· As a technical dive the Blue Hole is superb. Below around 250' there's a good chance of seeing hammerhead sharks. The only problem is that this sort of diving requires a dedicated boat and enough divers to pay for it, typically at least 10. We can though often organize a 1 hour "bounce" to depth from a recreational boat, for suitably qualified divers. We recently supported John Chatterton and his "Deep Sea Detectives" team in diving to the bottom in the SE corner.
· A day trip from Ambergris Caye to Lighthouse and the Blue Hole takes around 11 hours, with about half of that travelling. A two-day trip is sometimes possible, with more diving and less travelling per day, but this can be expensive unless there are enough divers to justify the high boat cost.
· There are many superb reef wall dives on Lighthouse Atoll, and the regular Blue Hole day trip includes two of them. Given enough divers (again, at least 10) it is possible to arrange trips that just do these dives and leave out the Blue Hole.
· On Turneffe Atoll there are also many superb wall dives, with The Elbow at the southern tip being the most famous. Indeed, many guide books list this as the best single dive in Belize. A day trip to the Elbow takes around as long as a Blue Hole trip, but given the shape of Turneffe Atoll and its position relative to Ambergris Caye it is possible to reach the northern and western walls more quickly.
Boats
· Protech operates three boats for local diving, all open and locally built. The biggest is 38’ long, diesel powered, with a rear-facing ladder. This is a heavy stable boat which makes an excellent dive platform in rougher conditions.
· Next is a 35’ boat with twin outboard motors and a side-facing ladder. More manoeuvrable than the 38’ it is also much lighter, so although it takes heavy seas well, it moves around more and can be harder to get into.
· Last boat in current use is a 28’ boat with a single outboard, again with a side-facing ladder. This is narrower and is not suitable for use in rough conditions outside the reef, but is otherwise a popular boat.
· The last boat is a 39’ SeaRay liveaboard, which has had a chequered history. I am glad to say that at last the engines are completed and ready to install, so it shouldn't be too long before it's functioning. Our intention is to use it primarily for atoll trips and private charters, and it will provide a level of luxury not otherwise available locally.
Compressors, Tanks & Air
· Protech operates a BAUER 26 cfm compressor using their Secure 10 triple filtration system. All air we pump is totally clean, and is independently checked every quarter to meet with PADI 5* requirements.
· We have an air-driven Haskel Oxygen Booster to fill tanks completely whatever the mix.
· We generate oxygen from air for nitrox mixes up to 40% and use bought medical-grade oxygen for richer mixes. Our standard mixes of 32%, 36% and 28% are always available. We also keep helium for technical diving. We supply an oxygen analyser for use by our own divers.
· We have many air and nitrox tanks and supply both to a number of other dive centres. For technical divers we also keep many small stage bottles and over 30 original Inspiration steel tanks. We keep tanks in a range of sizes, both steel and aluminium.
Safety and Comfort
· All boats are equipped with fire extinguishers, marine band radios and/or mobile phones (which are generally more useful here), comprehensive first aid kits, DAN oxygen units, and carry full passenger insurance.
· All dives are guided, in groups usually no larger than 6 and often smaller. Our guides are all PADI Divemasters or Instructors, and consistent with safety run dives according to the wishes and abilities of our guests. So they choose the dive location after consulting the divers, bearing in mind conditions and where they may have dived before. Depth and duration will generally be set conservatively until we know the divers and their capabilities. Dives usually last at least 45 minutes, longer for suitable divers. Although we try to group divers according to ability (primarily air consumption) this is sometimes difficult with guests we don't know yet, so occasionally we have to bring divers up when they would otherwise have stayed down longer. If the guide decides that a dive must be ended it is important that all guests comply, even those who otherwise would have continued.
· We rely on the honesty of our guests as to their experience when they first go out with us, but once we get to know their diving we suggest whatever we think is appropriate. We reserve the right not to allow guests to undertake dives we feel they are not ready for, though this sanction is rarely applied. We generally require sight of certification cards before guests are allowed to dive, but at our discretion may allow people to dive without cards if we are convinced they are appropriately experienced and qualified. Our insurance permits us to do this but that is not so for most other dive centres, so along with your passport, tickets and money please don't forget your cert card. Log books can be useful but are generally not needed.
We believe in nitrox as a safe diving gas and our staff use it most of the time. We recommend you do also if you're certified, and get certified if you're not - it's cheap and only takes 1/2 a day..
· We pick up from most hotels and drop off afterwards..
· Like several other dive centres we rinse and store guests' dive gear when they will be diving with us again, and set it up for them for their next dive. We do understand that many more experienced divers prefer to deal with their own equipment, so we always check first.
· We undertake many equipment servicing and repair jobs for guests.
· San Pedro has the only public recompression chamber in Belize, located next to the airstrip, operated by SSS. Like some other dive centres Protech supports the Chamber financially, which streamlines the process of admitting guests there for examination and possible treatment. This benefit is automatic and there is no need to complete a form and pay US$1 for each tank used, as is commonly the case elsewhere. However, all the benefit gives is immediate treatment without checking for the means to pay, and a cap on the ultimate charge. It is NOT insurance.
· We strongly recommend all divers to have insurance, and require it of technical divers. We support DAN Americas (Divers Alert Network). Contrary to what some people believe after recent publicity, it is still completely valid for diving in Belize (and in Mexico). It can be taken out here online, but it is not effective until the following day. It costs less than a day's diving for a year's cover, and can save a great deal of money. Remember, as well as the Chamber costs there may well be additional air fares and hotel costs. It is very easy for the total to exceed US$10k. American residents can benefit from an optional extra which gives cover for non-diving accidents sustained out of their own country. With this extra and with DAN membership (mandatory) the total for a year is still only around US$100.
