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Reviews - Dive Resorts

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Cozumel - Blue Note Scuba
Review Date April 2025

Airbnb Rating: 8/10
Dive Shop Rating: 9/10
Food  4/10

Cozumel, Mexico  Mar 29, 2025

What a week in Cozumel! Imagine Finding Nemo, The Love Boat, and Eyes Wide Shut all doing mango margaritas before back rolling into the ocean—BOOM! That was our vacation.
Now let’s talk Blue Note Scuba—these folks don’t dive, they conduct underwater rock concerts. Lulu and Max, our dive masters? Legends. Not just legends—Poseidon’s favorite children.

We saw loggerhead turtles just cruising like they owned the place, eagle rays doing Top Gun flybys, stingrays wiggling like they were late for a dance-off, and barracudas giving us that “I'm mad don't look at me” stare. It was underwater feast for the eyes!

Mornings? Eggs and fruit at the Airbnb. Affordable and egg-cellent! (Eggs are cheap here! )
Afternoons? Blue Note fed us onboard: sandwiches, chips, fruit, dessert, all four food groups and devoured quickly.
Evenings? We ate our way through Cozumel like it was a feast for the gods. Tacos at Taqueria El Pique a cheap eats locals place, burritos big enough to use as pillows at Crazy King, seafood so fresh it almost jumped in our mouths at Mariscos Camilo’s, cool Mayan cuisine at Ix Kool, and a grand finale at Casa Mission with live music serenading us like it was our last meal...well we guess it was! Every meal? A fiesta in our mouths.

Our condo! It had it all—poolside relaxing and showers that went from spa day to polar plunge in under three seconds! One minute you're humming, the next you're auditioning for Frozen 3. But hey—did we complain? No! We laughed, we danced, we shivered with style! So many stories, so much fun, and now… the only thing missing is you guys! We already miss the madness. Come back, you beautiful weirdos!"

Now the group—it was a magical cocktail of camaraderie, cheekiness, and just the right amount of "who brought the lube?" Did we chase each other around beds? Of course! What are we—amateurs?
And the best part? The ladies let us catch them! Even our non-lifestyle single sweet vanilla friend got a little pink in the cheeks when we asked her, “Did anyone see her naked?” (She really was fun all week!) Was there more than a little "thing" going on with her and...?

We’re toasted. Physically, emotionally, erotically exhausted. Judy is sore in areas that have nothing to do with scuba. That good kind of sore—the one that comes from laughter, lust, and maybe one too many rounds of naked gentleman?
The last morning? We all left smiling like teenagers with a fake ID and a naughty story.

Want in on next year’s adventure? Start dreaming. We’ll drop details soon at www.swingerscubatrips.com

Wetsuits optional. Safe words encouraged. Shenanigans guaranteed above the water and under the ocean.
Would we dive here again? Of course! We may set up another group for next year soon.

