Aldora - Premier Dive Operation
Written: Apr 24 '07
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great serv abv/below water. Diver site choice. Extra btm time
Cons: None..
The Bottom Line: I was impressed above/below water. Divers choice on site. Great DM's/Captains. Longer bottom times. Personalize service. Use of steel tanks. Land based surface interval.
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| aodiver00's Full Review: Aldora Divers |
We took a quick trip to Coz in mid-April 2007. After diving with the "cattle boats" for over 10 years due to ease of booking and on-site resort operations. I would never book with anyone else other than Aldora. Arriving Sunday - we dropped our gear prior to going to our hotel - We did not have to touch gear again until pick up following Saturday it was cleaned and dried for packing. Boats are roomy for the 5-6 divers they allow. The staff at Aldora was very efficient from home (the phone confirmation prior to us leaving - to the check out after diving) was effortless, as well as the diving - Julian was very informative upon arrival as well as Memo (manager) during our trip. The use of steel 100's-120's (they are the only operation on the island to use this type of tank) is very helpful for the occassional "air-suckers", and being able to drop 5-6/lbs of weight off my gear. Tank/gear are set up prior to us boarding boat, entry is a nice back roll all in at a 2 count, down after all o.k. Dive breifings are very informative of reef/structure and the intended dive. Dives are chosen by divers/DM's based on dives done and where divers want to go and are done on agreement of all,not from the same old tired menu dives. After dive - when o.k. to surface of course, gear is removed in water - handed to captain for retreival. I liked the fact of not having to climb on a ladder in rough water with tanks, etc. We were picked up from our hotel pier without any problems around 8am or so, return was between 1:30-2:00pm. On an average dive time was 65-80 minutes depending on depth of course. I appreciated being on the same boat as equal level divers than to be "stuck" with the "Newbies" that need hand holding. All DM's we had the pleasure to dive with did not stress over me staying behind a bit for taking photos' nor did he lack the experience to point out the obscure nudi's and 3" pipe fish (that most cattle boat operations would miss from the in, hurry up get it done diving). This is not follow the leader at all times and stay with the group but do keep your eye on them, it gets to be a bit of rush hour out there around 9:00-9:30am or so. If you are an experienced diver and photographer you will appreciate this, and know how to find your group. The shallower reefs after Wilma have evidence of damage but are on the mend - the creatures are coming back - We had the thrill of going to Maricabo (which you do not have to pay extra for) to be greeted by a pod of 8-10 dolphins'up close and personal at about 80' prior to our deep dive. Deeper reefs are relatively uneffected by hurricane damage. Coz still has the usual suspects of large lobsters crabs, nurse & bull sharks rays, turtles and the ever loving Angelfish. Small macro is limited but again on the rise.
There are no rinse tanks for camera equipment. This is an easy fix to be done at surface interval or to bring collapsable cooler with water/bag to rinse on board.
The shore stop during surface interval is very nice to relax we much prefer this to waves on a boat for 1 hr or so (depending on your profile) Aldora now stops at Mr. Sanchos' not Playa Mia - food is good and reasonable priced for the south end of the island, shops are also there to purchase your trinkets to take home. Coz is still a great place to drift dive and now to have a great operation to dive with is a divers dream.
Aldora is priced a bit more than other operations, however you get what you pay for. If you are looking for longer bottom times on average 60-85 minutes smaller groups and a personalized service this is your ticket.
Average dive time on cattle boats is 30-45 min maximum this is enforced no matter what to keep they schedule going for the next group. There are 20 or so of these type of operations have at it, but never again for us..
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
aodiver00
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Location: Chicago, Illinois USA
Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Scuba diving is my passion.
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