Scuba Diving at Pearl

[scuba_couple]

Hey Dudes! We will be at Pearl in July. Since this will be our first time and we are going to be there for a while longer than I originally planned (Yeah!) I’m thinking of us doing some diving. We are both PADI Advanced and Nitrox certified so hopefully there won't be a requirement of a refresher (some Sandals resorts that we have been to have required a refresher even though we showed our log books and C-Cards). Anyone have any experience with this at Desire? Also, since we get to check two bags free (each) I am thinking of bringing along our equipment (BCDs, regs, computers, etc). Finally, I think I’d like to just use the resort dive op rather than using an outside operator. Does Pearl charge extra for scuba excursions? What kind of excursions to they do? Do they supply Nitrox?

Sorry for all the questions. We have exactly 120 days until departure so I’m sure I am going to be Mr. Question as the excitement builds!

Take care all!
M & A

[CokeMann]

Finally, I think I’d like to just use the resort dive op rather than using an outside operator. Does Pearl charge extra for scuba excursions? What kind of excursions to they do? Do they supply Nitrox?

Diving at Desire is not including in the resort pricing - there is an on site dive op located at Pearl called Atlantis Dive Center
info here: http://jovanitre.wix.com/atlantisdivecancun

FYI - If you use the forums search function(upper right of every page) you will find existing threads on the diving subject
ie http://desiremexico.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=2920

[bluewatercpl]

Hey Dudes! We will be at Pearl in July. Since this will be our first time and we are going to be there for a while longer than I originally planned (Yeah!) I’m thinking of us doing some diving. We are both PADI Advanced and Nitrox certified so hopefully there won't be a requirement of a refresher (some Sandals resorts that we have been to have required a refresher even though we showed our log books and C-Cards). Anyone have any experience with this at Desire? Also, since we get to check two bags free (each) I am thinking of bringing along our equipment (BCDs, regs, computers, etc). Finally, I think I’d like to just use the resort dive op rather than using an outside operator. Does Pearl charge extra for scuba excursions? What kind of excursions to they do? Do they supply Nitrox?

Sorry for all the questions. We have exactly 120 days until departure so I’m sure I am going to be Mr. Question as the excitement builds!

Take care all!
M & A

Cokeman is right, there are other posts about diving and you should take a look at those. But, since you are asking some specific dive questions I will be glad to respond.
My wife and I are both advanced divers. We have been diving on every trip to Pearl. Previously, we have taken all of our gear. (except for weights) On the last trip ,we just took our computers. Their equipment is decent if you want to just bring the essentials. Caesar is the Dive Master. He is a great guy and my wife loves diving with him. He will not require a refresher course if you have a valid c card. Caesar can get you Nitrox, but we just use air. Most dives are not deep and the reef is only 5 minutes away. If you want a deep dive there is a wreck at about 110 feet. You pay the dive shop directly. The boat leaves from the dock. It is easy and fast. You can leave at 9 and be back in time for a great lunch. The last time that we went, earlier this month we were very close to 2 manatees, ( very rare down there) turtles, big barracudas , large sting rays and manta rays plus all the normal reef fish. If you have any other questions or you want to know about diving the cenotes, feel free to PM me and I will respond.

[scuba_couple]

My wife and I are both advanced divers. We have been diving on every trip to Pearl. Previously, we have taken all of our gear. (except for weights) On the last trip ,we just took our computers. Their equipment is decent if you want to just bring the essentials. Caesar is the Dive Master. He is a great guy and my wife loves diving with him. He will not require a refresher course if you have a valid c card. Caesar can get you Nitrox, but we just use air. Most dives are not deep and the reef is only 5 minutes away. If you want a deep dive there is a wreck at about 110 feet. You pay the dive shop directly. The boat leaves from the dock. It is easy and fast. You can leave at 9 and be back in time for a great lunch. The last time that we went, earlier this month we were very close to 2 manatees, ( very rare down there) turtles, big barracudas , large sting rays and manta rays plus all the normal reef fish. If you have any other questions or you want to know about diving the cenotes, feel free to PM me and I will respond.

Perfect! I had searched around a bit but couldn't find very many specifics. This is exactly the info I was looking for. Rather than bore the crap out of the non-diving readers, I'll PM you some other things I was wondering about.

Thanks much!
M&A
scuba_couple