scubish.com - HOME
 


Go Back   scubish.com - Scuba Diving Forum > Regional Travel and Dive News > North America > Panama
Register FAQ Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Welcome to the scubish.com - Scuba Diving Forum forums.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us.



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #11  
Old 12-17-2007, 01:57 AM
Stan
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: recommendations for panama diving?

EB <efb.otr@hotmail.com> wrote:

> "Bill Fright" <billfright@austin.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:475c1fce$0$2532$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>
> > I'm going to both coasts and thought I'd ask here.
> >
> > Thanks in advance
> > bill

>
> Can't speak to diving on the Pacific side, but did a few dives on the
> Caribbean side a few years ago (3/05), off the lovely bay islands of Bocas
> del Toro.
>
> Journeyed into Panama via the Caribbean border at Sixaola after spending a
> week in Puerto Viejo, CR.
>
> This was *not* a "dive trip". Rather, it was more of a walkabout where a
> diving opportunity presented itself.
>
> Bocas is a beautiful area, well worth a visit.
> While I certainly wouldn't go there just for diving, it's not a bad way to
> spend a day or two.
>
> We stopped in at Bocas Water Sports, right on the main drag of Bocas Town.
> The shop well organized, and the staff friendly and competent. I asked a
> few questions, looked at the rental gear (as I said, we were not there for
> diving, and had not brought our gear), and set up a dive for the next day.
>
> While the diving is not world-class (seems the run-off from banana
> plantations, etc. has definitely impacted the coral), it was enjoyable
> enough. We dove at 'Coral Cay' and 'The Gardens'. Both averaged around 60',
> with bottom time of about an hour) Saw a fair amount of small critters
> (lobsters, crabs, squid, morays, puffers, and some bristleworms, looking
> back at my log) with reasonably decent viz.
>
> However, there was a bonus: it wasn't *just diving. We actually started the
> morning doing a little dolphin watching from the boat, before proceeding to
> the first dive. After a decent surface interval, we did our second dive.
> Upon completion, we then boated over to a beautiful little island, where we
> did a bushwalk to observe the endemic red frog. Finally, we ended up at a
> spectacular beach for a little swimming and body surfing. Returned to the
> shop just a bout dinner time.
>
> How much, you ask? How about $50 bucks for the whole day?
>
> Had a good experience with Bocas Water Sports, the dive op.
>
> We stayed at the Hotel Angela.
> It's off the main drag, but right on the water. The owner, an expat from
> Memphis, was an exceptional host. Excellent on-site restaurant, and very
> reasonable. Highly recommended.
>
> Like I've said, not world-class diving, but a pretty damn fine time, all
> things considered.


I did exactly the same for a day in 2003, and my verdict...fairly much
exactly as described, except...the dive guides were utterly incompetent
and damaging to marine life. What in many respects was a lovely day out
was negated by the constant harrassing of every creature underwater,
damage to corals, and lack of group organisation. The guide on the first
dive was only a Rescue diver, and on the second dive only an Open Water
diver! He succeeded in losing most of his group, and did repeated
up/down bounces in a vain attempt to find them. For safety's sake I took
over leading the group, despite the possible liability issues, as I
figured it's better that people actually stay alive.

So, this was all back in 2003, so it's very possible they've changed
things since then; I hope so. If the dive guides are now competent and
safe then I would say it's a very pleasant day out and well worth the
money. If not, then it may still be worth it, but be prepared for some
surprises. I would have had a great day out if I hadn't felt a sense of
responsibility to make sure everyone actually returned from diving.
Personally I go on holiday to get away from work, not to give myself
surprise rescue scenarios, but each to their own.

Stan
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12-17-2007, 02:04 PM
EB
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: recommendations for panama diving?


"Stan" <grost@NOSPAM.yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:1i90io9.12ysynf1tiiv1iN%grost@NOSPAM.yahoo.co .uk...
> EB <efb.otr@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>> "Bill Fright" <billfright@austin.rr.com> wrote in message
>> news:475c1fce$0$2532$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>>
>> > I'm going to both coasts and thought I'd ask here.
>> >
>> > Thanks in advance
>> > bill

