gdykes@lasspvax.UUCP (Gene Dykes) (08/05/85)
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I haven't seen any traffic in the way of Caribbean dive recommendations
since I've been reading this group.
Perhaps it's seasonal.
At any rate,
here are reviews of 3 places I've been to (in order of preference):
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CoCo View, Roatan, Honduras:
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The management of this place is superb.
They've got everything right to make it convenient to dive -
two one-tank boat trips per day, all equipment within a few feet of the
boat, which is in turn only a few steps away from the buildings,
unlimited shore diving (including night diving) and the wall is less than
a hundred yards from shore.
The atmosphere is very friendly, and as an unexpected bonus - the food
was quite tasty.
CoCo View got a mediocre review from "Undercurrent", mainly because
there's no "action".
Believe me, this place is REMOTE, so don't go there if you want to do
sight seeing, night clubs, and any resort activities. But do go there
if you want to have a lot of great diving and just relax in between dives.
I've just gotten a newsletter from them that indicates that
since I've been there they've made numerous improvements - more dive sites
have been marked, several sites have permanent moorings, briefings for each
dive have been written up, many improvements to the dock area, a live-aboard
boat has been made available for diving the whole area, and a large ship
was intentionally sunk just off shore, which will provide ever more interest
as the years go by.
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Captain Don's Habitat, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles:
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Most people consider Bonaire THE best diving in the Caribbean.
The variety of coral and fish life is astounding.
Easily the most famous and popular dive hotel is the Flamingo Beach.
It is undoubtedly the site of choice for anybody who doesn't mind shelling
out a few extra bucks.
But for those like me, who want mainly diving and relaxation, Habitat is
a nice alternative.
Very convenient dock facilities, and not nearly as crowded on the boats.
I wasn't into night diving when I was there, but it would have been a great
place for that.
The food was awful, so don't get the meal plan - dine in the town which
is just a mile down the road.
And spend one day sightseeing - there are lots of nice places to see.
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Cayman Diving Lodge, Grand Cayman:
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I can't say enough bad things about this place.
Unless it has changed management in the last couple of years, avoid it like
the plague. The dock is very convenient, and the people were friendly
enough, but that's it.
I have a cast iron stomach that hardly complains about anything, but the food
there was unbelievably bad.
And there are no alternatives - the nearest restaurant is 15 miles away.
They share the problem that's everywhere on Grand Cayman - guided dives.
Grand Cayman is okay for beginners, perhaps, who don't mind getting led
by the hand - but I want my freedom underwater.
The reason that all the dive masters are paranoid is because the spectacle
underwater is so awesome it's dangerous.
The walls dive absolutely vertical from 60 feet to essentially infinity.
It would be very easy for a photographer, say, to totally lose track
of how deep he was. If I go to the Caymans again I'll investigate
a live aboard boat or perhaps Little Cayman or Cayman Brac.
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If you've made it this far, let me appeal to you to post any recommendations
you may have -- both to save this group from extinction, and because
I would love to hear about places to seek out or avoid.
This coming spring we're off to Belize - so any comments about there
would be especially appreciated.
.P
Blub, blub...
--
Gene Dykes, 120 Rand Hall, Cornell U., Ithaca, NY 14853 (607)256-4880
{ihnp4,decvax,allegra,vax135}!cornell!lasspvax!gdykes gdykes@lasspvax.arpa