Playcate.com
Roatan - Splash Inn
Review Date Jan 2025

Resort Rating: 7/10
Dive Shop Rating: 8/10
Food  9/10

We spent seven nights at Splash Inn, and while it’s not anywhere near a five-star resort, it delivered a solid four-star experience in fun and adventure—especially with the lifestyle couple who joined us. We booked the all-inclusive dive package, which covered everything: dives, gear (if needed), breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even wine or beer with evening meals (as long as you weren’t diving afterward). The package also included up to 17 dives, weather permitting.
Splash Inn is a boutique hotel with an attentive owner/manager who’s hands-on and always available to assist guests and staff alike. When the weather took a turn for the worse, he scrambled to find us dive spots on the island. Unfortunately, one day was a complete washout, so we swapped tanks for sloths and toured an exotic animal rescue farm. For under $20, we got to meet sloths, monkeys, parrots, and other exotic birds, plus transfers to and from the resort. Later in the day we did a chocolate factory tour, along with some shopping we thought this was a pretty awesome Plan B.
The rooms were simple but spotless, with comfortable beds and accommodating bathrooms. The cleaning staff was fantastic, delivering extra blankets and towels promptly and keeping everything fresh daily. We left them a small gratuity each day, and they more than earned it.
The food? Delicious, plentiful, and customizable! The wait staff was happy to accommodate requests—most of us traded beans for fruit all week, and the wife turned her Nutella crepes into banana-filled delights. No complaints there, except maybe that our wetsuits felt a bit tighter by the end of the week.
The diving itself was spectacular. Over a third of our dives featured friendly, photogenic turtles who seemed to enjoy the limelight. Add in plenty of parrotfish, spotted drumfish, trunkfish, pufferfish, and even one elusive ray (though murky water kept us from snapping a pic), and we had plenty to keep our underwater cameras busy.
All in all, it was a fantastic week. Oh, and did we have some naughty fun? Of course, we did—but you know we can’t spill the details here. Guess you’ll have to join us on the next trip to find out! We will be back next year

Playcate.com
Roatan - Splash Inn Review 2
Review Date Jan 2025

Resort Rating: 6/10
Dive Shop Rating: 8/10
Food  9/10

Adding a review of our Splash Inn experience from the perspective of a less seasoned traveler- we tend towards medium/large all inclusive resorts that include diving or going on group trips arranged by a local dive shop or trusted travel agent. So to keep costs known we utilized their all inclusive plan.
At first sight I was a little dismayed by the austerity of our room and the grounds; one of our first bath towels was so threadbare it had holes and the beds were made with only a sheet and 2 thin pillows (more on that later). After talking with our friends, getting some food and sleep, things were looking a little better. I was assured that this was normal, and even on the higher quality end than other dive trips to up-and-coming locations. I decided to change my attitude and enjoy the adventure, and boy did we. We are already talking about next year.
Some good points:
*Remember the bed comment? With one word we were given a blanket and extra pillows. By the end of the week they were proud to show us that they had ordered and received new thick fluffy pillows.
*Every dish served was plentiful, tasty and came to order. Staff was very accommodating to switch out fruit instead of beans. Want a splash of fruit juice in your soda? Not a problem. In general there was no drama over the little stuff. And again, if they didn't have something simple like tea or ran out of bananas, they ran out and bought some immediately.
*The staff was personable and friendly. They felt like family by the time we left.
*We were pleasantly surprised by live music one stormy night, so we partied with one of the owners. I like to dance and love being around people having fun. After my husband and I danced one song, I challenged the owner to dance with his wife, and was then so bold as to drag one of his friends out to dance. By the end of the song everyone was up dancing and having a good time, and the staff were laughing and recording our antics.
*The diving was spectacular, the dive team helpful and safety conscious. When weather played tricks they were able to quickly pivot to a new plan for safe diving.
*Our DM was always on the lookout for the special stuff and we saw such a variety. When he heard my squeal over a tiny juvenile Spotted Drum he immediately called me over every time he found them as the rest of the group went "egads, we are going to have to drag her away from another one".
*The dive equipment was mostly in top shape, the regs were like new and they had a great selection of fins. The BCDs were a little worn but serviceable.
*Beach towels were plentiful and easy to trade out wet for dry
Some detractors:
*The dive boats are on the smaller side, which (plus) means smaller more personal groups, but they were rough riding in rough water and a little tippy if weight wasn't balanced
*There was only 1 entry point and it was back roll (not a problem, but be aware if you prefer giant stride). There was room for improving efficiency at getting people in so that the first diver in hadn't drifted away by the time the rest of the group joined them.
*I also made a suggestion about recycling some gallon jugs to be used for rinsing masks and placing them near the divers as the only water on the boat was a bucket behind the captain. Like with every other interaction they were receptive.
*The ladder was shiny, new and in good repair, but was slippery. One boat had done more with wrapping the handles with rope and that helped. It was also completely vertical and wedged between 2 roof supports, so getting in took more strength and flexibility than expected and that last step over the side of the boat was challenging for my short legs. At our regular vacation place the captain would grab the handle of the BCD and assist the lift; now I know just how much that helped.
*Minor suggestion, have some games on hand for rainy days. We had some weather that was prohibitive to walking the town.
Overall I am extremely happy that I went outside my comfort zone and gave Splash Inn a try. The all inclusive package was a good value and covered everything from arrival to departure. It also includes some PADI training perks that I plan to take advantage of next time and there are also perks to being repeat guests. Rafa the GM/co-owner was proactive, personable and responsive. I can't stress enough how quickly they could pivot when conditions changed, and just how focused on customer satisfaction they were.   D and S 

