Comments |
My liveaboard Tahiti trip was canceled due to engine failure. Having already cleared my schedule, I scrambled to arrange another trip. No simple task in a weeks time. Either time frame didn't match or flights were full, leaving me with few options. Reading chapbook 2005, Dive St. Vincent got generally good reviews. Prompt response to email from the owner / operator Bill Tewes was very instrumental. When I called the next day he answered the phone unexpectedly. Assistance with air connections were made, accomodations / package arranged and surprisingly I pulled this off.... with their help. Very good customer service.
I have really little exposure to macro photography.... I don't have a macro lens. Arriving from LA on a redeye in one day, tired but in one piece things worked out. Accomodations: I stayed at mariners for no particular reason other than since I was alone the economy plan was in order. The hotel staff was nice and open internet availability was a plus. The room had a good view and was comfortable enough. Small drawbacks the the shower head and tv remote in poor shape were tolerable. The mattress and bedding were minimal.The adjoining restaurant French Verandah was good even if expensive. I was here to dive.
Dive operation: This is not the place for heart pounding big stuff. It is known as the "Critter Capital".... and for good reason. Bill personally leads the 2 tank dive leaving at 9:30, getting back, around 2:00. Dives generally conclude when air is consumed from steel tanks filled to +/-2400psi. This produced dives of and average 60 mins or more as the average depth was 35 feet. Bill is very committed, and dedicated to showing people these tiny discoveries..... some you even need a magnifying glass for. After 20 plus years he still seems excited. He is also interested in the photgrapher's experience...... so I received several admonishments about perfect bouyancy control so as not to " muck " up the muck dive for others.
I considered myself an above average diver with good bouyancy control........Bill quickly revised this view. However, he holds no grudge and just keeps wanting the experience to be the best. His divemasters, while competant, don't share his enthusiasm or interest. So your experience is quite different if he is away at a dive show (5 times a year). Oddly I was alone on the third dive I scheduled most days, which was easily arranged with prior notice. Bill led this on two occassions, continuing to discover things I would never have noticed. The boats are well maintained and staff nice.
Sea life: sea horses, pipe horse, pipe fish, frog fish(1), batfish, jawfish, many juveniles (jacknife, spiny lobster, etc.), assorted crabs, blennies, and gobies.
Conditions: water was 82, air in the mid 80s, not being in the rainey season. several decent restaurants within walking distance.
I give strong recommendations, and with a macro lens, wouldn't hesitate to return largely due to Bill's expertise. Second only to PNG in small stuff you'll have a great time, good food and enjoy this true one of a kind character in the dive industry..... Thanks Bill Tewes |
Where else diving |
St. Lucia, Caymans, australia, fiji, cozumel, revillajegedos, catalina, saba, St. Eustastia |