Why I don't dive with Dive Paradise.

[Basscat]

"i have been on the small fast boats, never again, unless that is all there is..if the seas get just a little rough it is miserable"

I love being on any boat in Cozumel, and I find your quote such a great statement of why Coz is so great for divers, we can choose whatever we like! I love the small fast boats, and the back rolls (wouldn't turn down a trip on a slow boat and a giant stride... ;-), but I have grown up on small fast fishing boats, and rough water isn't a problem for me. So I choose another dive op. Don't know what motivated the original poster to post this out of the blue, but I have heard more good things than bad about Dive Paradise...

 

[cvchief]

I dunno, maybe Darol did it because some one else started negative DP review thread? Hey, it has been useful. Like for instance we know just which group Doug is in of the two choices:
1. Pee in wetsuit, or;
2. Lies about peeing in wetsuit.
(just kidding Doug!)
I on the other prefer one of the fastest boats on the water and isn't a small 6 pack.... I'm just saying.... But I can see the allure of a scenic slow boat I guess.

 

[caseybird]

I dove Coz in March and I used an op with small, fast boats. Now personally, I love doing coordinated, negative back rolls off the boat, this op suited me perfectly. However there was a gentleman on the boat with back problems, and the pounding was agonizing to him. He would have been better served on a slower, easier riding boat. I'm not sure why he insisted on the fast boat.
There was some days with strong chop this March, and on some of the runs out to the reef the pounding was serious. I found out I could make the ride more comfortable by sitting on the deck of the boat (being sure to keep out of the way of the captain). Why other divers wouldn't do this, I don't understand.

 

[Prop Joe]

I dove Coz in March and I used an op with small, fast boats. Now personally, I love doing coordinated, negative back rolls off the boat, this op suited me perfectly. However there was a gentleman on the boat with back problems, and the pounding was agonizing to him. He would have been better served on a slower, easier riding boat. I'm not sure why he insisted on the fast boat.
There was some days with strong chop this March, and on some of the runs out to the reef the pounding was serious. I found out I could make the ride more comfortable by sitting on the deck of the boat (being sure to keep out of the way of the captain). Why other divers wouldn't do this, I don't understand.

Never did DP but I think you gotta tell any op of your aches and they should put person with a hurting back towards the stern, centerline of the boat. As you know, it can get really rough, from other boat traffic, north of the Caleta and near any of the cruise ship piers.

 

[DandyDon]

Never did DP but I think you gotta tell any op of your aches and they should put person with a hurting back towards the stern, centerline of the boat. As you know, it can get really rough, from other boat traffic, north of the Caleta and near any of the cruise ship piers.

And get a great Cozumel massage. My home bud had back problems the last two of his trips but those fixed him each time.

 

[JG109]

I have dove w DP several times and probably will again this year. It might be helpful to be more specific w the issues encountered.
I have to agree that getting grouped w newbies can put a damper on your dive time/ profile. It can be frustrating watching the reef pass while on/near the surface, waiting for the group.
And on the slow boats, when you suggest Columbia and people (divers not staff) yell "Too far!", it can be frustrating, (I'm always curious what the rush is, the bar is open til 11 pm), especially since the SI heading back north, makes up some of the travel time.
But I don't think these are issues unique to only one operator. Unless you have your own group and /or take the fast boat.

 

[Darol]

Thought provoking things..... glad someone mentioned peeing in a wetsuit.
The wash tank next to the lockers, that is used to rinse piss soaked wetsuits,
then used to rinse gear, including regulators... To me thought provoking...
The lockers themselves, are shall we say less than sanitary....
Still a good dive operation, just not for me....

 

[parrotheaddiver]

they have been in business a very long time soooo I would guess they are doing something right.....different strokes for different folks....glad we all have choices

 

[dmoore19]

Thought provoking things..... glad someone mentioned peeing in a wetsuit.
The wash tank next to the lockers, that is used to rinse piss soaked wetsuits,
then used to rinse gear, including regulators... To me thought provoking...
The lockers themselves, are shall we say less than sanitary....
Still a good dive operation, just not for me....

I rinse things like my reg, mask and BC off with the water running from the faucet and usually take my Wet Suit and booties back to the room for a good soak with some shampoo most evenings then hang it outside on the balcony to dry anyway. If the lockers seem less than sanitary you can always take your stuff back to the room with you for overnight storage.

Not sure what the purpose of your post is. You say they are a good dive op and then you seem determined to give vague reasons why they are not.

Not sure what your point is here.

 

[ReefHound]

Thought provoking things..... glad someone mentioned peeing in a wetsuit.
The wash tank next to the lockers, that is used to rinse piss soaked wetsuits,
then used to rinse gear, including regulators... To me thought provoking...
The lockers themselves, are shall we say less than sanitary....
Still a good dive operation, just not for me....

That's pretty much true with any rinse tank, isn't it? I've never seen an op provide two rinse tanks, one marked for wetsuits and one for regulators. BTW, there are showers there so just rinse your reg under the shower.