How to find the best dive center for your next dive trip

 Finding a good dive center is the key to experiencing an epic dive trip. As Honduras dive operators, and well-traveled divers ourselves, we can attest that just because all dive shops visit the same dive sites, they are not all created equal. This how-to guide will give you some of the most important steps to finding the dive shop that’s right for you.

 

Where to search for quality dive center operators

If you want to ensure that you get to dive with the dive operator that’s right for you, we suggest doing your research ahead of time. Yes, diving has a laid back and go-with-the-flow kind of culture, but in high season a highly reputable dive operator just might be booked. Or a less reputable operator might just stuff last minute divers on the boat risking the safety and the quality of the experience for everyone.

 

You should find 2-3 dive centers to request information from and book ahead of time. But how do you narrow it down? There are over 80 Roatan dive centers and other dive destinations are equally as saturated.

 

Here are three easy ways to get your dive center short list:

 

1. Use a simple search term like the name of your destination + “dive operators” or “dive centers” on Google and you’ll see top-ranking listings.
2. Search peer-review websites such as TripAdvisor
3. Join Facebook groups such as Divers Around the World and Girls that Scuba and search existing posts or post your own call for recommendations.

 

Criteria for choosing your dive center

 

Now that you have your short list, here are a few criteria by which to judge which dive center is going to be the right fit for you.

 

Of course, you’re going to want to see price packages and discount deals. But remember, you get what you pay for, so it’s worth looking at these criteria to really determine the cost-benefit ratio.

 

You can usually find this information by perusing their website and social media pages, and of course just emailing or calling to ask!

 

Diver to guide ratios – it's no fun to fight a crowd when you’re trying to see something itty, bitty and cool like a nudibranch. Group size is a major indicator of the quality of the experience you’re going to have under water. We limit our group size to 6 divers per divemaster – unless of course you’re group of dive buddies is bigger than that. Dive centers that mention organizing groups by skill levels and interest should also get bonus points!

 

How big are those boats? – In this case, bigger is not always better. Larger boats with inboard engines typically cruise at a much slower speed. Meaning longer trips to dive sites and more time spent in the boat versus under the sea. While they typically have more room for dry storage, they also have more room for people – which then begs to question the diver to guide ratios.

 

What’s the dive schedule? – Different dive operators will run dive trips at different times of day, so make sure you confirm the daily dive schedule. Dive centers that leave earlier typically have the luxury of choosing their dive site. Some schedules will include more than one dive in a trip. We’re one of a few Roatan dive shops that conducts two-tank morning trips, meaning we go out and stay out for two dives with a boat surface interval. Some people like this because they’re done with morning dives earlier – others want more flexibility to do one or two dives in the morning.

 

Are you someone who wants to dive as much as possible? Make sure to check if your dive center offers a third dive of the day and see when they conduct night dives. We want our customers to see the amazing String of Pearls in Roatan, so we’ll offer a night dive any day of the week when we have four or more interested customers.

 

Training center or fun dive focused? – Almost all dive centers will offer a mix of both certified fun diving and certification courses. Some take it one step further focusing on professional training such as larger-scale Divemaster programs, Instructor Development and/or TEC specialty training. These centers have a large volume of students as part of their dive community. They many times will have a separate division that focuses on fun diving, but certified diver guests are still usually mixing with trainees. Some folks like this mix and others prefer to have a shop that solely focuses on catering to recreational divers.

Gear quality – If you’re renting gear, it’s okay to ask exactly what type of scuba diving equipment is used, how old it is and how often it gets serviced. The rental brand should be reputable. Rental equipment should be well maintained and be no older than 2-4 years depending upon frequency of use. Tanks should by visually inspected annually and hydrostatic tested every 5 years or per local regulation

Do they give back? – Coral reefs are not just beautiful to look at, they are critical ecosystems that support life on earth and livelihoods in island communities. We encourage you to dive with a dive center that is a good steward of the reef that they are building their business upon. Are they members of their local marine park? Are they supporting coral restoration efforts? Do they host any environmental events like beach clean ups or Dives Against Debris. These are all tell-tale signs of a dive shop who thinks beyond their own business and wants to ensure the health and sustainability of our coral reefs for generations to come.

All these details will help you select a dive center that you feel is going to create the most memorable experience on your next dive trip. Reading peer reviews can also validate your selection. And if the experience is as good as you expected – or even better – pay it forward by sharing your positive experience with other divers through online reviews and social posts. These can go far to help small businesses like dive shops thrive.

For more info:-

Roatan Reef Dive Sites

Roatan Dive Sites