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Playa del Carmen

Started by TCdamsel , Feb 07 2012 06:38 PM

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7 replies to this topic

#1 TCdamsel

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Posted 07 February 2012 - 06:38 PM

Arrived yesterday, got settled and headed into town this morning to Geofish dive shop. The cab driver had never heard of it and we had to drive around a bit, but eventually found it. It is run by Christa from Boulder, Colorado and I think she took it over in the last couple of years. It is a tiny operation, but very professional. The boats are shaded and the guides take a maximum of 4 divers. The shop is a one minute walk to the beach and we got into the boat there.

The first dive site was Islote which was very pretty. 2 divers saw marlin, but not I :tears: The second site was my favorite - Barracuda. Tons of morays, some of them HUGE, and some babies out swimming. Some turtles, one huge old man! Schools of fish, a large barracuda, trunk fish, peacock flounder, neon blue spotted juvenile damsel fish :luvsign:, pristine coral, just lovely, what can I say! :cool1:

I dove with a Canadian, an Englishman, 2 Americans, and I was the only girl! Don't know if that was good or bad! Anyway, all the guides were great fun! And I'm looking forward to diving Chak Mool tomorrow. oh, and Kamala, I love my Thermalution vest! It ROCKS! :dance:

Going to watch some more episodes of Criminal Minds and then crash before getting up and doing it all over again :teeth: :diver:
  • Landlocked Dive Nut, Jerrymxz and scubaclint like this
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#2 cat fish

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Posted 08 February 2012 - 06:37 AM

Great description...... you've got us right there alongside you. Have a blast!! :cheerleader:

#3 dive_sail_etc

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Posted 08 February 2012 - 07:50 AM

Thanks Ellen aka TCDamsel for an excellent, in-depth report on a new operator! :thankyou: We're always on the lookout for alternative operators with terrific dive sites who cater to small groups to support ad-hoc trip requests from other singledivers.com members. :D Doubtless Kamala will consider adding Geofish to her quiver of small DO options based on your detailed positive input! :diver:
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#4 WreckWench

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Posted 08 February 2012 - 08:07 AM

AWESOME!!!

I'm jealous...sounds like a great trip and you've only had one day! :cool1:

And :thankyou: for keeping up posted! :wakawaka:

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#5 TCdamsel

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Posted 09 February 2012 - 06:43 PM

AWESOME!!!

I'm jealous...sounds like a great trip and you've only had one day! :cool1:

And :thankyou: for keeping up posted! :wakawaka:


Internet connection has been hard to come by on this trip so I'll give you an update! Went in a truck to Chac Mool Cenote with our guide that Christa borrowed from Tank Ha, Christobal. He explained everything VERY well and I felt very comfortable with him. It was even more beautiful than I remember, and yes Kate, those haloclines were real trippy!! :wow: The second dive was even better because I saw fossilized tracks and what I thought were primitive drawings. The light and colors were fantastic. 2 dives, and then we got a sandwich and Coke ZERO :dazzler: and then headed back to the shop.

Today, I got transferred over to another dive op (Dive Ten) due to cancellations. Not impressed with the operation. Never got a briefing for either dives and my guide was a chain smoker and not too concerned with anyting except his phone and texting. Oh, well. I loved the dives anyway. I'm going to dos ojos tomorrow and hope to be with Cristobal from Tank Ha again. Next time I'm staying in town. There are so many nice hotels in the city near the beach that are close to the dive ops and the action of the city. The El Dorado Royale is a huge disappointment, but what can I say about a freebie? Except that my cab rides to and fron Playa are running my 25 USD each way :banghead: . Oh well. This was fact finding mission anyway. Botton line, I'm thrilled with the diving. What a nicely kept secret... Let's keep it that way! :diver:
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#6 scubaski

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Posted 09 February 2012 - 07:08 PM

Free is always good. So are most of your dives in Playa tied to a mooring ball or more drift diving with live boat pick ups? Please keep your eyes peeled for a real cheap $35-50/nite ( but safe) hotel near your dive shop or someplace that you think is economical and would stay at.
Thanks,
Ss
MADRE FELIZ DIA MAMÁ

#7 Cajun Diver

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Posted 09 February 2012 - 09:49 PM

Sounds like a good place to dive - wish I were doing that instead of working :D :bam:

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It looks like it’s going to be another fine day - John Wayne

#8 Greg@ihpil

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Posted 10 February 2012 - 08:16 AM

Free is always good. So are most of your dives in Playa tied to a mooring ball or more drift diving with live boat pick ups? Please keep your eyes peeled for a real cheap $35-50/nite ( but safe) hotel near your dive shop or someplace that you think is economical and would stay at.
Thanks,
Ss



Stan,for what it's worth...My .02.When I was there the 1st time.Me & 2 other guy's stayed ay Hotel Barracuda.Dive Paradise is right next dr.Great op & the Hotel was basic but,CLEAN...I don't remember the exact rate,but I know it was more than fair.
In fact, we walked across the st. to the Grocery store & bought lunch meat etc.I would go back & stay there......
Greg
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