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I am planning to go with my family to Jamaica in November. We are staying at the Riu Ocho Rios (all-inclusive next to Sandals). From reading many of the other posts, it sounds like the diving in Ocho Rios is not very good, but hey it has to be better than the local mud-bottom lake I have near my house. So given that I'm not going to see the shoals of beauiful fish I might see in Bonaire or coral I would see in Cozumel, can anyone answer the following questions?
1. The resort's onsite dive center is named Scuba Caribe. Has anyone dove with this dive op? Can you provide me any feedback about the dive op (good or bad)? Feel free to PM me if you don't want to post.
2. Some resort dive ops cater primarily to beginners and don't do advanced dives (i.e. > 90ft or drift dives). I'm not sure if this is the case with Scuba Caribe. Are there any dive ops that you would recommend for going on more advanced dives (Such as Barracuda Reef or Mountain) in Ocho Rios?
3. Assuming that I am going to do a few dives in Ocho Rios, are there any sites that you would recommend in Ocho Rios? I understand that they have a 100 ft. minesweeper that was sunk 15 year ago. Is that worth seeing? Is there anywhere else worthwhile?
Typically these all-inclusive resorts are divemaster led dives. First being a deeper dive for 25 minutes followed by a shallower dive for 30 minutes. There won't be any stopping for anything more than a brief moment and you'll be herded along like a beginner. But as you said, it's still a dive and there's always a chance to seeing something pretty cool.
Also, bring your dive log. Sometimes these folks want to see a history before they'll take you on a deep dive.
Thanks Del_mo. I guess that's why I'm wondering if anyone has experience diving with other dive shops in Ocho Rios that might pick me up at the resort and provide better service to me as an advanced diver.
Originally Posted by del_mo
Typically these all-inclusive resorts are divemaster led dives. First being a deeper dive for 25 minutes followed by a shallower dive for 30 minutes. There won't be any stopping for anything more than a brief moment and you'll be herded along like a beginner. But as you said, it's still a dive and there's always a chance to seeing something pretty cool.
Also, bring your dive log. Sometimes these folks want to see a history before they'll take you on a deep dive.
It's been a few days and I've received only one response and one PM. Neither had stayed at the Riu Ocho Rios or had any personal experience with the dive shop (Scuba Caribe). Does anyone on the board have any personal experience diving with this resort? Any info would be great. If not, I'll try to post a follow-up report when I get back so the next person going to this resort has more information.
This resort is next to Sandals Dunn's River. I ran the watersports/dive program at that resort prior to it being branded a Sandals. Since scuba is not included in the all-inclusive package at Riu Ocho Rios, they have a stronger incentive to provide you with better diving than where it is included. There are not any major wrecks in that area that I am aware of, but they did have the "Mountain", which the earlier poster might have been referring to. It is along the wall which is approximatley at 100 feet going up to within 60 feet of the surface. There is also an old anchor that makes for good photo ops. The problem with the anchor is that there is little else by it, so the rest of the dive is uneventful, and if we missed the anchor the whole dive was boring. They probably have better navigational aids than we had so can find it easier.
I noticed they have the Katherine listed as a site. That would be a good boat run from that far west of Ocho Rios resort. Thier web site is www.scubacaribe.com
I think I would like you to join our team here in Scubacaribe, this impression you have about resort dive centers needs to be change. I wonder where have you been treated without interest.
Plan your next trip to Scubacaribe in Cabo Verde, we will show you some stuff, let see if we can change your impressions.
Had a great time in Jamaica, but diving is not great.
Originally Posted by Sledmonkey
Well.....how was your Ocho Rios trip? I will be following in your footsteps next month and was looking for your thoughts.
Thanks!
I had a great time in Jamaica, though the scuba diving was not great in Ocho Rios. It wasn't terrible compared to most fresh water lakes and quarries in the U.S., but it doesn't compare to other caribbean islands like Cozumel, Curacao, Bahamas, etc. when it comes to marine life. I knew this already prior to going to Jamaica so I was not really disappointed. Any day that I can blow bubbles is a good day. Also, there is no shore diving near Ocho Rios. I read somewhere that there is a regulation in Jamaica that requires a local DM to go on all dives. You cannot rent tanks for shore diving. There is not really any good shore diving near the hotel anyway. Keep in mind that much of the island water run off occurs at Ocho Rios so the visibility is not as good. I've heard that the diving in Negril is better, but I cannot confirm that. Bottom line... don't go to Ocho Rios solely for the diving... you'll just be disappointed. However, the land and other water activities were great. For many more details, I will have a thorough trip report on TripAdvisor within the next day or two. I'll try to post the specific link once the review is approved and posted. In the meantime, just look search for Riu Ocho Rios and look for an entry by BigDiverChris or PM me if you have and specific questions and I'll respond.
Depending on your situation, you might PM ReefHugger. He is a guide that works in Kingston and he seems very nice. He might be able to come to Ocho Rios to dive with you.
Last edited by MakingBubbles; February 25th, 2008 at 12:29 AM.
... For many more details, I will have a thorough trip report on TripAdvisor within the next day or two. I'll try to post the specific link once the review is approved and posted...
Sledmonkey, here's the specific link to my review with pictures.
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Originally Posted by del_mo
Anyone Else???