Playcate.com
Roatan - Bananarama
Review Date Jan 2024

Resort Rating: 6/10
Dive Shop Rating: 7/10
Food  6/10

We chose Roatan for its warm winter waters, and a last-minute cancellation led us to Bananarama. The resort offered a no-frills experience: the rooms were rustic, but the AC worked, and the beds were comfortable enough. Breakfast was included, though the limited menu—just four choices for the entire week—got monotonous. While the food was decent, it was nothing to write home about.

The dive shop was the highlight, with excellent dive masters and skilled boat captains. However, the lack of a dock was a bit inconvenient. Wading through the water to board the boat wasn’t ideal, but the boats themselves were well-suited for diving. We enjoyed some fantastic dive sites, which made the experience worthwhile despite the minor inconveniences.

playcate.com
Jamaica - Hedonism II
Review date: Jan, Feb, May, Oct 2024

Resort Rating: 6/10
Dive Shop Rating: 8/10
Food 7/10

Hedonism might be best known for its... *extracurricular naughty activities,* but the diving here holds its own—especially since it's included in the price of your stay, gear and all.

**The Resort:** While many rooms have been upgraded (some more than once), they still fall short compared to most American hotel standards. Premium rooms are a step up but come with a price tag that rivals major chains like Marriott or Hilton and all of them are half the size of any of those properties. That said, it’s all-inclusive—though don’t expect gourmet dining. The food is fine but uninspired, with little variety and limited chef oversight.

**The Dive Shack and Staff:** Having dived here for years, we’ve always found the team professional, safety-focused, and fun. They strike a great balance between playful banter and serious diving. The 20–25 dive sites may sound repetitive after dozens of visits, but the marine life never fails to impress. Over the years, we’ve witnessed everything from eagle rays mating to dolphins feeding a nursing mother, along with sharks, turtles, and more. Every dive manages to surprise us.

**The Verdict:** Would we come here just for the diving? Probably not—except we did post-COVID trip when it was the only option. But the combination of included diving and a *naughty* atmosphere keeps us coming back. After more than 50 visits, Hedonism remains a unique blend of adventure under the waves and even adventures of the naughty kind. What more can you ask for?

Reviews - Dive Resorts

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Jamacia- Hedonism II
Review Date Feb 2025

Resort Rating: 6/10
Dive Shop Rating: 9/10
Food  7/10

Negril, Jamaica – Feb 14, 2025 (Yes, we spent Valentine’s Day at Hedo. Romantic, right?)

Hedonism II has been around since the ‘90s, offering an all-inclusive experience where everything is included—including scuba diving! That’s right, two dives a day, no extra cost, and even decent rental gear (mostly Cressi). You can bring your own equipment and store it in their locked section overnight, so no need to cuddle your regulator in bed.

The Dive Plan
Morning dive: Advanced divers (or higher), up to 90 feet
Second dive: Open Water (or higher), max 60 feet
You get a nice 45-minute break between dives—just enough time to grab a drink (not recommended) or contemplate why you’re up this early at Hedonism.
Honestly, no one books Hedonism just for the diving, but hey, if it’s already in the price, why not squeeze in some underwater fun between all the… other fun? Plus, they also throw in snorkeling, small catamarans, and paddleboards—all free.

