photodiver - Bluewater Dive Travel

photodiver

photodiver

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Reviews (4)

Anilao Photo Workshops Spring 2018

5
4
5
4

I've dived Anilao on my own before, and also during the Bluewater Photo workshops. I enjoy going with Bluewater for several reasons:

1) The guides at Crystal Blue are outstanding, and the resort is well positioned near the best dive sites
2) Anilao can be expensive if you are in a group less than 4 people, travelling on a trip like this eliminates that issue
3) Great sigthtings are shared between the boats and the guides. This greatly increases the chance of rare critter sightings
4) The daily image reviews are fun, it is nice to see what other people are seeing, and how they are taking photos/videos of it.

the resort itselfi it a perfect dive resort - meals are buffet style so no long waits, one of the best camera rooms on the planet, a well thought out dive deck, and the most gorgeous views of the ocean from the restaurant and rooms. Since the resort is on a hillside, there are some stairs but it is good exercise. The resort has a reputation for having excellent food. Rooms are good and the AC works well. Just a heads up, there is no pool, sandy beach or nearby nightlife.

Visited on 04/2016 - Submitted on 10/28/2017
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Atmosphere Resort & Spa

5
4
5
5

Our entire family thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Atmosphere resort.

The diving was amazing, we saw dozens of turtles at Apo Island, many sea snakes, beautiful corals and a huge school of jacks. The macro diving near the resort was also top notch, including the large house reef which can truly be done as a shore dive.

One of the best features of the resort is the snorkeling, which is shallow and right in front of the resort, and perfect for weak swimmers or small children.

The staff at the resort were all very nice. Amenities like the bar, 3 pools and spa were top notch. Any non-diver would still have an exceptional time at this resort. Food was truly 5 star, a rating I don't often give for food.

Rooms were very good, the standard suites and family rooms are close to the restaurant and pool, and more than adequate, even if a little sparse. Apartments are very nice and a "step up" for sure, but just a longer walk from the main resort area.

The dvie center is exceptionally well organized, each diver gets a camera station in a nice camera room, and also their own private "dive locker" to put their wetsuit , booties, etc.

The day trip for the whale sharks was one of the highlights. I thought it would be a little cheesy, but to see so many whale sharks up close in clear, blue water was a once in a lifetime experience.

I was glad I booked with Bluewater Travel , they were great in helping me select the perfect room, deciding when to go, and making sure the resort took good care of us. And they even got me a room upgrade for free. I'll be returning soon for sure.

Visited on 07/2017 - Submitted on 10/28/2017
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French Polynesia Master

5
5
5
4

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the French Polynesia master. Our cruise director was Mark Nadeau, and he really went out of his way to make sure the guests were well taken care of.

Cabins are quite large and comfortabe. Dive guides are very good, although you need to understand they operate under "french" rules, which means no diving away from the group, everyone surfaces together, and dive depth limits. However, this did not really limit our diving at all, and guests who had a higher air consumption were given larger tanks.

Marine life sightings were amazing, especially at Fakarava and Rangiroa, including many many sharks, schools of fish, and a couple of manta rays. Hard corals were amazing in some places. Friendly dolphins at Rangiroa were one of the highlights of the trip. People do need to understand that the reefs are not full of colorful sea fans or soft corals like Indo-pacific reefs, they are rockier and more barren but still beautiful in some areas.

Food was fairly good, and served buffet style. The dining area is a little cramped but it works.

Given how remote the islands are, how expensive French Polynesia is, and how amazing the marine life is, I considered this trip to be a very good value. Given the effort to get there, I'd recommend the 10 night trip.

Visited on 07/2017 - Submitted on 10/28/2017
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Galapagos Master

4
5
5
4

I've been on the Galapagos Master twice so far, and I fully enjoyed both trips.

I chose the 10 night trips over the 7 night trips to get the extra days at the better dive sites. The highlights were iguanas, mola mola, and hammerheads.

Cabins were confortable and better than most other liveaboards, and the AC worked well. Food was pretty good and served buffer style. Staff is friendly and goes out of their way to know the names of the guests. The dive operation was run very well with an emphasis on safety, which is important when you are out at remote islands.

"Big JC" was our favorite dive guide, he always had a lot of enthusiasm and knowledge about the dive sites.

The trips are expensive, but not more so than the other Galapagos liveaboard options. This trip hits the highlights of diving the Galapagos and I can highly recommend it.

Visited on 01/2017 - Submitted on 10/28/2017
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