>>
>> Can't speak to diving on the Pacific side, but did a few dives on the
>> Caribbean side a few years ago (3/05), off the lovely bay islands of
>> Bocas del Toro.
>>
>> Journeyed into Panama via the Caribbean border at Sixaola after spending
>> a week in Puerto Viejo, CR.
>>
>> This was *not* a "dive trip". Rather, it was more of a walkabout where a
>> diving opportunity presented itself.
>>
>> Bocas is a beautiful area, well worth a visit.
>> While I certainly wouldn't go there just for diving, it's not a bad way
>> to spend a day or two.
>>
>> We stopped in at Bocas Water Sports, right on the main drag of Bocas
>> Town.
>> The shop well organized, and the staff friendly and competent. I asked a
>> few questions, looked at the rental gear (as I said, we were not there
>> for diving, and had not brought our gear), and set up a dive for the next
>> day.
>>
>> While the diving is not world-class (seems the run-off from banana
>> plantations, etc. has definitely impacted the coral), it was enjoyable
>> enough. We dove at 'Coral Cay' and 'The Gardens'. Both averaged around
>> 60', with bottom time of about an hour) Saw a fair amount of small
>> critters (lobsters, crabs, squid, morays, puffers, and some bristleworms,
>> looking back at my log) with reasonably decent viz.
>>
>> However, there was a bonus: it wasn't *just diving. We actually started
>> the morning doing a little dolphin watching from the boat, before
>> proceeding to the first dive. After a decent surface interval, we did our
>> second dive.
>> Upon completion, we then boated over to a beautiful little island, where
>> we did a bushwalk to observe the endemic red frog. Finally, we ended up
>> at a spectacular beach for a little swimming and body surfing. Returned
>> to the shop just about dinner time.
>>
>> How much, you ask? How about $50 bucks for the whole day?
>>
>> Had a good experience with Bocas Water Sports, the dive op.
>>
>> We stayed at the Hotel Angela.
>> It's off the main drag, but right on the water. The owner, an expat from
>> Memphis, was an exceptional host. Excellent on-site restaurant, and very
>> reasonable. Highly recommended.
>>
>> Like I've said, not world-class diving, but a pretty damn fine time, all
>> things considered.

>
> I did exactly the same for a day in 2003, and my verdict...fairly much
> exactly as described, except...the dive guides were utterly incompetent
> and damaging to marine life. What in many respects was a lovely day out
> was negated by the constant harrassing of every creature underwater,
> damage to corals, and lack of group organisation. The guide on the first
> dive was only a Rescue diver, and on the second dive only an Open Water
> diver! He succeeded in losing most of his group, and did repeated
> up/down bounces in a vain attempt to find them. For safety's sake I took
> over leading the group, despite the possible liability issues, as I
> figured it's better that people actually stay alive.
>
> So, this was all back in 2003, so it's very possible they've changed
> things since then; I hope so. If the dive guides are now competent and
> safe then I would say it's a very pleasant day out and well worth the
> money. If not, then it may still be worth it, but be prepared for some
> surprises. I would have had a great day out if I hadn't felt a sense of
> responsibility to make sure everyone actually returned from diving.
> Personally I go on holiday to get away from work, not to give myself
> surprise rescue scenarios, but each to their own.
>
> Stan


Sorry to hear of your experience of having to cover for incompetent dive
guides.

Did you use Bocas Water Sports as your dive op?
There were several dive shops in Bocas when I was there.

That said, our guy was perfectly acceptable. While young-ish (early/mid
20s), he had the necessary skills as well as respect for the reef and its
creatures.

In addition, both he and the captain were knowledgable and entertaining in
performing their duties topside.

As previously noted, I wouldn't travel to Caribbean Panama solely for the
diving. There's many better options.

However, all things considered, I enjoyed my trip there immensely, and will
return in the future.







Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 12-17-2007, 02:04 PM
EB
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: recommendations for panama diving?


"Stan" <grost@NOSPAM.yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:1i90io9.12ysynf1tiiv1iN%grost@NOSPAM.yahoo.co .uk...
> EB <efb.otr@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>> "Bill Fright" <billfright@austin.rr.com> wrote in message
>> news:475c1fce$0$2532$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>>
>> > I'm going to both coasts and thought I'd ask here.
>> >
>> > Thanks in advance
>> > bill

