Idaho Diver,
I read your report and thought it was very honest, based on what your expectations were, and how the trip didn't meet up to them. I think it is really unfortunate that you didn't enjoy yourself, as that is what a vacation is for and what most of us work so hard for all year to do. Most of us who read/post on these boards are incredibly positive about our experiences in AC and the negative trip reports are pretty few and far between. Not to say that us positive posters are seeing AC through rose colored glasses, I think it is more about seeing San Pedro as a place that has so many things to offer, and if one element of the trip doesn't quite pan out, there are plenty of other great experiences to make up for it.
You are clearly a seasoned diver and diving is the main reason you went to AC, and while you didn't find the quality you were looking for, maybe even felt a bit misled by some of the previous posters who raved about it, it's too bad it had to ruin your whole experience of AC. Did you take any trips to the ruins? What about taking advantage of the strong winds and hopping on a windsurfer or a sailboat? Did you go out and try to learn the Punta? Did you meet any of the locals and hear their stories? Did you walk along the beach at night barefooted, stop for some great food with the inevitable rice, beans and slaw and wash it all down with a cold Belikin and top it off with a slice of yummy key lime pie?
I did and it's what made my trip so memorable.
I am not a diver, and although I have taken a resort course before (in Australia about 10 years ago), I am pretty new to it. I loved my experience in AC because I saw things underwater that have only scared me in my nightmares! Eels, giant stingrays, nurse sharks, huge groupers- it was amazing to see these formerly scary sea creatures up close and personal and to gain a new appreciation for how beautiful they are.
So, while I definitely feel for you and know what it's like to be disappointed with a vacation that you had planned and had turn out to be a total bust, I can only say that a good trip is what you make it.
I am sure if you go back again, chances are conditions would be better, you would get to check out other sites you didn't try the first time around, and maybe have a more positive experience. If not, then you can continue to tell people how much you disliked AC, how you would never go back, and in the process help keep it a treasured secret paradise for those of us who love it so much we would go back two weeks after we left...
As for the counselor part, Hmmmm....never done on-line before but think it's an interesting idea....
Take care,
Tara