Just got back a few days ago and this time we decided to try these guys. To understand the basis of my review, we are experienced and independent divers who just want a water taxi to the dive site. It's not that "boutique" or "valet" ops don't offer valuable services, we just don't need them or care to pay for them. (We have our own coats and towels, and we keep our gear with us for shore diving.)
To make me completely happy, I want: low cost, online website, prompt response to emails, accurate and complete info, be on time for pickup, run a safe operation, and let me dive my plan (within reason).
The multi-day cost per trip was $65 total. I think that may be the lowest on the island. they want to be paid in cash, preferably dollars.
The website provided almost all needed info and Paddi responded quickly to all emails and answered all questions. (Don't you hate it when you ask 3 questions and you get a response answering 2 of them?) Waivers were emailed with instructions to bring cash (no deposit was collected) and waivers to boat on first morning.
We were told to be at Blue Angel dock at 7:20 and boat arrive 7:35. They are probably used to people "running behind" so no big deal. All 4 days they arrived between 7:30 and 7:35 which is pretty consistent. Every day we dropped our gear at the dock at 7am then had breakfast in the restaurant where we could see the boat approaching several minutes out. Real convenient.
The DMs and captains, like most in Coz, seemed competent and friendly. Briefings were thorough and covered boat info, safety equipment, and safe dive practices as well as site info. The only drawbacks were that captains drive from on top which limits interaction with divers, and we had 2 boats, 3 DMs, and 3 captains in 4 days. A little more continuity would enable better rapport and have you going home thinking of the DM as an old friend.
Water was offered before and after every dive, surface interval was done on the boat, and provided fruit and cookies.
Limits were set at 700psi or 60 minutes but all 8 dives ranged from 65-74 minutes.
The dives were great and the DMs were frequently pointing out fish and creatures. I think most divers like that but I'm into getting video of fish behaviour like courting and feeding, not at all interested in yet another eel or lobster. That might be where having the same DM all week would help. After a few dives of excitedly signaling an eel or lobster, and me responding with an ok and returning to watching wrasses courting, they'd probably pick up on that.
We were allowed to take the boat weights with us for shore diving.
All in all, I'd give them an A.
To make me completely happy, I want: low cost, online website, prompt response to emails, accurate and complete info, be on time for pickup, run a safe operation, and let me dive my plan (within reason).
The multi-day cost per trip was $65 total. I think that may be the lowest on the island. they want to be paid in cash, preferably dollars.
The website provided almost all needed info and Paddi responded quickly to all emails and answered all questions. (Don't you hate it when you ask 3 questions and you get a response answering 2 of them?) Waivers were emailed with instructions to bring cash (no deposit was collected) and waivers to boat on first morning.
We were told to be at Blue Angel dock at 7:20 and boat arrive 7:35. They are probably used to people "running behind" so no big deal. All 4 days they arrived between 7:30 and 7:35 which is pretty consistent. Every day we dropped our gear at the dock at 7am then had breakfast in the restaurant where we could see the boat approaching several minutes out. Real convenient.
The DMs and captains, like most in Coz, seemed competent and friendly. Briefings were thorough and covered boat info, safety equipment, and safe dive practices as well as site info. The only drawbacks were that captains drive from on top which limits interaction with divers, and we had 2 boats, 3 DMs, and 3 captains in 4 days. A little more continuity would enable better rapport and have you going home thinking of the DM as an old friend.
Water was offered before and after every dive, surface interval was done on the boat, and provided fruit and cookies.
Limits were set at 700psi or 60 minutes but all 8 dives ranged from 65-74 minutes.
The dives were great and the DMs were frequently pointing out fish and creatures. I think most divers like that but I'm into getting video of fish behaviour like courting and feeding, not at all interested in yet another eel or lobster. That might be where having the same DM all week would help. After a few dives of excitedly signaling an eel or lobster, and me responding with an ok and returning to watching wrasses courting, they'd probably pick up on that.
We were allowed to take the boat weights with us for shore diving.
All in all, I'd give them an A.