>>
>> Can't speak to diving on the Pacific side, but did a few dives on the
>> Caribbean side a few years ago (3/05), off the lovely bay islands of
>> Bocas del Toro.
>>
>> Journeyed into Panama via the Caribbean border at Sixaola after spending
>> a week in Puerto Viejo, CR.
>>
>> This was *not* a "dive trip". Rather, it was more of a walkabout where a
>> diving opportunity presented itself.
>>
>> Bocas is a beautiful area, well worth a visit.
>> While I certainly wouldn't go there just for diving, it's not a bad way
>> to spend a day or two.
>>
>> We stopped in at Bocas Water Sports, right on the main drag of Bocas
>> Town.
>> The shop well organized, and the staff friendly and competent. I asked a
>> few questions, looked at the rental gear (as I said, we were not there
>> for diving, and had not brought our gear), and set up a dive for the next
>> day.
>>
>> While the diving is not world-class (seems the run-off from banana
>> plantations, etc. has definitely impacted the coral), it was enjoyable
>> enough. We dove at 'Coral Cay' and 'The Gardens'. Both averaged around
>> 60', with bottom time of about an hour) Saw a fair amount of small
>> critters (lobsters, crabs, squid, morays, puffers, and some bristleworms,
>> looking back at my log) with reasonably decent viz.
>>
>> However, there was a bonus: it wasn't *just diving. We actually started
>> the morning doing a little dolphin watching from the boat, before
>> proceeding to the first dive. After a decent surface interval, we did our
>> second dive.
>> Upon completion, we then boated over to a beautiful little island, where
>> we did a bushwalk to observe the endemic red frog. Finally, we ended up
>> at a spectacular beach for a little swimming and body surfing. Returned
>> to the shop just about dinner time.
>>
>> How much, you ask? How about $50 bucks for the whole day?
>>
>> Had a good experience with Bocas Water Sports, the dive op.
>>
>> We stayed at the Hotel Angela.
>> It's off the main drag, but right on the water. The owner, an expat from
>> Memphis, was an exceptional host. Excellent on-site restaurant, and very
>> reasonable. Highly recommended.
>>
>> Like I've said, not world-class diving, but a pretty damn fine time, all
>> things considered.

>
> I did exactly the same for a day in 2003, and my verdict...fairly much
> exactly as described, except...the dive guides were utterly incompetent
> and damaging to marine life. What in many respects was a lovely day out
> was negated by the constant harrassing of every creature underwater,
> damage to corals, and lack of group organisation. The guide on the first
> dive was only a Rescue diver, and on the second dive only an Open Water
> diver! He succeeded in losing most of his group, and did repeated
> up/down bounces in a vain attempt to find them. For safety's sake I took
> over leading the group, despite the possible liability issues, as I
> figured it's better that people actually stay alive.
>
> So, this was all back in 2003, so it's very possible they've changed
> things since then; I hope so. If the dive guides are now competent and
> safe then I would say it's a very pleasant day out and well worth the
> money. If not, then it may still be worth it, but be prepared for some
> surprises. I would have had a great day out if I hadn't felt a sense of
> responsibility to make sure everyone actually returned from diving.
> Personally I go on holiday to get away from work, not to give myself
> surprise rescue scenarios, but each to their own.
>
> Stan


Sorry to hear of your experience of having to cover for incompetent dive
guides.

Did you use Bocas Water Sports as your dive op?
There were several dive shops in Bocas when I was there.

That said, our guy was perfectly acceptable. While young-ish (early/mid
20s), he had the necessary skills as well as respect for the reef and its
creatures.

In addition, both he and the captain were knowledgable and entertaining in
performing their duties topside.

As previously noted, I wouldn't travel to Caribbean Panama solely for the
diving. There's many better options.

However, all things considered, I enjoyed my trip there immensely, and will
return in the future.







Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 12-17-2007, 02:04 PM
EB
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: recommendations for panama diving?


"Stan" <grost@NOSPAM.yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:1i90io9.12ysynf1tiiv1iN%grost@NOSPAM.yahoo.co .uk...
> EB <efb.otr@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>> "Bill Fright" <billfright@austin.rr.com> wrote in message
>> news:475c1fce$0$2532$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>>
>> > I'm going to both coasts and thought I'd ask here.
>> >
>> > Thanks in advance
>> > bill

