You're right up there near Elbert at White Sands. He's a pro and will watch out for you. I'd take a great deal of comfort in that. He's too much of a gentleman to promote himself on this board.
It seems everyone is plumping for their favourite Dive Shop without thinking about logistics. It is highly unlikely most of the Dive Shops mentioned will come up as far as Portofino to take you Diving. The extra journey for them negates any profit on an already tight business. Your options, I can think of, are Elbert, Ecologic or my choice not mentioned yet is Belize Acadamy of Diving located at Costa Maya who meet all of your criteria and are within walking distance of your resort. http://www.belize-academy-of-diving.com/
I agree with Seashell and BJ. Since you are staying up north Elbert at White Sands Dive Resort would be an excellent choice. Personally I like diving up north; there are some wonderful sites there. Sunday we dove Tres Cocos (Elbert - I know that is not REALLY north) and had the most amazing sight; a HUGH school of Gray Angel Fish swam right into my video camera and went around me. Angels usually travel in pairs. Has anyone else ever seen this behavior?
Then again at Esmeralds another big school swam between me (and my camera) and the other three divers. I'm going to try to grab some stills and see if I can post them.
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Harriette Take only pictures leave only bubbles
Thanks for all the feedback. It is greatly appreciated. I had a question about Ecologic divers. I have ready really good things about them and I am also confused as to whether they are connected to Portofino. Some things I read made it sound like they are affiliated, but I also know that Portofino has their own dive shop right there at the resort. Are these two connected? Thanks!
Portofino was working with Ecologic Divers the dive shop at the end of Portofino's Dock was run by Ecologic Divers. At least it was in March of this year. I have not been up to Portofino for a while so I am not sure if that is still the same arrangement.
I do have to agree about Chuck and Robbie's they are great. That is who I recommend to my friend and family. Many people come back year after year just to dive with them.
Edited by purdygrl (11/03/0911:37 AM) Edit Reason: added more
For clarification, Ecologic Divers still runs the dive shop at the Portofino dock (nothing has changed) and they are doing an awesome job! They also have a dive shop in town. This the Ecologic website: http://www.ecologicdivers.com/ Jan ________________________ Portofino Restaurant & Beach Resort North Ambergris Caye New Website: www.portofino.bz
I agree with Seashell and BJ. Since you are staying up north Elbert at White Sands Dive Resort would be an excellent choice. Personally I like diving up north; there are some wonderful sites there. Sunday we dove Tres Cocos (Elbert - I know that is not REALLY north) and had the most amazing sight; a HUGH school of Gray Angel Fish swam right into my video camera and went around me. Angels usually travel in pairs. Has anyone else ever seen this behavior?
Then again at Esmeralds another big school swam between me (and my camera) and the other three divers. I'm going to try to grab some stills and see if I can post them.
I agree that the sites up north (north of the cut) are great to dive as well. We have been to Tres Cocos and Mexico Rocks. They have lovely coral, but we saw a lot more marine animal life at Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley.
Great!! Thanks for the clarification, Jan. I think we will definitely go through Portofino then, it is convenient and supposed to be a great dive operator. It sounds like Ambergris has many reputable dive shops. That says a lot about the island!! Thanks to all of you for sharing your input.
Just keep in mind that Shark Ray Alley is not a dive site. Sorry, if someone has already said that. Snorkelling only. Hol Chan can be dived or snorkelled. I like it as a shallow dive.
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A fish and a bird can fall in love, but where will they build their nest?
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