Are Jamaica’s Reefs Thriving?
Mmmm, let’s just say the reefs are like that one guy at the bar who used to be in great shape. They’ve seen some rough years thanks to rising ocean temperatures, but there’s been a bit of a comeback. Things are still growing, just… not as colorful as they once were.

Is There Marine Life?
Jamaica’s reefs aren’t protected, and Negril is a fishing village, so marine life has to dodge a few extra hooks. That said, this trip we saw:
✔️ A large reef shark (taking a nap—respect the chill).
✔️ Several rays, including Eagle and Gray.
✔️ Eels, lobsters, crabs, and some sneaky lionfish.
✔️ Tons of colorful Caribbean fish.

The local fishermen discovered lionfish are tasty, so they’re now harder to find. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty to see, including two plane wrecks and a tugboat turned artificial reef. Past trips have blessed us with dolphins, turtles, and lots of baby rays. Just because we didn’t see everything this time doesn’t mean the ocean isn’t still putting on a show.

The Dive Masters – Hedo’s Underwater MVPs
These guys are top-notch—skilled, funny, and always on point. They lead dives, spot marine life, and help with any gear mishaps. My wife and I pretty much use them as the gold standard to judge all other dive masters.

The Boat – Functional, Not Fancy
It’s basic but does the job. Room for about 18 divers, two big Yamaha engines, and it gets to dive sites fast. No frills, no espresso machine—but hey, it floats and gets us where we need to be.

Final Thoughts?
If you’re staying at Sandals or Couples next door, congrats, you’ll be diving the same reefs. But if you like your all-inclusive with a side of extra-curricular activities, Hedonism is where it’s at. The diving helps justify the cost (as Hedonism is no longer budget friendly), and the afternoon and evening entertainment… well, let’s just say it’s what keeps us coming back.

Would we dive here again? Of course! In fact we are booked 2 more times in 2025. Would we stay out of trouble at the resort? No comment.

Playcate.com
Roatan - Splash Inn
Review Date Jan 2025

Resort Rating: 7/10
Dive Shop Rating: 8/10
Food  9/10

We spent seven nights at Splash Inn, and while it’s not anywhere near a five-star resort, it delivered a solid four-star experience in fun and adventure—especially with the lifestyle couple who joined us. We booked the all-inclusive dive package, which covered everything: dives, gear (if needed), breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even wine or beer with evening meals (as long as you weren’t diving afterward). The package also included up to 17 dives, weather permitting.
Splash Inn is a boutique hotel with an attentive owner/manager who’s hands-on and always available to assist guests and staff alike. When the weather took a turn for the worse, he scrambled to find us dive spots on the island. Unfortunately, one day was a complete washout, so we swapped tanks for sloths and toured an exotic animal rescue farm. For under $20, we got to meet sloths, monkeys, parrots, and other exotic birds, plus transfers to and from the resort. Later in the day we did a chocolate factory tour, along with some shopping we thought this was a pretty awesome Plan B.
The rooms were simple but spotless, with comfortable beds and accommodating bathrooms. The cleaning staff was fantastic, delivering extra blankets and towels promptly and keeping everything fresh daily. We left them a small gratuity each day, and they more than earned it.
The food? Delicious, plentiful, and customizable! The wait staff was happy to accommodate requests—most of us traded beans for fruit all week, and the wife turned her Nutella crepes into banana-filled delights. No complaints there, except maybe that our wetsuits felt a bit tighter by the end of the week.
The diving itself was spectacular. Over a third of our dives featured friendly, photogenic turtles who seemed to enjoy the limelight. Add in plenty of parrotfish, spotted drumfish, trunkfish, pufferfish, and even one elusive ray (though murky water kept us from snapping a pic), and we had plenty to keep our underwater cameras busy.
All in all, it was a fantastic week. Oh, and did we have some naughty fun? Of course, we did—but you know we can’t spill the details here. Guess you’ll have to join us on the next trip to find out! We will be back next year

