Beginner Scuba-- St Thomas or Tortola??

[InSearchofMagic]

Hi Everyone!

Has anyone done either of the beginner scuba diving port adventures at St. Thomas or Tortola? I'm trying to decided which one (if either) we should do?? We are an active adult couple in our 30's. If anyone has suggestions I would love to get your input!!

 

[CScott095]

When is your cruise? My DD (12) and I are diving in both in a little over a week.

 

[InSearchofMagic]

Not until next year- so I'd love to hear about your experience when you get back!! Have a great time!

 

[CScott095]

Oh great! I will get back to you when we return!!

 

[asunutgirl]

When we were in St. Thomas in 2012 we dove with Blue Island Divers. Booked with them on our own. Amazing service! I highly recommend them!

https://www.facebook.com/blueislanddivers/

 

[xtsayshi]

I haven't been to Tortola but St Thomas was incredible diving. It was beautiful.

 

[CScott095]

Sitting in the airport fresh off of our cruise. My thought about diving is that Tortola felt a little harder than a beginner diver due to the currents and the choppiness. Unfortunately, my daughter was so seasick we did not go the second day, which was St. Thomas, but I heard the conditions, the water, and the dive were all easier. Hope that helps!

 

[truck1]

Hi Everyone!

Has anyone done either of the beginner scuba diving port adventures at St. Thomas or Tortola? I'm trying to decided which one (if either) we should do?? We are an active adult couple in our 30's. If anyone has suggestions I would love to get your input!!

Are you talking about the Discover Diving? Discover Diving is a completely different animal than the normal dives. Its basically a shortened version of the basic class, but the catch is that you have to stay with a Instructor or Dive Master. The Open Water classes are the ones where you can go off on your own.

 

[Mediaavid]

I did the beginner scuba in St. Thomas three weeks ago. The guys who took us out were great. They were patient, professional, and had a sense of humor to break the ice. They had 3 groups for first timers. I was in first group of 6. They made sure we were all capable before the entire group did about a 15-20 minute dive. Our maximum depth was about 30 ft. While other 2 groups waited and after first group finished, snorkeling was available. Or you could just chill and relax on the boat. They also had a group of experienced divers who were led by other employees where they did their own longer dives. Booked through the port adventures before the cruise. This was the company they placed us with. http://www.godivevi.com

 

[InSearchofMagic]

Are you talking about the Discover Diving? Discover Diving is a completely different animal than the normal dives. Its basically a shortened version of the basic class, but the catch is that you have to stay with a Instructor or Dive Master. The Open Water classes are the ones where you can go off on your own.

They are both listed on Disney's site as "Beginner Diver" excursions and don't require a scuba diving certification to do them? I'm not sure what the Open Water class is? Could you explain a little more what you're talking about?

 

[InSearchofMagic]

I did the beginner scuba in St. Thomas three weeks ago. The guys who took us out were great. They were patient, professional, and had a sense of humor to break the ice. They had 3 groups for first timers. I was in first group of 6. They made sure we were all capable before the entire group did about a 15-20 minute dive. Our maximum depth was about 30 ft. While other 2 groups waited and after first group finished, snorkeling was available. Or you could just chill and relax on the boat. They also had a group of experienced divers who were led by other employees where they did their own longer dives. Booked through the port adventures before the cruise. This was the company they placed us with. http://www.godivevi.com

Thanks so much for the report! Was the location good? Did you get to see any sea life?

 

[InSearchofMagic]

Sitting in the airport fresh off of our cruise. My thought about diving is that Tortola felt a little harder than a beginner diver due to the currents and the choppiness. Unfortunately, my daughter was so seasick we did not go the second day, which was St. Thomas, but I heard the conditions, the water, and the dive were all easier. Hope that helps!

Thanks so much for the report! I hope you had a great trip!

 

[Capt_BJ]

What is being offer is what PADI calls a "Discovery Dive"

Have you always wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater? If you want to try scuba diving, but aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into a certification course, Discover Scuba Diving is for you. PADI dive shops offer this program either in a pool, off a beach or from a dive boat. You can try scuba close to home or while you’re on vacation at a dive destination. While not a scuba certification course, Discover Scuba Diving is a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world.

You learn the basic safety guidelines and skills needed to dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional. If you make an open water dive, you’ll practice a few more skills in shallow water to prepare for your adventure.

The experience typically takes 90 minute to two hours and class size is limited by PADI rules. You are NOT a "qualified diver" at the end ... aka "certified" To become "certified" one completes a class called "open water diver"

http://www.padi.com/scuba-diving/

A different excursion is offered for 'certified divers' but it is not unusual for both excursions to run from the same dive shop . . .

 

[truck1]

They are both listed on Disney's site as "Beginner Diver" excursions and don't require a scuba diving certification to do them? I'm not sure what the Open Water class is? Could you explain a little more what you're talking about?

If its the one I just looked at, the TT 41 and TT48, they are the equivalent of the Discover Scuba. The name varies from cert agency to cert agency. Its sometimes called a Resort Course, or Discover Scuba etc. Basically, you are given a little bit of information, and then given a escorted scuba dive, which should be in relatively shallow water, prob less then 30' or so. The certificate, for lack of better term, is a 1 off and only good for that day.

An open water class is more in depth (no pun intended) with a given set of requirements and tests that you must full fil. After which point, you are a certified open water diver, and do not need an escort so to speak. You can go anywhere, rent gear, and then get wet.

As usual, DCLs website information is somewhat dated, and about as clear as mud.

 

[Mediaavid]

Thanks so much for the report! Was the location good? Did you get to see any sea life?

Yes, we had some sea life. Some fish and another sea creature I can't remember. I think I was glad there wasn't a lot of fish. It made it easier to focus and remember to breath. There was a shipwreck we went over and around as well.