Roatan diving advise needed

Whenever I need advise I turn to the wise people of usenet - hope you
guys can help me out on this one!

In June we have a group of 17 people(16 to mid 40's) traveling aboard
the cruiseship Paradise to Belize, Roatan, Cozumel and Grand Cayman.
It has been suggested to me that the best place for us to dive is
Roatan. We will have approximately 8 divers (3 experienced/5 newly
certified & 9 snorkelers). We would like to stay together for the day.

I ran across a glowing recommendation for the Inn of Last Resort, but
unfortunately their boat is booked up for the day. They recommended a
charter that docks with them – the Circe – a 52 foot Hatteras Yacht (
www.bayislandcharters.com ) that looks pretty good although it's a tad
pricey I think ($115 2/tank dive & $65 for snorkelers with
equipt,lunch and transport – about $1500 no discount for the large
group). I like the idea of having the boat to ourselves – the dives
sites and times will be tailored to our group, and I would want to
hire at least one extra DM because of the newbies.

I've also emailed Fantasy Island and CoCo View – although CCV hasn't
answered yet. Fantasy Island said they could accommodate the group,
provide beach/dive access, equipt, transport and lunch for about
$850.00. Don't know how much extra it would be for boat access or if
we could all stay together – have emailed asking that. If just a beach
dive don't know about services of a DM and I'm a little concerned
about the sand flea issue that the other boat wouldn't have. Think I
also read somewhere that FI caters to the cruise ship crowds and I
don't want to be one of the masses!

So ok dive gurus…I need your input and suggestions! I've never been
there and not sure how to choose so that everyone in my group has a
good – stressfree time. I'm thinking the boat might provide a little
more "support" for the group than the resort would.

What would YOU do?

"barbara" <boliver@thevine.net> wrote in message
news:b7688be3.0403302355.6192ff5a@posting.google.c om...
> Whenever I need advise I turn to the wise people of usenet - hope you
> guys can help me out on this one!
>
> In June we have a group of 17 people(16 to mid 40's) traveling aboard
> the cruiseship Paradise to Belize, Roatan, Cozumel and Grand Cayman.
> It has been suggested to me that the best place for us to dive is
> Roatan. We will have approximately 8 divers (3 experienced/5 newly
> certified & 9 snorkelers). We would like to stay together for the day.
>
> I ran across a glowing recommendation for the Inn of Last Resort, but
> unfortunately their boat is booked up for the day. They recommended a
> charter that docks with them - the Circe - a 52 foot Hatteras Yacht (
> www.bayislandcharters.com ) that looks pretty good although it's a tad
> pricey I think ($115 2/tank dive & $65 for snorkelers with
> equipt,lunch and transport - about $1500 no discount for the large
> group).

Outrageous.

>I like the idea of having the boat to ourselves - the dives
> sites and times will be tailored to our group, and I would want to
> hire at least one extra DM because of the newbies.
>
> I've also emailed Fantasy Island and CoCo View - although CCV hasn't
> answered yet. Fantasy Island said they could accommodate the group,
> provide beach/dive access, equipt, transport and lunch for about
> $850.00. Don't know how much extra it would be for boat access or if
> we could all stay together - have emailed asking that. If just a beach
> dive don't know about services of a DM and I'm a little concerned
> about the sand flea issue that the other boat wouldn't have. Think I
> also read somewhere that FI caters to the cruise ship crowds and I
> don't want to be one of the masses!

Hold out for Cocoview, I think. I haven't been there and Doc can sure
better advise. However, I have read that Fantasy Island isn't all that for
shore dives and the price Fanatasy is asking should be boat dives too.

>
> So ok dive gurus.I need your input and suggestions! I've never been
> there and not sure how to choose so that everyone in my group has a
> good - stressfree time. I'm thinking the boat might provide a little
> more "support" for the group than the resort would.
>
> What would YOU do?

Get hold of Doc Adelman.