Playcate.com
Roatan - Splash Inn Review 2
Review Date Jan 2025

Resort Rating: 6/10
Dive Shop Rating: 8/10
Food  9/10

Adding a review of our Splash Inn experience from the perspective of a less seasoned traveler- we tend towards medium/large all inclusive resorts that include diving or going on group trips arranged by a local dive shop or trusted travel agent. So to keep costs known we utilized their all inclusive plan.
At first sight I was a little dismayed by the austerity of our room and the grounds; one of our first bath towels was so threadbare it had holes and the beds were made with only a sheet and 2 thin pillows (more on that later). After talking with our friends, getting some food and sleep, things were looking a little better. I was assured that this was normal, and even on the higher quality end than other dive trips to up-and-coming locations. I decided to change my attitude and enjoy the adventure, and boy did we. We are already talking about next year.
Some good points:
*Remember the bed comment? With one word we were given a blanket and extra pillows. By the end of the week they were proud to show us that they had ordered and received new thick fluffy pillows.
*Every dish served was plentiful, tasty and came to order. Staff was very accommodating to switch out fruit instead of beans. Want a splash of fruit juice in your soda? Not a problem. In general there was no drama over the little stuff. And again, if they didn't have something simple like tea or ran out of bananas, they ran out and bought some immediately.
*The staff was personable and friendly. They felt like family by the time we left.
*We were pleasantly surprised by live music one stormy night, so we partied with one of the owners. I like to dance and love being around people having fun. After my husband and I danced one song, I challenged the owner to dance with his wife, and was then so bold as to drag one of his friends out to dance. By the end of the song everyone was up dancing and having a good time, and the staff were laughing and recording our antics.
*The diving was spectacular, the dive team helpful and safety conscious. When weather played tricks they were able to quickly pivot to a new plan for safe diving.
*Our DM was always on the lookout for the special stuff and we saw such a variety. When he heard my squeal over a tiny juvenile Spotted Drum he immediately called me over every time he found them as the rest of the group went "egads, we are going to have to drag her away from another one".
*The dive equipment was mostly in top shape, the regs were like new and they had a great selection of fins. The BCDs were a little worn but serviceable.
*Beach towels were plentiful and easy to trade out wet for dry
Some detractors:
*The dive boats are on the smaller side, which (plus) means smaller more personal groups, but they were rough riding in rough water and a little tippy if weight wasn't balanced
*There was only 1 entry point and it was back roll (not a problem, but be aware if you prefer giant stride). There was room for improving efficiency at getting people in so that the first diver in hadn't drifted away by the time the rest of the group joined them.
*I also made a suggestion about recycling some gallon jugs to be used for rinsing masks and placing them near the divers as the only water on the boat was a bucket behind the captain. Like with every other interaction they were receptive.
*The ladder was shiny, new and in good repair, but was slippery. One boat had done more with wrapping the handles with rope and that helped. It was also completely vertical and wedged between 2 roof supports, so getting in took more strength and flexibility than expected and that last step over the side of the boat was challenging for my short legs. At our regular vacation place the captain would grab the handle of the BCD and assist the lift; now I know just how much that helped.
*Minor suggestion, have some games on hand for rainy days. We had some weather that was prohibitive to walking the town.
Overall I am extremely happy that I went outside my comfort zone and gave Splash Inn a try. The all inclusive package was a good value and covered everything from arrival to departure. It also includes some PADI training perks that I plan to take advantage of next time and there are also perks to being repeat guests. Rafa the GM/co-owner was proactive, personable and responsive. I can't stress enough how quickly they could pivot when conditions changed, and just how focused on customer satisfaction they were.   D and S 

Playcate.com
Roatan - Bananarama
Review Date Jan 2024

Resort Rating: 6/10
Dive Shop Rating: 7/10
Food  6/10

We chose Roatan for its warm winter waters, and a last-minute cancellation led us to Bananarama. The resort offered a no-frills experience: the rooms were rustic, but the AC worked, and the beds were comfortable enough. Breakfast was included, though the limited menu—just four choices for the entire week—got monotonous. While the food was decent, it was nothing to write home about.

