not.

[cvchief]

The real issue is value. No doubt you can find cheaper. I pay more than $70 with Aldora.

You can pay less but often you get what you pay for.

You are right about value. I can't believe I can get that kind of personalized service and the fastest boat on the water for $70. She could charge more.

[Ron Lee]

You are right about value. I can't believe I can get that kind of personalized service and the fastest boat on the water for $70. She could charge more.

I will let her know that you want to be charged more.

[cvchief]

I will let her know that you want to be charged more.

Why is everyone trying to help me......?

[diver 86]

Just got back last night from a week of Coz. We dive with Roberta's which is located next door to Ernesto's. It was our third trip. There are many great recommendations here, but we've really enjoyed our trips with Roberta.

[mediumone]

I've been laying in the weeds to see if anyone would bring it up, but nothing yet. Any feedback or comments about Opals Dream?

[Christi]

You are right about value. I can't believe I can get that kind of personalized service and the fastest boat on the water for $70. She could charge more.

There are several that should, especially considering that fuel prices continue to increase here systematically and have LITERALLY more than doubled since Wilma. Not saying that Alison is in this category (she actually has raised her prices), but the truth is that some ops truly don't understand where their biggest expenses are - and that is fuel. When your biggest expense doubles over the course of 5 or 6 years and your prices stay the same - it clearly tells me that someone doesn't have a clue about their bottom line. And by the way, for those that think a dive ops costs are just fuel, crew and tanks - you could not be more mistaken.

[Ron Lee]

And by the way, for those that think a dive ops costs are just fuel, crew and tanks - you could not be more mistaken.

I will guess on other costs:

Insurance
All sorts of government labor costs
Marina fees
Office costs
Marine park fees
Boat registration
Boat maintenance
Government service facilitation payments
Pier access fees
Beach club access fees
On-board water/goodies

[mediumone]

But under no circumstance is an op entitled to a profit. :no:

[Christi]

Oh, for God's sake no mediumone - haha!!! Wanting to pay our basic living expenses and put food on the table apparently makes us greedy - haha! This is a past time - and we should provide our services free of charge or at minimum a break even - right? Haha!

[cvchief]

Maybe some of those other ops are cheaper as they pay their employees under the table.......:winky:

[Dave Dillehay]

Dear cvchief,

You just hit the nail on the head! Working under the radar, not paying any taxes, cutting corners and in truth exposing customers and employees to serious risks, can indeed allow ops to charge less. Not too long ago there were some vivid examples of this problem.


Dave Dillehay
Aldora Divers

[bgda]

YAY to being there in August! taking Family of 5 divers Aug 9-27. CAN NOT WAIT! Love 'Opals dream" the former Scuba Mau. Dived with them the past 5 years. Valet Service at $60 2 Tank Dive. They rinse, store and set-up gear. Small 6 packs and great DM's. Shout out to "Monkey". Gabby I miss you...Get Well-Get Wet

[Brules]

^ Vivid example? LOL

[Christi]

EXACTLY Brules!!!! ;)

[Cenote Slim]

I've always been very happy with Scuba Mau or Opals Dream. They have small fast boats.

[dewayne405]

I have to toss out a second to either Opal's Dream/Scuba Mau or Dive with Alison... Having dove with both over our previous trips to the island, I have no complaints... The boss & I love the 6-pack boats, as well as Alison's luxury boat... Both companies offer personalized service, and lifetime friendships...

I've never dove with Aldora or Blue XT, but you can bet my next trip (Spring 2013) to the island will be a 2+ week stay, and will include both outfits, as well as the previous ones... Spreading the love around...

Until then, I am suffering through a Jamaican vacation to keep the boss happy... The diving there is cattle boat, and everyone up & down same time... 40 mins on bottom max... Somebody please kidnap me... Anybody??

[djanni]

Here's another vote for Blue~XT~Sea.

[shannonogg]

I've been laying in the weeds to see if anyone would bring it up, but nothing yet. Any feedback or comments about Opals Dream?
We just got back from diving with Opal's and cannot say enough good things. Max 6 divers (plus 1 DM) per boat and we loved our experience!! Depending on your experience they will take you to the "tougher" dive sites. We went up north and saw over 15 eagle rays at Barracuda, but it was just me, my wife and our amazing DM, Abraham, so very controlled. Will definitely go back to Cozumel and dive again with Opal's Dream.