5 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

Hey gang... Joel aka GigemDiver had a great idea. He knows that we used to collect feedback on our trips but have gotten away from it. Joel also knows that this was our first time back to Curacao in over 10 years since the operator we used to use was no longer on the island. Knowing I wanted feedback on this supplier and Curacao in general... he sent me the following:

 

Kamala

 

I really liked Curacao and would go back, maybe even bring my non-diving family too.

 

The resort and especially the dive operators were great.   Far better than the Aggressor in Belize.   My only suggestion would be 3 boat dives per day in the package plus optional boat night dives and shore dives.  

Joel aka GigemDiver

 

 

 

 

If you have feedback you would like to share with us... please do. Thank you

 

p.s You can post in this topic OR email us. Thanks again, Kamalita

[Diver Ed]

This is definitely something a bit different that what you usually offer in a dive trip.  The resort is very large.  It also has more of a party atmosphere than most places that are more diving specific.  It is a great option for divers that want to do a couple of dives a day and have a non diving spouse that likes the beach join them on the trip.  With only 2 dives a day, that also opens up a trip to some of the more relaxed divers that want a combo vacation of some great diving and some island excursions.  That would allow for more couples to make the trip as the diving is available as well as time to spend with a non diving other half.  For those that still want more diving, I did a couple of drop off dives on the way in, and that worked out very well.  i would suggest talking to the crew about that option daily to get extra tanks on the boat for those that want another dive.  There are a lot of good dining options within walking distance.  With all of the activity here, it is definitely noisier that other places, but that said, IT WAS A HOLIDAY WEEKEND* and it did quiet down early enough that it didnt impact my sleep much.  The diving is definitely worth returning.  The reefs are much healthier than a lot of places in the Caribbean.  The boats are comfortable and the crew was very good.  I would return.  Ed

 

 

*It was significantly quieter and less crowded the week after the trip so maybe choosing a non holiday week is the best way to avoid the noise. Although people do like to take advantage of the extra holiday for vacation purposes. 

[KidDocDMC]

The dives were easy and generally nice. The corals seemed healthy. I spoke at length with another diver on the plane home. Hes done over 200 dives on the island (almost all shore dives). Ocean Encounters claims only 14 sites plus two alternatives. They almost never go west of the resort. There is much more diversity of dive sites, if we can coax them to go.
The resort was well maintained. The restaurants at the resort were a mixed bag, but there are plenty in the area. The staff was friendly and helpful.
Overall, a good spot.

[Jaque]

I would definately return to this resort and I think it is a good one for our group. It is a particularly good destination for new divers or older, less energetic divers like me. In August-September, the water was warm enough to just wear a snorkel skin or something. I added a vest but could have done without. The boats were large and comfortable, and the crew was very attentive both on the boat and underwater. We were diving close to a full moon and even so, I detected virtually no currents at all. That makes it much easier for new divers and for photographers. You could emphasize that the trip is perfect for new divers to attract people who might be intimidated by some of the other trips. The reefs were beautiful and seemed healthy. Not many turtle, ray, shark sightings, but there were plenty of fish and other stuff to photograph or video. If the resort is anxious for us to return, perhaps you could get all of the rooms down in the area close to the dive boats. I had a room there and it was very convenient. It was also larger than Ed's room and had a lot more storage. The room was quiet enough except for the live music night but that was only one night a week I think. The AC worked well and there was a small refrigerator and a kettle. I did need an adapter for the outlets, but the resort provided one in the room. Some divers might like to have had more afternoon diving. But the resort is lovely so I was content to enjoy it in the afternoons. The beach is very pretty and was not too crowded. The various restaurants and bars are good with lots of servers who are quick and attentive. I understand that more direct flights from the US may be coming which will help some people, depending on where they are flying from. All in all, I think it was a great trip and a perfect sister trip for Bonaire. 

[WreckWench]

The dives were easy and generally nice. The corals seemed healthy. I spoke at length with another diver on the plane home. Hes done over 200 dives on the island (almost all shore dives). Ocean Encounters claims only 14 sites plus two alternatives. They almost never go west of the resort. There is much more diversity of dive sites, if we can coax them to go.
The resort was well maintained. The restaurants at the resort were a mixed bag, but there are plenty in the area. The staff was friendly and helpful.
Overall, a good spot.

Hey let's develop a list of places worth returning too food wise and we talked to the dive op about doing different sites notably Mushroom forest etc. and they said that they would be happy to set it up in advance for a return group since we did such a great job of helping each other and taking care of each other etc. 

 

Great feedback. 

 

So was the 'double dip" doing Bonaire the first week and Curacao the 2nd a good idea? We can add Curacao to the back end of our Sept  12-19. So we could do the week before or the week after if the 'double dip' concept worked for people. 

[N.J. Turtle]

Hi all, yes, I'd say this is a repeat. I found the staff at the resort to be very friendly and accomodating.
The dive crew was fabulous, very helpful and caring.
Great breakfast, lots of restaurant options. I was happily surprised with the meals!
Enjoyed the tourguide and the group dinner. Once again, great meal options with delicious offerings.
Did alot of shorediving in the afternoon and at night, they have a really nice house reef, multiple octopus sightings every night (yay). Great to see the coral restoration they have in place.
There is a 50 meter pool on site, the only one in the Carribean, big bonus for me!
I had a great time at this resort, alot to see and do within walking distance of the resort too, nice for the non divers who might sign up.