The dive shop was the highlight, with excellent dive masters and skilled boat captains. However, the lack of a dock was a bit inconvenient. Wading through the water to board the boat wasn’t ideal, but the boats themselves were well-suited for diving. We enjoyed some fantastic dive sites, which made the experience worthwhile despite the minor inconveniences.

playcate.com
Jamaica - Hedonism II
Review date: Jan, Feb, May, Oct 2024

Resort Rating: 6/10
Dive Shop Rating: 8/10
Food 7/10

Hedonism might be best known for its... *extracurricular naughty activities,* but the diving here holds its own—especially since it's included in the price of your stay, gear and all.

**The Resort:** While many rooms have been upgraded (some more than once), they still fall short compared to most American hotel standards. Premium rooms are a step up but come with a price tag that rivals major chains like Marriott or Hilton and all of them are half the size of any of those properties. That said, it’s all-inclusive—though don’t expect gourmet dining. The food is fine but uninspired, with little variety and limited chef oversight.

**The Dive Shack and Staff:** Having dived here for years, we’ve always found the team professional, safety-focused, and fun. They strike a great balance between playful banter and serious diving. The 20–25 dive sites may sound repetitive after dozens of visits, but the marine life never fails to impress. Over the years, we’ve witnessed everything from eagle rays mating to dolphins feeding a nursing mother, along with sharks, turtles, and more. Every dive manages to surprise us.

**The Verdict:** Would we come here just for the diving? Probably not—except we did post-COVID trip when it was the only option. But the combination of included diving and a *naughty* atmosphere keeps us coming back. After more than 50 visits, Hedonism remains a unique blend of adventure under the waves and even adventures of the naughty kind. What more can you ask for?

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Caribbean Explorer II - St Kitts - St Martin 

Sept 2023


Boat: 6/10
Dive Crew: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Diving Overall: 8/10

This trip covered St. Kitts, Saba, and St. Martin, though we only dived at St. Kitts and Saba. St. Kitts, as our first dive site, was incredible, but Saba blew us away—easily the best diving we've experienced in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean Explorer II, part of Explorer Ventures' fleet, is an older but seaworthy vessel. The dive deck, though retrofitted, was functional. Cabins are small, and ours had a double bed (one person crawled over the other all week) and a full bath. Storage is limited, so soft luggage is essential. Meals were hearty comfort food, served buffet-style, with plenty for everyone, including snacks between dives.

The dive staff were experienced and helpful, pointing out highlights like a seahorse at St. Kitts dive site. However, one divemaster was overly focused on macro life and over the top strict about sand or reef contact. Nitrox certification should be mandatory, as the yo-yo dive profiles (deep to shallow) were challenging. A nearby hurricane forced us to miss a day of diving, and instead of sheltering in a bay, we endured rough seas that left many guests seasick.

Saba was the trip's crown jewel. Its protected, pristine reefs were teeming with life—turtles, sharks, rays, barracuda, eels, and even an occasional octopus at nearly every site. We wish the entire week had been spent there.

Highlights:
- Exceptional diving at Saba.
- Improved our skills significantly, learning from both staff but mostly fellow divers.

Lowlights:
- Credit card payments were written down manually, despite onboard internet access.
- An unnecessary lecture on tipping soured the experience for everyone and likely reduced tips.

Overall: A great trip with incredible diving, especially at Saba, but a few operational shortcomings detracted from the experience.

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Juliet - Miami - Bimini, Bahamas 

August 2025

Boat: 5/10
Crew: 7/10
Food: 8/10
Diving: 8/10

We sailed on the Juliet, a no-frills liveaboard focused on diving, not luxury. The ship, an older converted diesel vessel with rarely used sails, is functional but basic. The dive deck is mid-ship, requiring a five-foot jump into the water, with no low dive platform for easy reentry—climbing back up can be a workout.