>>
>> Can't speak to diving on the Pacific side, but did a few dives on the
>> Caribbean side a few years ago (3/05), off the lovely bay islands of
>> Bocas del Toro.
>>
>> Journeyed into Panama via the Caribbean border at Sixaola after spending
>> a week in Puerto Viejo, CR.
>>
>> This was *not* a "dive trip". Rather, it was more of a walkabout where a
>> diving opportunity presented itself.
>>
>> Bocas is a beautiful area, well worth a visit.
>> While I certainly wouldn't go there just for diving, it's not a bad way
>> to spend a day or two.
>>
>> We stopped in at Bocas Water Sports, right on the main drag of Bocas
>> Town.
>> The shop well organized, and the staff friendly and competent. I asked a
>> few questions, looked at the rental gear (as I said, we were not there
>> for diving, and had not brought our gear), and set up a dive for the next
>> day.
>>
>> While the diving is not world-class (seems the run-off from banana
>> plantations, etc. has definitely impacted the coral), it was enjoyable
>> enough. We dove at 'Coral Cay' and 'The Gardens'. Both averaged around
>> 60', with bottom time of about an hour) Saw a fair amount of small
>> critters (lobsters, crabs, squid, morays, puffers, and some bristleworms,
>> looking back at my log) with reasonably decent viz.
>>
>> However, there was a bonus: it wasn't *just diving. We actually started
>> the morning doing a little dolphin watching from the boat, before
>> proceeding to the first dive. After a decent surface interval, we did our
>> second dive.
>> Upon completion, we then boated over to a beautiful little island, where
>> we did a bushwalk to observe the endemic red frog. Finally, we ended up
>> at a spectacular beach for a little swimming and body surfing. Returned
>> to the shop just about dinner time.
>>
>> How much, you ask? How about $50 bucks for the whole day?
>>
>> Had a good experience with Bocas Water Sports, the dive op.
>>
>> We stayed at the Hotel Angela.
>> It's off the main drag, but right on the water. The owner, an expat from
>> Memphis, was an exceptional host. Excellent on-site restaurant, and very
>> reasonable. Highly recommended.
>>
>> Like I've said, not world-class diving, but a pretty damn fine time, all
>> things considered.

>
> I did exactly the same for a day in 2003, and my verdict...fairly much
> exactly as described, except...the dive guides were utterly incompetent
> and damaging to marine life. What in many respects was a lovely day out
> was negated by the constant harrassing of every creature underwater,
> damage to corals, and lack of group organisation. The guide on the first
> dive was only a Rescue diver, and on the second dive only an Open Water
> diver! He succeeded in losing most of his group, and did repeated
> up/down bounces in a vain attempt to find them. For safety's sake I took
> over leading the group, despite the possible liability issues, as I
> figured it's better that people actually stay alive.
>
> So, this was all back in 2003, so it's very possible they've changed
> things since then; I hope so. If the dive guides are now competent and
> safe then I would say it's a very pleasant day out and well worth the
> money. If not, then it may still be worth it, but be prepared for some
> surprises. I would have had a great day out if I hadn't felt a sense of
> responsibility to make sure everyone actually returned from diving.
> Personally I go on holiday to get away from work, not to give myself
> surprise rescue scenarios, but each to their own.
>
> Stan


Sorry to hear of your experience of having to cover for incompetent dive
guides.

Did you use Bocas Water Sports as your dive op?
There were several dive shops in Bocas when I was there.

That said, our guy was perfectly acceptable. While young-ish (early/mid
20s), he had the necessary skills as well as respect for the reef and its
creatures.

In addition, both he and the captain were knowledgable and entertaining in
performing their duties topside.

As previously noted, I wouldn't travel to Caribbean Panama solely for the
diving. There's many better options.

However, all things considered, I enjoyed my trip there immensely, and will
return in the future.







Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 12-17-2007, 02:04 PM
EB
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: recommendations for panama diving?


"Stan" <grost@NOSPAM.yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:1i90io9.12ysynf1tiiv1iN%grost@NOSPAM.yahoo.co .uk...
> EB <efb.otr@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>> "Bill Fright" <billfright@austin.rr.com> wrote in message
>> news:475c1fce$0$2532$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>>
>> > I'm going to both coasts and thought I'd ask here.
>> >
>> > Thanks in advance
>> > bill

