Hey Kris... sorry you guys couldn't make it this time around. Actually, I didn't go scuba diving... I went "snuba"ing... haha. It's a combo of scuba and snorkelling. You breathe through a regulator like in scuba, but instead of having the tank on your back, it floats in a raft on the surface... you're connected to it by a 20 foot hose. It gives you the same sort of freedom as scuba diving (well, ok, so you can only go down 20 but you can drag that raft all over the Caribbean, haha) without having to go through the certification. For me it was great... I'd never get to do it often enough to make certification worthwhile, but this was a great taste of what it's like to be down there - not floating on top getting snorkeller's burn like I was on my other outings, lol.

I had a great time, but a week just isn't enough. I'm thinking maybe a month next time. Apparently it's do-able on the same amount of money I took (and spent) just last week. LOL

Okay, sounds like something I might try. Ear problems rule out actual scuba, but maybe that would work. Pictures are great. I agree, a week is really not enough! We did 2 in June, 5 days inland, 9 on island, and we were nowhere near ready to go home.

Well... if you have ear problems this might not be for you either. The first time I did it I didn't have any problems, but the second time I went (the day before I left) I had trouble equalizing the pressure. It wasn't overly painful at the time (though was uncomfortable), but I ended up with fluid in one ear and infections in both. But... that said, I'd probably still do it again, would just be more careful about how deep I go and how fast. It really is a much different experience than regular snorkelling.

The problem with snuba is that people think the rules and potential for problems that apply to diving don't apply. Guess what? They do!!

Frankly, I'm against snuba because my concern is that there is too much potential for injury.

The top 15' is where most errors are made and injuries occur. You MUST start equalizing as soon as you start your decent. If you wait until 15' to start it is usually too late. #7680 - what happens when we "force" our ears to clear is that we often get a reverse block which hurts after you come up. I’ve had this twice and it is very painful.
I agree with seashell. I think everyone should do the equivalent of a resort course preliminary before doing snuba. If you do choose to do snuba I beg of you to have an experienced guide right beside you.
Who/what operator does snuba here?

Another snuba question....

I have had a stipedectomy ( a middle ear bone removed and replaced with a titanium piece) and since I can't seem to get a go-ahead on whether it's safe to take diving lessons, I haven't. It sounds like snuba might have similar concerns....?

I can't remember the name of the company right off the top of my head, but they're on the dock outside Fido's (and have an "outlet" just down the beach from Mata Rocks). I believe they're the only ones on the island who do it.

We're down to 20 sleeps and the anticipation is almost painful at this point! Littleengine, great pics!! I have a question about the underwater shots. Do you have a waterproof digital or how were those done exactly? As you can tell, I'm not exactly tech-savvy. I did manage to figure out how to sign up on this MB, anyway.

Hi - great photos! Where did you stay? I'm just starting to plan our trip and this place looked interesting.
Thanks!