vancouverdiver
Contributor
I just got back from the Occidental Grand. Dive Palancar is the hotel dive operator. I elected to pre book a different dive operator Livingunderwater.com I decided to go with them because they have a smaller boat, max 8 divers, steel 120's, they pick you up/drop off at the hotel pier, and offer great service. They do everything for you and the staff are there to readily assist you. You give them your kit in the beginning of the week, and you don't have to touch it after that. They switch over to new tanks, and when you come for the next day your kit is already set up, and all you have to do is your safety checks! They do the little things like clean your mask with anti de-fog. There is warm towels at surface intervals, fruit, and cookies. My shortest dive was 65 min. and my longest was 80. On my last dive they rinsed all my gear and dropped me off at the hotel pier. They are more expensive than Dive Palancar but in my opinion, you get what you pay for.
Some hotel guests I talked to enjoyed Dive Palancar, and it really depends on your expectations. While other divers were less impressed. Some of our group participated in a discover scuba. Personally, I wasn't very impressed with the extent of training they received, before they did a shore dive in 8 ft of water to see the sand for 17 min.
Anyway, due to time constraints, I did do one dive with Dive Palancar. You carry your gear to the boat and back after every dive. You gear up your kit, which of course is the norm. They have aluminum 80s and the dives are restricted to the first diver who reaches 500 psi, or 45 min. whichever comes first. My impression of the staff are that they are not happy, and it shows in their professionalism.
Having said that, you might prefer Dive Palancar as it is cheap, they offer 4 or 5 times a day to dive. I don't think DP wins on convenience, as the other dive operators will pick you up on the pier and store your gear. So that is actually more convenient. Finally, it is all about having a great experience, and for me that translates into friendly staff and longer bottom time.
Some hotel guests I talked to enjoyed Dive Palancar, and it really depends on your expectations. While other divers were less impressed. Some of our group participated in a discover scuba. Personally, I wasn't very impressed with the extent of training they received, before they did a shore dive in 8 ft of water to see the sand for 17 min.
Anyway, due to time constraints, I did do one dive with Dive Palancar. You carry your gear to the boat and back after every dive. You gear up your kit, which of course is the norm. They have aluminum 80s and the dives are restricted to the first diver who reaches 500 psi, or 45 min. whichever comes first. My impression of the staff are that they are not happy, and it shows in their professionalism.
Having said that, you might prefer Dive Palancar as it is cheap, they offer 4 or 5 times a day to dive. I don't think DP wins on convenience, as the other dive operators will pick you up on the pier and store your gear. So that is actually more convenient. Finally, it is all about having a great experience, and for me that translates into friendly staff and longer bottom time.