AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Choosing A Dive Operator?

Thanks for the advice Seashell & Pedro2. Makes sense.

Seems that there is also quite a difference in pricing; I see ranges from $275 - $330 from the suggested shops for the referral course. Not that price is my only consideration. I do prefer personalized service over a low cost I'm just a number kind of place. I don't mind paying a little more for quality. I just wonder why such a range with all the competition. But I assume I won't offend anyone if I attempt to negotiate since its the slow season.

Pedro2, Yes, I will just need to complete the 4 dives when I get to Belize. I will do the PADI class and pool work next weekend thru a local dive shop. I'm not sure what you meant by "The expression doesn't have a fixed meaning (so obviously the cost varies)". So, that might explain my other comment about price? I assumed the term "referral course" was universal = 4 dives to complete cert.

P.S.

I got into an acccident the day after I got my drivers license.

Randy Rodriguez with Chuck and Robbie's Dive Shop certified me. He does a lot of referrals as well, the open water dives here in Belize. He's really good, patient and personal.

His cell: 011-501-622-8122.

I agree, the smaller places offer more personalized service.

SIN

Thanks SIN!

I sent them an email yesterday and waiting for a reply.

Their website said they are pulling their boat in Sept for maint.

Probably, they have two, a large boat and a small boat.

SIN

[quote=seashell] Kinda like the Stockholm Syndrome.

hehe rich

I have some more names to add to the list. First I do recommend Chuck and Robbie to a lot of people looking for a smaller dive company. Another really good one is Amigos del Mar they are excellent. I lot of my friends also use Bottom Time.
My suggestion is when you get to San Pedro take sometime to talk to all the shops(if you haven't done so by email) look for the one that suits your personality.
Good Luck

Glad you liked that Elbert.

Gotbeach . . .I'm sure you have maturity on your side now

Is that a remark about my gray, white hair?
I like to just listen when people ask the board for a recommendation for a SCUBA instructor.
you learn a lot
I don't really pick up work from the board or search for it on the board. I get most from my home page and the net of search engines.
It would be a shameless self promotion to post something like www.scubalessonsbelize.com

You have had some very good input - which of course does not make it easier for you.
Belize Diving Adventures (Everette & Inez) have lost their dock leases twice in the last year and right now do not have a shop on the beach. They are really good and sure could use the business. I have been diving with Everette for years and my guests always fall in love with his wonderful ways.
You might want to go to the section on the main part of this site and look at all the web sites for diving.
There was only one shop her that I would not be supportive of and I just learned they fired the jerk I couldn't stand. So now I can't say anything bad about any of them. LOL

Thanks for all the info.

Robbie replied to my mail and said they were closed during the time of my stay and suggested Reef Adentures.

Elbert, thanks for your link. I sent you an email. People don't know your out there unless you tell them; since nobody suggested you? What's up with that?