"chilly" <slarson@shaw.canada> wrote in message
news:44vac.51845$R27.11854@pd7tw2no...
>
> "barbara" <boliver@thevine.net> wrote in message
> news:b7688be3.0403302355.6192ff5a@posting.google.c om...
> > Whenever I need advise I turn to the wise people of usenet - hope you
> > guys can help me out on this one!
> >
> > In June we have a group of 17 people(16 to mid 40's) traveling aboard
> > the cruiseship Paradise to Belize, Roatan, Cozumel and Grand Cayman.
> > It has been suggested to me that the best place for us to dive is
> > Roatan. We will have approximately 8 divers (3 experienced/5 newly
> > certified & 9 snorkelers). We would like to stay together for the day.
> >
> > I ran across a glowing recommendation for the Inn of Last Resort, but
> > unfortunately their boat is booked up for the day. They recommended a
> > charter that docks with them - the Circe - a 52 foot Hatteras Yacht (
> > www.bayislandcharters.com ) that looks pretty good although it's a tad
> > pricey I think ($115 2/tank dive & $65 for snorkelers with
> > equipt,lunch and transport - about $1500 no discount for the large
> > group).
>
> Outrageous.
>
> >I like the idea of having the boat to ourselves - the dives
> > sites and times will be tailored to our group, and I would want to
> > hire at least one extra DM because of the newbies.
> >
> > I've also emailed Fantasy Island and CoCo View - although CCV hasn't
> > answered yet. Fantasy Island said they could accommodate the group,
> > provide beach/dive access, equipt, transport and lunch for about
> > $850.00. Don't know how much extra it would be for boat access or if
> > we could all stay together - have emailed asking that. If just a beach
> > dive don't know about services of a DM and I'm a little concerned
> > about the sand flea issue that the other boat wouldn't have. Think I
> > also read somewhere that FI caters to the cruise ship crowds and I
> > don't want to be one of the masses!
>
> Hold out for Cocoview, I think. I haven't been there and Doc can sure
> better advise. However, I have read that Fantasy Island isn't all that
for
> shore dives and the price Fanatasy is asking should be boat dives too.
>
> >
> > So ok dive gurus.I need your input and suggestions! I've never been
> > there and not sure how to choose so that everyone in my group has a
> > good - stressfree time. I'm thinking the boat might provide a little
> > more "support" for the group than the resort would.
> >
> > What would YOU do?
>
> Get hold of Doc Adelman.

I am beheld!

When I first read the post, as most of the posts from CSDivers, I usualy am
wary of recommending CCV. Yes- they will do CSDivers, but most of them wind
up at AKR playing with the dolphins. CCV is just for diving- no pool, no
shopping, no fancy beach- just diving. Most who have jumped ship fancy
themselves as divers, but want a broader experience. Your post- well stated-
was a notable exception- deliniating what you wanted, experience level and
more. I can work with that!

Sand Fleas are going to be an issue if you even get off the Cruise Ship.
Slather up with DEET and do it often. This is not specific to the Bay
Islands- they're all over the Caribbean- but Utila and Roatan have the
world's best sand fleas.

With a mix of snorkelers and SCUBA divers, you would probably do well to go
to CCV. Call them at 800 282-8932 and ask for the set up. (or at
http://www.cocoviewresort.com and get on the chat board for other info) I
think you'll be happier with the price as thrashing around on a 52 foot
sailboat for $1500 seems a stretch. The Hatteras is prolly way better than
the first option you mentioned, even though.

CCV has superb shore diving, shallow water snokel opportunities just in
front of the resort. FIBR shares the same channel, but that's all that can
be said of similarities. CCV's boats are perfection.

You could easily spend your day prowling around the front yard on shore
dives and not get bored. As CSDivers you will have your own DM (a safety
thing but an excellent resource for "critter gitters"). Your wanting a DM is
a good sign- be sure to slip him a few bucks in advance and remind him you
want to see the cool stuff! (a good idea anywhere)

Some find great experiences with the West End "walk in" day dive ops. Some
don't.

Not for your group, but if you have "divers only" (not snorkel/dive mix) in
mind- always take a look at Subway Divers located at the French Harbour
Yacht Club. Nearby as well is the Wiakula Shark dive (which can be a twitchy
dive, fine for the experienced, but with the smaller open boat and common
ripping current... you do the math).

Many Cruise ship divers see a resort on Roatan and skip the ship the next
time and just fly to Roatan. I've seen it happen a lot at CoCo View.

the man knows of what he speaks:king


--
Apocalypso

We are the people our parents warned us about.
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chilly wrote:

> Becca, have you ever tried the SafeSea?

No, but I will give it a try. In January it stung me on the hiney, so I
guess you have to apply the SafeSea all over. Or wherever I can reach!

