resort course vs. local guide

[Fishuary]

I am headed to an all inclusive in Playa Del Carmen and am considering a scuba excursion. I am curious to know the pros and cons of doing the resort course vs. trying to find a local guide. I have no previous scuba experience other than a resort course on my honeymoon years ago.

TIA!

 

[MechEng99]

I haven't been to Playa Del Carmen, but we've done both the resort courses and local guides.

My experience with local guides is that they'll take you to some of the best places for the little things - tiny commensal shrimp, nudibranchs, etc. They also seem to have more passion for scuba diving in general. Their equipment is usually better and better maintained since its their business on the line.

Resort course guides seem to just want to show off the big stuff that makes everyone go "ooh and ahhh", like sharks, dolphins, turtles, etc. Equipment is usually adequate, but not great.

Overall, I prefer the local guides, but if you get to know the resort guides (especially if it's all-inclusive...might as well take advantage of what you're already paying for) then you can build up a relationship with them. We paired up with a resort guide who often took us beyond the "usual" tours.

 

[ousnakebyte]

Well, I would skip Playa del Carmen for diving and take the ferry over to Cozumel for the day. I've been diving in Cozumel twice, and it's been wonderful both times. We used Aqua Safari, and they are very nice. The first two tank dive was limited to my girlfriend, me and the divemaster. The second two-tanker found two more join the party, but that was it. Small groups, good guides, nice operation.

Cheers
Mike

 

[snorvich]

I haven't been to Playa Del Carmen, but we've done both the resort courses and local guides.

My experience with local guides is that they'll take you to some of the best places for the little things - tiny commensal shrimp, nudibranchs, etc. They also seem to have more passion for scuba diving in general. Their equipment is usually better and better maintained since its their business on the line.

Resort course guides seem to just want to show off the big stuff that makes everyone go "ooh and ahhh", like sharks, dolphins, turtles, etc. Equipment is usually adequate, but not great.

Overall, I prefer the local guides, but if you get to know the resort guides (especially if it's all-inclusive...might as well take advantage of what you're already paying for) then you can build up a relationship with them. We paired up with a resort guide who often took us beyond the "usual" tours.

A very interesting and accurate description. Of course you might also consider doing a referral and get certified. All the hard work at home, and the fun part at your warm water location.

 

[clownfreak]

Where in Playa are you going? I stayed at Viva Wyndham Azteca this past Spring Break. I also would agree with the referral and then do the cert dives in Playa. That way you don't spend 2-3 days of your vacation studying a book. I have heard great things about diving Cozumel in absolutely fantastic.

 

[MechEng99]

Of course you might also consider doing a referral and get certified. All the hard work at home, and the fun part at your warm water location.

That's exactly what we did. We saw no point in spending our time on vacation in the pool and in a classroom. We did the classroom/pool work at home/online and did the open water portion...in the open water! No quarries for us! Also recommend a referral since you'll have different instructors from different countries - it'll give you a better perspective of what to do/not to do and why.

Every time we go on vacation we try to get an additional certification or piece of equipment. That way, we have a goal and can spread the cost over time.

 

[Fishuary]

Where in Playa are you going? I stayed at Viva Wyndham Azteca this past Spring Break.

We are probably staying at the Gran Porto Real, but haven't finalized our plans yet.

I also would agree with the referral and then do the cert dives in Playa. That way you don't spend 2-3 days of your vacation studying a book.

Not sure I understand this. The last time I did a resort course we spent about 30-45 minutes in the pool and then headed out. No mas. (This was in Grand Caymen).

 

[snorvich]

Also recommend a referral since you'll have different instructors from different countries - it'll give you a better perspective of what to do/not to do and why.

Actually, for PADI, the nonspecialty courses are highly defined as to what is taught and how. Specialty courses can be either standard e.g. deep diving or an approved outline submitted by the instructor e.g. Caribbean Reef Wildlife or Photography.