>>
>> Can't speak to diving on the Pacific side, but did a few dives on the
>> Caribbean side a few years ago (3/05), off the lovely bay islands of
>> Bocas del Toro.
>>
>> Journeyed into Panama via the Caribbean border at Sixaola after spending
>> a week in Puerto Viejo, CR.
>>
>> This was *not* a "dive trip". Rather, it was more of a walkabout where a
>> diving opportunity presented itself.
>>
>> Bocas is a beautiful area, well worth a visit.
>> While I certainly wouldn't go there just for diving, it's not a bad way
>> to spend a day or two.
>>
>> We stopped in at Bocas Water Sports, right on the main drag of Bocas
>> Town.
>> The shop well organized, and the staff friendly and competent. I asked a
>> few questions, looked at the rental gear (as I said, we were not there
>> for diving, and had not brought our gear), and set up a dive for the next
>> day.
>>
>> While the diving is not world-class (seems the run-off from banana
>> plantations, etc. has definitely impacted the coral), it was enjoyable
>> enough. We dove at 'Coral Cay' and 'The Gardens'. Both averaged around
>> 60', with bottom time of about an hour) Saw a fair amount of small
>> critters (lobsters, crabs, squid, morays, puffers, and some bristleworms,
>> looking back at my log) with reasonably decent viz.
>>
>> However, there was a bonus: it wasn't *just diving. We actually started
>> the morning doing a little dolphin watching from the boat, before
>> proceeding to the first dive. After a decent surface interval, we did our
>> second dive.
>> Upon completion, we then boated over to a beautiful little island, where
>> we did a bushwalk to observe the endemic red frog. Finally, we ended up
>> at a spectacular beach for a little swimming and body surfing. Returned
>> to the shop just about dinner time.
>>
>> How much, you ask? How about $50 bucks for the whole day?
>>
>> Had a good experience with Bocas Water Sports, the dive op.
>>
>> We stayed at the Hotel Angela.
>> It's off the main drag, but right on the water. The owner, an expat from
>> Memphis, was an exceptional host. Excellent on-site restaurant, and very
>> reasonable. Highly recommended.
>>
>> Like I've said, not world-class diving, but a pretty damn fine time, all
>> things considered.

>
> I did exactly the same for a day in 2003, and my verdict...fairly much
> exactly as described, except...the dive guides were utterly incompetent
> and damaging to marine life. What in many respects was a lovely day out
> was negated by the constant harrassing of every creature underwater,
> damage to corals, and lack of group organisation. The guide on the first
> dive was only a Rescue diver, and on the second dive only an Open Water
> diver! He succeeded in losing most of his group, and did repeated
> up/down bounces in a vain attempt to find them. For safety's sake I took
> over leading the group, despite the possible liability issues, as I
> figured it's better that people actually stay alive.
>
> So, this was all back in 2003, so it's very possible they've changed
> things since then; I hope so. If the dive guides are now competent and
> safe then I would say it's a very pleasant day out and well worth the
> money. If not, then it may still be worth it, but be prepared for some
> surprises. I would have had a great day out if I hadn't felt a sense of
> responsibility to make sure everyone actually returned from diving.
> Personally I go on holiday to get away from work, not to give myself
> surprise rescue scenarios, but each to their own.
>
> Stan


Sorry to hear of your experience of having to cover for incompetent dive
guides.

Did you use Bocas Water Sports as your dive op?
There were several dive shops in Bocas when I was there.

That said, our guy was perfectly acceptable. While young-ish (early/mid
20s), he had the necessary skills as well as respect for the reef and its
creatures.

In addition, both he and the captain were knowledgable and entertaining in
performing their duties topside.

As previously noted, I wouldn't travel to Caribbean Panama solely for the
diving. There's many better options.

However, all things considered, I enjoyed my trip there immensely, and will
return in the future.







Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 12-17-2007, 02:04 PM
EB
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: recommendations for panama diving?


"Stan" <grost@NOSPAM.yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:1i90io9.12ysynf1tiiv1iN%grost@NOSPAM.yahoo.co .uk...
> EB <efb.otr@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>> "Bill Fright" <billfright@austin.rr.com> wrote in message
>> news:475c1fce$0$2532$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>>
>> > I'm going to both coasts and thought I'd ask here.
>> >
>> > Thanks in advance
>> > bill

