Learn to dive where?

[Margoinmexico]

I didn't want to hijack the other thread about where to dive in Sian Ka'an, but all this talk of diving has got me thinking........

I NEED TO LEARN..............Hello???????????:eek::eek::eek: :eek::eek:

This would be the perfect time, calm water, low season, a little time off, so does anybody have any advice on who or where for me to learn in the Tulum area?

Thanks:palmtree:

[Gale in KY]

Well, now, isn't this something...our "in country" member needs assistance with a question? :) I wish I could give you an expert answer Margo..but I have no real experience...yet. I know a couple of people who speak highly of the dive shop that is affiliated with Dreams Tulum, I believe they have an office in the pueblo..will see if I can get the info.

Lee has some experience, and I know there is one in particular he gives the thumbs down..maybe you can pm him?


Hopefully by the time I arrive there, we can do a dive together!!!

[AdGuy]

Hi Margo,

First off, you'll love the world "under the sea". It's a bit intimidating at first but there's no feeling on earth that you'll experience than when descending beneath the surface. All the weight of the world leaves you for the thirty minutes you're underwater.

For your safety and enjoyment of the sport (is scuba a sport?) PLEASE take a complete Open Water certification course which requires both classroom time and in-water training. No one certification agency (SSI, PADI, NAUI) is better than the other so don't get hung up on that...they're all good.

As for good and bad dive operators in Tulum, take the time to personally interview a few shops. I received my training in the States but my dive experience in the area has been positive with Dive Tulum (they're located near El Mirador) and terrible with Acuatic Tulum (at Zazil Kin). Do the research as these people literally have your life in their hands.

[DougSR]

James would probably be able to tell you better than me. But if you do a search on the PADI website you will get the places below which can get you open water certified. I would also suggest you do the extra training so you will feel comfortable diving in a cenote.

Dos Ojos Dive Center S-20418
Km 148 Hwy 307

Tulum, Q. Roo

MEXICO
77780


Maya Diving S-20468
Carrettera Chetumal
Pto. Juarez KM 234 Interior Sole Resort
Tulum, Q.Roo

MEXICO 77780

[Steve O]

Hey Margo....I'll teach you how to dive when I come down but it will cost you some of those doll parts you have in your collection...LOL From there we'll go down to Banco Chinchorro. Nice diving there.

If you really want to learn, I would go to the dive shop in Akumal. I believe the Texas Embassy Dive Shop has moved or is no longer there in Tulum. I forget names but the wife of Rick's partner is a great instructor and taught in Akumal. She always said how good the place was. She might or might not still be working there.

[Margoinmexico]

Thanks everybody!

So what kind of questions do I ask.........?:confused::confused::confused:;)

This is going to be so fun! :sun::sun::dolphin::dolphin::dolphin::sun::sun:

[AdGuy]

So what kind of questions do I ask.........?:confused::confused::confused:;)


Before enrolling in diving school, it's not a bad idea to ask the instructor for a list of newly certified students who can act as references. I realize many folks might not still be "in the area" as they may have certified while on vacation, but I'm sure there are locals you could talk to.

The quality of your scuba certification course depends on the skill and experience of the diving instructor. The better instructors generally are the more experienced ones. Look for an instructor who has certified at least a couple dozen students (and not just been with them on their final certification dives but has taught them the coursework, schooled them in the in-water training, and been with them on the certification dives), and has been teaching at least for a year (with a minimum of six months at that facility). Often teachers are pretty young, since diving operations do no pay a lot. But the better instructors are likely to be older divers who have dedicated their careers to commercial diving.

It's not a bad idea to look for a course in which the instructors use similar dive equipment as the students. It makes the process more streamlined and easier to understand. Since you'll likely be using their equipment (BC, tanks, regulator) you'll want to examine their equipment. Does it look in good shape? You should plan on having your own mask, flippers and snorkel.

Finally, make sure you understand the pricing and can compare costs "apples to apples". Scuba diving is not a cheap adventure and the lowest price is not necessarily the best value.

[marlene]

Hi Margo, I know the guy who owns Abyss dive shop in tulum (Dave) I'm pretty sure it's still there.He started in playa and has a shop there aswell.They have a website Abyss.com:dolphin: