AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Looking for a Dive Operator... Not a cattle boat.

Can someone recommend a dive operator that doesn't operate cattle boats. People on this board seemed to lean towards Amigos del Mar. We don't like going on boat that has more than 8 or so divers. TIA.

reefman@pcez.com

Just remember, there is always a trade off.

You can dive with a guarantee of fewer divers . . . but you won't have the same service, no matter who you sign up with.

One of the many reasons that people recommend Amigos is because they have so many boats, you are virtually guaranteed to get a dive, whereas with smaller operators, sometimes they don't go out if conditions and/or customers aren't all that they can be (to the operator)

Amigos will keep your gear, instead of having to take it with you all the time, etc. etc.

I almost always dive with Amigos. There is a reason that I do that, even with all my San Pedro diving experience . . .

I really enjoy diving with *very* small groups, (in fact, often dive sans buddy) and from time to time, I've had to put up with as many as 5 or 6 other divers (oh no). . . but it's rare and when I do, we are still quite comfortable and roomy on the Amigos boats (even the smallest one).

However, while you can find yourself from time to time sitting and diving with more divers than you'd hoped to, Amigos often don't have that many divers booked. And whether they do or don't, all of their boats are in really good shape, and as a rule their captains and DMS are excellent. I could go on and on and probably will . . .

All that said, if you are totally hooked on making sure you dive with a small intimate group with an excellent DM, then be sure to check out Ched (Reef Adventures).

Hi Seashell

As usual you provide accurate and good information however since I market myself as Ambergris Cayes smallest dive operation taking only 6-8 divers per boat I wanted to seperate myself from your point that if we did not have enough divers we would cancel.

I agree most operators will cancel however we do not, it is my view that if a diver has booked with me and I dont have enough divers to make the trip worthwhile, it is not that divers problem it is mine so no matter if I have just one diver pre-booked i will go out even with that one diver. its a service issue

Just wanted to clarify that point

Gaz

P.S Can't go wrong with either Amigos or Ched both provide good service

Good point Gaz.

We don't dive, but it would be a hard situation, for those that do, if they couldn't go due to lack of divers interested.

Many tours are cancelled due to lack of enough people to go, mainland especially. It hurts the tourist more than anything. They spend big bucks to go somewhere and then can't go out on a tour.

Back to the divers...........

No worries Gaz. I should have clarified that the cancellation scenario is unlikely to occur at a dedicated dive resort like Playa Blanca. I'm sure that the boats also go out at Sundiver and places like that too.

As for in town, if for some reason a small operator can't take you out that day, they will often set you up with another operator that is going out. If that occurs, don't be surprised to find yourself on an Amigos' boat after all.

And it should also be noted that Gaz' operation should be separated from my comment about service. As a dedicated dive resort, his resort can and will provide the same gear service and overall diver support, that may be missing from some of the smaller independent operators in town.

Gaz, as you well know, I think your DM, Andy Palacio, is one of the very finest.

We'll be in Ambergris Caye in a week. Can anyone tell me what the water temperature is?

This mornings dive temp was

83 surface

82 at 60ft

regards

Gaz

THANKS Seashell

I am the first to admit my operation is only as good as the people that work with me and you are right Andy is a GEM and one of the best out there.

all the best

Gaz

ScubaDoo:

I went with Amigo Del Mar's (eddie and Alberto are wonderful) and went with just me diving and the masters!!! And some people I met the next day also went w/ Amigo Del Mar's and it was a group of 3 that just went with them...during the busy season. Who said you need to go with so many? They are wonderful!
KE

I know several people are for Amigos del Mar and we had a bad time with them.I would try Gaz.
no futher comment.