>>
>> Can't speak to diving on the Pacific side, but did a few dives on the
>> Caribbean side a few years ago (3/05), off the lovely bay islands of
>> Bocas del Toro.
>>
>> Journeyed into Panama via the Caribbean border at Sixaola after spending
>> a week in Puerto Viejo, CR.
>>
>> This was *not* a "dive trip". Rather, it was more of a walkabout where a
>> diving opportunity presented itself.
>>
>> Bocas is a beautiful area, well worth a visit.
>> While I certainly wouldn't go there just for diving, it's not a bad way
>> to spend a day or two.
>>
>> We stopped in at Bocas Water Sports, right on the main drag of Bocas
>> Town.
>> The shop well organized, and the staff friendly and competent. I asked a
>> few questions, looked at the rental gear (as I said, we were not there
>> for diving, and had not brought our gear), and set up a dive for the next
>> day.
>>
>> While the diving is not world-class (seems the run-off from banana
>> plantations, etc. has definitely impacted the coral), it was enjoyable
>> enough. We dove at 'Coral Cay' and 'The Gardens'. Both averaged around
>> 60', with bottom time of about an hour) Saw a fair amount of small
>> critters (lobsters, crabs, squid, morays, puffers, and some bristleworms,
>> looking back at my log) with reasonably decent viz.
>>
>> However, there was a bonus: it wasn't *just diving. We actually started
>> the morning doing a little dolphin watching from the boat, before
>> proceeding to the first dive. After a decent surface interval, we did our
>> second dive.
>> Upon completion, we then boated over to a beautiful little island, where
>> we did a bushwalk to observe the endemic red frog. Finally, we ended up
>> at a spectacular beach for a little swimming and body surfing. Returned
>> to the shop just about dinner time.
>>
>> How much, you ask? How about $50 bucks for the whole day?
>>
>> Had a good experience with Bocas Water Sports, the dive op.
>>
>> We stayed at the Hotel Angela.
>> It's off the main drag, but right on the water. The owner, an expat from
>> Memphis, was an exceptional host. Excellent on-site restaurant, and very
>> reasonable. Highly recommended.
>>
>> Like I've said, not world-class diving, but a pretty damn fine time, all
>> things considered.

>
> I did exactly the same for a day in 2003, and my verdict...fairly much
> exactly as described, except...the dive guides were utterly incompetent
> and damaging to marine life. What in many respects was a lovely day out
> was negated by the constant harrassing of every creature underwater,
> damage to corals, and lack of group organisation. The guide on the first
> dive was only a Rescue diver, and on the second dive only an Open Water
> diver! He succeeded in losing most of his group, and did repeated
> up/down bounces in a vain attempt to find them. For safety's sake I took
> over leading the group, despite the possible liability issues, as I
> figured it's better that people actually stay alive.
>
> So, this was all back in 2003, so it's very possible they've changed
> things since then; I hope so. If the dive guides are now competent and
> safe then I would say it's a very pleasant day out and well worth the
> money. If not, then it may still be worth it, but be prepared for some
> surprises. I would have had a great day out if I hadn't felt a sense of
> responsibility to make sure everyone actually returned from diving.
> Personally I go on holiday to get away from work, not to give myself
> surprise rescue scenarios, but each to their own.
>
> Stan


Sorry to hear of your experience of having to cover for incompetent dive
guides.

Did you use Bocas Water Sports as your dive op?
There were several dive shops in Bocas when I was there.

That said, our guy was perfectly acceptable. While young-ish (early/mid
20s), he had the necessary skills as well as respect for the reef and its
creatures.

In addition, both he and the captain were knowledgable and entertaining in
performing their duties topside.

As previously noted, I wouldn't travel to Caribbean Panama solely for the
diving. There's many better options.

However, all things considered, I enjoyed my trip there immensely, and will
return in the future.







Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 01-26-2008, 03:57 PM
GKD
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: recommendations for panama diving?

Bill Fright wrote:
> I'm going to both coasts and thought I'd ask here.
>
> Thanks in advance
> bill

Try SCUBAPANAMA and then ask for a trip to Portobelo.... fun times....
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 01-26-2008, 03:57 PM
GKD
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: recommendations for panama diving?

Bill Fright wrote:
> I'm going to both coasts and thought I'd ask here.
>
> Thanks in advance
> bill

Try SCUBAPANAMA and then ask for a trip to Portobelo.... fun times....
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 01-26-2008, 03:57 PM
GKD
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: recommendations for panama diving?

Bill Fright wrote:
> I'm going to both coasts and thought I'd ask here.
>
> Thanks in advance
> bill

Try SCUBAPANAMA and then ask for a trip to Portobelo.... fun times....
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 01-26-2008, 03:57 PM
GKD
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: recommendations for panama diving?

Bill Fright wrote:
> I'm going to both coasts and thought I'd ask here.
>
> Thanks in advance
> bill

Try SCUBAPANAMA and then ask for a trip to Portobelo.... fun times....
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Diving in the Republic of Panama Gear 0 03-27-2007 12:59 AM
Diving in Panama Ben Panter Panama 0 03-26-2007 11:24 PM
Panama diving? somebody Panama 6 03-26-2007 10:00 PM
Diving in the Republic of Panama Panama 0 03-26-2007 09:55 PM
Panama City, FL Dive Recommendations Mark T. Mueller Panama 3 03-26-2007 07:06 PM


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:26 PM.




SEO by vBSEO ©2007, Crawlability, Inc.