Aldora: what I've been missing

[teknitroxdiver]

For this trip to Cozumel, I decided to change it up and dive with Aldora. Between their stellar reputation here on SB and their 120cf tanks, it seemed like an obvious choice. After a few days with them, all I can say is: why did I ever dive with anyone else!

Fast boats: I've never dove off a panga in Cozumel. To leave the dock at 7:30 and be home by 1pm was revolutionary. Even having to wait for late divers one day, and for a no-call no-show another day (thanks), it makes for a wonderfully expedient day.

Big tanks: The shortest dive was 75 minutes. I was used to 40 or maybe 50 minutes with the 'other guys'. This was a big deal for me. Aldora costs a tiny bit more, but you're getting 3 dives of bottom time in 2 dives. Fantastic.

Logical planning: I had not requested nitrox, and dove air the first day. Apparently the group I was with for the next two days had requested it, so they gave me nitrox as well. This might tick off some (I was billed for it), but to me, it was good thinking to keep the group on the same page and I was happy to pay for it. Now having a better understanding of the profiles Aldora dives I will likely dive nitrox in the future with them.

Customer service/accommodation: They go way beyond the minimum to satisfy customers. One of the other divers on our boat one day had requested a pony bottle rental, and they forgot to load it on the boat. He was kind of a turd about it, but they radioed back to base and the pony was at Palancar Beach for us to pick up for the second dive,

Grouping by skill: I really appreciated how they try to group divers by experience level. It makes for a good and relaxed day when no one is way ahead or way behind of the average on the boat.


Speaking of Palancar Beach for the surface interval. At first I was not impressed. The food is expensive and very mediocre. However, once I realized you don't actually have to order anything, or just a soda, I was happy with it. Getting off the boat and sitting in the shade was nice. It's also a nice opportunity to get to know your fellow divers. I ended up becoming good friends with my 'insta-buddy' Glynn and had a great time diving with him.



So, who am I diving with next time? Aldora.

 

[deepsea21]

Glad you had such a great experience with Aldora. Of course, we'll be sticking with 3P's!

 

[flyboy08]

As a fellow HV diver(weekends), good for you! I'm going to try them and or 3P on our next trip....maybe both during the week.

 

[k4kafka]

Yes, they are the best IMO. Always accommodating, and usually the first boat down South in the morning.
I'll be diving with them next month.

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

You don't have to order anything on the surface interval and I agree it is expensive and mediocre. Instead, I will take several coconut waters and snacks/fruit and share them with our boat. Occasionally we will get a $3 Coke if I'm needing caffeine and sugar. The only issue we have ever had was the padded lounge chairs are for rent. The non-padded are free. All the regular chairs are available shaded and unshaded for everyone.

The raccoon like animals are awesome too, save some snacks and they are pretty tame.

The option of regular bathrooms is nice. We have not been hit for the dire need (knock on wood) but it's nice to have the option.

We have dove with Aldora for 3 years now and have not found a reason to change. With the 10% cash discount, they are not that much higher than anyone else. With the 120cf tanks on top of that, it's a great deal. There are lots of great operators in Cozumel, we are glad we found Aldora when we did!

Jay

 

[deepsea21]

Always accommodating, and usually the first boat down South in the morning. I'll be diving with them next month.

I think the last time some Aldora divers reported rain when there were no clouds in the sky the Skinny Shark had just flown past and they encountered some spray from its rooster tail.

 

[Streydog]

My dive history in Cozumel is:
2 dives with Sand Dollar- first dives after being certified, off a cruise ship
6 dives with Dive Paradise, first dive trip besides a cruise
68 dives with Aldora starting in October of 2015.

Will be there again for a quick trip this Friday afternoon unless there is a sinkhole or traffic jam between the Cancun Airport and Playa. In April I am going back to Roatan, not going to know what to do with an AL 80.

 

[Streydog]

I think the last time some Aldora divers reported rain when there were no clouds in the sky the Skinny Shark had just flown past and they encountered some spray from its rooster tail.

View attachment 400823

If you wanted to take a photo of an Aldora boat you should look in the other direction.

 

[ggunn]

We are very lucky to have a dive destination which is so economical and convenient to visit and where there are so many great dive operations. Aldora is one of them but there are plenty of others.

 

[Dave Dillehay]

I wonder what happens when that one motor stops?

Dave