During our 10 day cruise, I managed to get 19 dives in with 6 different dive operations on the 5 islands. Some were set up through Renaissance, but most were done directly with the dive shops over the internet. Here are my comments for what they are worth:
This was the 1st dive center I dove with on the trip. They provided free pick up from the Ren dock and then took me back when we were done diving. Dive sites were about 10 minutes from the dock. They provided showers and large rinse tank at the dock. No camera buckets on the ship. Also offered fresh water when we returned from diving. Dives were about 11,000 CFP for 2 tanks.
This was probably the best run outfit on the whole vacation. They provided free pickup and return from the tender landing. They offered a shark feed every morning, followed by a second dive nearby. They return to the dock between dives which is about 5-10 minutes away. They have fresh water and showers at the dive shop. No camera bucket on board. They also had their 'big boat' in dry dock while I was there, so maybe on that boat there is a camera rinse bucket.
Pricing was 11,400 CFP for the 2 dives, plus I had so much fun with them,I did a 3rd dive in the afternoon for an additional 5,000 CFP. Finally, a dive shop that gives you a discount for doing multiple dives.
This was offered through Ren. It was about $20 more than Bathys and not worth it. While the diving was OK with this crew, this was probably the worst dive experience during the trip. Due to working with Ren, then have their boats right at the tender landing. They take you right to the dive site from the pick-up. Then they return to their shop about 10 minutes away to switch tanks and also drop off people only doing 1 tank. Then they go out again. Then back to the shop to drop off their equipment. THEN they take you back to Ren. In our case, the divemaster decided to go get lunch before taking us back, so we waited about 15 minutes for his return, of course missing the next tender back to the ship.
They had a rinse tank for their gear at the shop, but did not offer to let us use it, but didn't mind if we dragged all our gear from the boat in to rinse it off. This is quite a chore since they don't pull up to a dock, but anchor in about 3 feet of water, maybe 30 yards from shore. Not the easiest hauling equipment without getting it back in the sea water. The dive shop appears to be located at an older hotel that may not be in business anymore. There were weeds all over and not much appeared to be going on around there. Not very encouraging.
Go with Bathys hands down!
This dive operation is in town. You take the free 10-15 minute shuttle bus from where the tender landing is. The day I went, I was the only person booked, so it was me, a divemaster in training and the owner. Yes!!! This is the way to go diving. We saw a school of dolphins on the way out and again on the way back in. We came back in to change tanks as usual. Shop has a large rinse tank near the dock where they tie up. No showers and no rinse tank on board the boat. Owner is very friendly and accomodating. Would easily dive with them again! Diving was about 10000 CFP for 2 tanks.
I booked this dive through the internet. At the pier there is another dive operator competing. Due to some haggling with a couple of other divers, they reduced the price of my dives also. This ended up being the cheapest diving price-wise of the trip.
Once again, this was not heavily booked. The first day it was myself and 3 other divers. The second day, just myself and the divemaster, Gisele. The 2nd dive of the day was number 200 for me lifetime! What a way to 'celebrate'. We dove the profile I wanted, which ended up being about 60 feet for 30 minutes, then another 31 minutes around 30 feet looking for little creatures in the all the nooks and crannies. Excellent dive.
This operation also comes in between dives. They served warm tea after each dive which was nice and original. Very large rinse tank at the dock for equipment. Showers also available at the dive shop.
The trip was finally coming to an end, but not before 2 last days, which were booked with Bora Dive Center. This was interesting. I had contacted them ahead of time on the internet, but since they are working with Ren, they told me to book through the ship, which I did. Of course, this ended up being about $18 more per 2 tank dive than their competitor, Top Dive, on the dock. Some other people had booked directly who were not with Ren, and I believe the price was closer to Top Dive price. Once again, I ended up paying more for booking with Ren. If I were to do it again, I would have 'demanded' that they offer me a discount for direct booking or would go with Top Dive, who was selling dives right from the pier. A number of people I spoke with thought Top Dive did as good a job. Neither was fantastic. I would rate both a little above average.
Diving was different on the 2 days. First day, we had more experienced divers or maybe just better dive master. After most people in my group blew through their air, he let me stay another 10 minutes or so with another diver near the boat. The second day, while I still had almost 1500 PSI left and was having fun looking at all the clams imbedded in the coral, they made me come up as everyone else was done with their air. This turned me off to their diving. I didn't expect another hour, but another 10 minutes would have been good. As it was, the dive was only about 40 minutes. Not that long.
Bora Dive Center, since they are working with Ren takes you right from the dock in their boats and drops you off when they are done. They do not return to the dive shop between the 2 tank dive. They did not have rinse tanks for cameras. They did offer pieces of coconuts between dives which was nice. Since their shop is not at the dock, there are no showers or rinse tanks. If you want to leave your equipment with them, they will wash it and bring it back the next day, but for the 2nd day of diving this doesn't work unless you're going to rent a car and go to their shop and pick it up. Even with this, the shop is only open an hour or so later in the afternoon. Miss it, and your equipment stays in Bora Bora. Not the greatest arrangement for those with their own equpment.
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