The 50-mile crossing to the Bahamas was rough both ways, so seasickness remedies are a must. Most cabins share a bathroom, but we lucked out with an en suite. While rooms are air-conditioned, the common areas are not, and dining in the minimally cooled galley meant most guests ate outside to catch a breeze. Meals were hearty comfort food, heavy on carbs like pasta, bread, and potatoes.

The crew was professional, with the captain adjusting plans to ensure we didn’t miss any dives. Diving was unguided, offering freedom to explore at your own pace and enjoy extended bottom times—often over 60 minutes. However, without a dive master, spotting small critters like octopuses or seahorses was hit-or-miss. Still, we encountered plenty of sharks, rays, barracuda, and large marine life across sites like Big Greenie, Lewda, the Strip, the wreck of the Sapona, and more.

We completed four dives daily, including night dives, except Thursday, when we did three before returning to Miami. The six-day itinerary (shorter than typical liveaboards) emphasized self-reliant diving, honing compass skills, and navigating underwater landmarks. With 100-foot visibility, it was easy to lose sight of the boat, but by trip’s end, we felt like better navigators.

Highlights:
- Quite a bit of sharks around Bimini.
- Improved our navigation skills significantly

Lowlights:
- To many beans the entire week. 
- Small cabins, tight spaces

The Juliet is perfect for divers seeking adventure and skill-building, not luxury. If solid diving and a back-to-basics experience appeal to you, this liveaboard delivers.

Dive Companies

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Off The Wall Divers - Grand Cayman
April 2023

Boat: 8/10
Crew: 9/10
Food: N/A
Diving: 7/10

We booked this dive with Off the Wall Divers a week prior to diving at the docked at the main port on the Bliss Cruise. Tom, the owner and dive master, was easy to contact online and proved to be an excellent underwater guide.

The two-dive package included all necessary gear at a reasonable price. It turned into a private day for just the two of us, which meant undivided attention underwater. A nice touch was the souvenir water bottle filled with ice water. The boat, designed for diving, was relatively new and had a shaded deck but no indoor space or kitchen. Conveniently, the shop was within walking distance of the cruise port—no taxis needed!

The dives were enjoyable but not extraordinary. We spotted a turtle, rays, and plenty of parrotfish but fewer lionfish than expected—likely thanks to the island’s popular lionfish tacos. Visibility was lower than anticipated, and there was no wall diving, which limited the underwater excitement.

Highlights:
- Easy walk from the cruise ship
- Private dive experience for just the two of us

Lowlights:
- Fewer marine highlights than expected
- Visibility was underwhelming

Overall, we’d recommend Off the Wall Divers, especially for cruise passengers looking for a convenient and personal dive experience.

playcate.com
Garfield Diving  - Ocho Rios, Jamaica
April 2023

We booked Garfield Diving online about a week before our Bliss Cruise and found it easy to walk from the ship—though a detour around a building made it a bit longer than expected. Garfield arranged all our gear and provided a reliable, albeit older, dive boat. The boat was well-equipped for diving, shaded, and perfectly fine for the calm waters we explored. Payment was simple, as they accepted credit cards at the shop.

With reefs close to shore, the boat ride was short, and we lucked out with another private tour. The personal attention made for an enjoyable day.

We completed two shallow dives. The highlight was an octopus we thought was trapped in a fish trap—only to watch it finish its meal and effortlessly squeeze out. The second dive included a shallow wreck and a network of underwater channels illuminated by sunlight streaming through. It was a serene and memorable experience.

Highlights:
- Surprisingly abundant marine life for Jamaica
- Private dive experience with personalized attention

Lowlights:
- Older boat, but functional
- Directions from the ship could have been clearer

Overall, Garfield Diving is a great choice for cruise passengers seeking convenience and a reliable dive experience.

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