Western Caribbean Destinations (have you been there)?

[av8er23]

I have planned a cruise in April 07. The cruise leaves out of Tampa, FL and stops in:

1. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
2. Cozumel, Mexico
3. Belize
4. Costa Maya, Mexico

I plan on diving in at least two ports. I have never dove at any of the locations. I have snorkeled in Grand Cayman and Cozumel. I am looking for some suggestions and opinions. Please share any experiences that you have had at any of the locations including the dive operations. Thank You:14:

 

[booth22]

Check here for my Costa Maya thumbs up
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=174694

And here for Coz...
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=174693

Belize is good diving (i hear) but you'll be best off booking w/ the ship in order to save time- you tender there and the cruise ship diving op picks you up at the ship....

 

[427Dave]

Second the book the dives with the cruise ship. I just did that and booked the dive excursion with the ship. The dive company then that is contracted picks you up at the ship, even if it is late. So there is no chance to miss your dive.

 

[Vtdiver2]

I did the same cruise in 2004. If the ship uses the same operator in Belize as when I went, you'll be happy. This is the operator they were using when I went.
http://www.belizediving.com/
The water in Belize was the clearest I have ever dove. They day we dove, the visibility was in excess of 200ft. We dove a coral reef, and I did a 45 minute dive in 60-110 ft water, and at no time during the dive was the boat out of sight. I felt like I was diving in an aquarium or a bottle of gin.
Someday i want to go back and spend a week, either doing a live aboard, or one of the dive resorts.
Enjoy,
C-Dawg

 

[av8er23]

Were the dive trips marked up any? I was afraid that they would be marked up. What can we expect to pay for a two tank dive?

 

[Spady]

Many cruise operators do mark up the price a bit, but many people would argue that its worth it for the convenience (i.e. pick up from the dock, etc.)

If you have time, check out Stingray City on Grand Cayman. Its pretty shallow (12-14 ft) but very cool.

 

[Vtdiver2]

They are marked up a bit...I seem to remember a 2 tank dive package cost about $100. You can get it much less, but if you book thru the cruiseline, they WILL wait for you if the diveboat is late getting back. IMHO the extra $20 is well worth it.
C-Dawg

 

[booth22]

On Princess - run by Carnival, the Belize 2 tank dive was $160. We skipped it at that price and besides, the weather wasn't very good that day for us. Aside from Belize, I would book independent and not think twice. If you use Eagle Ray, ask for Jorge the DM and you'll have a great time!

 

[dkktsunami]

Belize and Cayman are my favorite destinations and have made numerous trips to both. You will find the best diving off Little Cayman on Bloody Bay Wall where there is a 6 or 7 thousand foot sheer drop off with visibility usually well over 100 feet. I will be in Little Cayman next week. Have fun and enjoy.

 

[av8er23]

I think that Cozumenl and Belize will be a must.