Becca

"Becca" <becca@hal-pc.org> wrote in message
news:106r27tre4lrl1e@corp.supernews.com...
> chilly wrote:
>
> > Becca, have you ever tried the SafeSea?
>
> No, but I will give it a try. In January it stung me on the hiney, so I
> guess you have to apply the SafeSea all over. Or wherever I can reach!

Try not diving naked. That works for me.

"Becca" <becca@hal-pc.org> wrote in message
news:106r27tre4lrl1e@corp.supernews.com...
> chilly wrote:
>
> > Becca, have you ever tried the SafeSea?
>
> No, but I will give it a try. In January it stung me on the hiney, so I
> guess you have to apply the SafeSea all over. Or wherever I can reach!
>
> Becca
>

Potions and ointments aside, simply covering yourself with nothing thicker
than pantyhose will stop any jellyfish stinger from getting you.

It's only a matter of finding them in size "58 Stout"

Cover up.

Doc.

On Fri, 02 Apr 2004 09:38:18 -0600, Becca <becca@hal-pc.org> wrote:

>chilly wrote:
>
>> Becca, have you ever tried the SafeSea?
>
>No, but I will give it a try. In January it stung me on the hiney, so I
>guess you have to apply the SafeSea all over. Or wherever I can reach!
>
>Becca

I'll help
--
dillon

Life is always short, but only you can make it sweet

"Robert Adelman" <lawyers-guns-money@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:i5rbc.14646$vo5.448070@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> "Becca" <becca@hal-pc.org> wrote in message
> news:106r27tre4lrl1e@corp.supernews.com...
> > chilly wrote:
> >
> > > Becca, have you ever tried the SafeSea?
> >
> > No, but I will give it a try. In January it stung me on the hiney, so I
> > guess you have to apply the SafeSea all over. Or wherever I can reach!
> >
> > Becca
> >
>
> Potions and ointments aside, simply covering yourself with nothing thicker
> than pantyhose will stop any jellyfish stinger from getting you.
>
> It's only a matter of finding them in size "58 Stout"
>
> Cover up.

Sounds all well and good but the last person that I heard about, got stung
on her lips. Of course, many other women pay big bucks for that look . . .

"chilly" <slarson@shaw.canada> wrote in message
news:YMubc.16677$Pk3.5270@pd7tw1no...
>
> "Robert Adelman" <lawyers-guns-money@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
> news:i5rbc.14646$vo5.448070@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> > "Becca" <becca@hal-pc.org> wrote in message
> > news:106r27tre4lrl1e@corp.supernews.com...
> > > chilly wrote:
> > >
> > > > Becca, have you ever tried the SafeSea?
> > >
> > > No, but I will give it a try. In January it stung me on the hiney, so
I
> > > guess you have to apply the SafeSea all over. Or wherever I can
reach!
> > >
> > > Becca
> > >
> >
> > Potions and ointments aside, simply covering yourself with nothing
thicker
> > than pantyhose will stop any jellyfish stinger from getting you.
> >
> > It's only a matter of finding them in size "58 Stout"
> >
> > Cover up.
>
> Sounds all well and good but the last person that I heard about, got stung
> on her lips. Of course, many other women pay big bucks for that look . .
..

Snork !

In 1985 at (then primitive) CoCo View a fellow diver thought he was having a
coronary... Got hit bang on the Femoral artery and then sucked one into his
snorkel closing down his body pretty quickly. We had his gear divided up but
the MSG from the Adolph's Meat Tenderizer brought the swelling back down and
poor Allan back to life.

I have the same issue with my balding pate and flapping ears. I now use a
nylon balclava (isnt that the Greek/Armenian pastry?) head cover- available
from motorcylce or ski shops (some military surplus/cop shops)

Sea Wasp hint: Always (esp in water shallower than 30fsw) scan above and in
front constantly with your light. This entails an extra effort and
intentional look-see well above your normal view. I have never been hit- but
I have seen some monsters.

Most Sea Wasps, aka (in Roatan) Box Jellies, etc., look like the glassine
wrapper off of a pack of cigarettes (remember those?) with four tentacles
that dangle maybe 4-9" below. They are atracted to light and are usualy
found in the shallows.

However- I have seen one individual the size of a Foster's beer can,
tentacles measured to 24" long, pumping away at 45fsw.

Glad I saw her first.

Doc.




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