My husband and I will be staying at Paradise Villas in December. We would like to use Hustler Dive Shop because their prices seem reasonable and they are so close to where we are staying. I have read lots of comments on dive shops but have not seen anything specifically on Hustler. I saw what "Idaho" said about Amigo but that just sounded like a lot of unfortunate circumstances because most of what I read about Amigo sounded quite good. Anyway, does anybody have a good or bad recommendation on Hustler. This board is so awesome in helping you make informed decisions. Any input on Hustler or other dive shops will be greatly appreciated. Thanks again

We've stayed at Paradise Villas for the last two years, and have done a couple of tours with Hustler. First rate all the way. Altho we've never dived (dove?) with them, after getting familiar with the crew, I would have no hesitation. I've heard good things about other outfits, and dove with them and never had a particular bad experience, they are all very good. Hustler seems to add just a litle something extra in the personal touch. Next year we will definitely do them. Good equipment, good people, nice boats. If you have a chance to do the catamaran, it's a fun and easy trip. And, nothing but the highest praise for Paradise, it's far enough out to be quiet, but nothing is more than a few minutes walk.

Check out Barefootwatersports too....Nice people!

Bobber - Thanks for your quick response. It sounds like we'll be quite happy with both Hustler and Paradise Villas. We've never been to Belize but if its even half as nice as it sounds, I'm sure we'll become repeat customers!

Axeman - I can't believe how fast people respond to some of these questions. Do you recommend Barefoot over Hustler? I've heard good things about Barefoot too but were hoping Hustler also got good reviews since they were so close to Paradise Villas.

I'm sitting here typing this response looking at a group picture of my friends and the Hustler crew sitting together on their dock. The pic is in front of my computer because it reminds me of quite possibly the best time I've ever had in my 35 years of life. The Hustler crew was a big part of the reason I had so much fun. Did my cert dives with Hustler and then did a few post cert dives with them last Easter. Ched, Tony, Billy and everyone else at Hustler treated us like we were the only reason they were in business. As you can probably tell I can't say enough good things about Hustler. If you ever find a nicer group of people let me know I want to dive with them. Bottom line, dive with Hustler, you won't be disappointed.

See ya, Grawz

Ched is not with Huslter's anymore.

Ched is with Aquarius, next door to Amigos Del Mar on the beach by Conch Shell Inn and Lily's.
I dove two years with Ched when he was with Hustlers and again this year with Aquarius.
Some people rave about Amigos and some complain. Each dive operation has it's own style. You need to fit your style to the style of the shop.
Amigos operates kinda like the shops I dove with in Cozumel -- keep everyone together, follow the dive master, stay with your buddy, etc. Some people need/want this.
If you are an underwater photographer you need an operator who is a little more relaxed. On the 1st dive they will want to look you over and evaluate your skills. Then you can work out a plan with them. You may not be as good as you think you are.
Ched understands photographers and what they are looking for based on their camera set up. I can guarantee that he will show you stuff you would never find for yourself if he thinks you will respect it.
Billy at Hustlers is almost as good as Ched (gotcha Billy!)
Any dive operation will pick you up from where ever you are staying.
I stayed at Tradewinds twice, Rocks Inn (now Blue Tang) and Lily's. Each has something to offer.
I am depressed because I can't go back until next year. Boo Hoo.

Paradise Villas is AKA Tradewinds and now I see them listed as Beachfront Suites. You can recognize the property easily by the photos of the swimming pool.
A rose, is a rose, is a rose.
BEAUTIFUL!

Scubaldy, Hi! I knew that Ched worked at Aquarius once in a while cuz of his friendship with Patrick but I thought he was actually with Seawolf. Has this changed?