· We are occasionally asked by people with health problems if they can dive. In general, if a person has a recent history of uneventful diving and has had no worsening of their condition or any change in medication, we permit them to dive but insist on them having dive insurance. In any other case we refer the individual to the doctors at the recompression chamber and take their guidance. Conditions that used to be regarded as incompatible with diving but which no longer result in automatic bans include certain types of diabetes and asthma.
· Anyone with a pre-existing condition that they know is commonly regarded as incompatible with diving should bring with them a letter from a diving physician that spells out clearly what they cannot safely do (and hence what they can). In the absence of such a letter many dive centres will simply turn the individual away. The person should also purchase appropriate dive insurance and bring evidence of cover.
· Like any other dive centre, Protech will ask you to complete a self-declaration medical form. Please complete this truthfully, and discuss with us any ailments you may have. We regularly get divers who don't tell us about something such as diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma, and that means we're not on guard for any problems that might develop, and we've had the odd medical emergency hit us out of nowhere. Remember - the medical guidelines are not there to spoil your enjoyment but to ensure your safety.
Equipment and Toys
· We use high level equipment for rental, mostly Scubapro with some DiveRite, and all is properly maintained. Our BCs are weight-integrated and are fitted with Air2 alternative second stage regulators, removing the need for an "octopus" on the regulator. We keep a few BCs with normal inflators that can be used by guests who bring their own regulators. We keep a range of makes and types of fins and masks to fit all comers, though as masks are so personal we do suggest people buy their own well ahead of time and try it in a swimming pool.
We now have three masks with generic prescriptions for people with short sight (near vision). The lenses in these are -2, -4 and -6 diopters respectively. But if you have near vision and can't see properly underwater then please visit a dive center at home at least a month before you intend to travel and buy a mask with lenses to your prescription. You'll really benefit
If you have long sight you won't need replacement leases and can use a standard mask as it comes from the shop. You may benefit though from fitting a magnifying lens to the lower outside corner of one or both lenses, to help you read your gauges. These are readily available from good dive gear shops, or you should be able to find them online. The best sort are glass that you glue in - the plastic ones that hold by surface tension tend to fall out if you flood the mask..
· We have a few dive computers for rental.
· We keep three underwater scooters for rental to suitably qualified divers.
· We keep 5mp underwater digital cameras for rental.
· We have Scubapro’s "SASY", which is essentially scuba with a flotation vest instead of a BC. It is not possible to go below the surface with this, and is ideal for people who want to snorkel but do not want any risk of water in their mouths.
Training Courses
· As a PADI 5* IDC centre (#20696) we offer most PADI courses and specialities all the way up to Instructor Development Courses and have several MSDT instructors. Most courses are taught one-to-one or one-to-a-few, and are arranged to suit customer’s timetables. As well as complete courses we will handle the uncompleted parts of courses started elsewhere and evidenced by the appropriate paperwork - these are called "referral courses"
· With certain courses it is best to prepare at home by reading a manual and writing some tests. These include the basic Open Water course (and the restricted Scuba Diver) and the Nitrox course. We will advise on how to get hold of the manuals. It is also beneficial for the Advanced Open Water course. We offer free learning by email and telephone – we will answer any questions, however detailed, and will mark and return tests. This process is now recognised by PADI as a teaching method, but we have always offered it. It can save a great deal of precious holiday time when the last thing you want to be doing is reading books indoors. PADI's system is actually quite restrictive and we don't participate in it, as you'll see on their website.
For those who want to go beyond normal recreational courses we also offer IANTD training up to Advanced Nitrox Diver. Most people who go this far find the demands placed on them exceed anything they have ever before been asked to deliver underwater, and even though they may have no ambitions to become technical divers they find these courses make them better divers. Have a look at their course Standards.
Technical Diving
· Protech was set up by technical divers and we do this sort of diving ourselves, and support qualified divers who want to explore the excellent deep air or trimix diving available here.
· We can support any deep air or trimix diving down to around 300’, both OC and CCR. Although we keep some helium, guests requiring it should let us know well ahead of time. Guests must be aware that gases here are very expensive compared with the USA or Europe. With helium especially, although we keep a small amount for us to use in our own rebreathers, we have to order in specially to guests' requirements.
· We keep genuine Sofnolime for rebreathers, though again we need to know expected demand well ahead of time. The lead time for importing more is very long.
· We currently have one Inspiration rebreather, which is sometimes available for rental.
· For the time being we request any guests requiring helium to bring their own analyser.
· There are several barely explored sea caves in the vicinity and a number of others on land (like the Mexican cenotes just up the coast), and although we have no cave diving credentials we can support suitably qualified divers wanting to explore them.
Accommodation
· Protech does not own accommodation but we work with different resorts and hotels which offer a range of styles and prices. In general we can offer this accommodation for less than it would be available directly. Look at www.ambergriscaye.com for good general descriptions of most hotels..See what other have said about different hotels.
· Most hotels offer significantly lower rates for rooms that do not have air conditioning, or do not have much of a view. In winter many people find they can sleep comfortably without A/C (there is always a fan) and most people don't spend much time in their rooms other than sleeping so aren't bothered with the view. So big savings can be made.
Weather - when to visit, what to wear
· The entire region is of course subject to hurricanes, though in recent years Belize has escaped lightly. The last hurricane to hit us in Ambergris Caye was Keith in 2000, though we have had the occasional storm that created heavy seas and affected underwater visibility. Hurricane Emily caused a scare in July 2005, but mercifully passed by Belize and didn't do too much damage where it did hit in Mexico. Wilma didn't cause the devastation she did elsewhere, but even so the raised sea levels damaged quite a few docks and the buildings on them. You'll see the still-damaged Yacht Club dock that hasn't been repaired.
· The official hurricane season runs from May to November, also designated as the wet season, but since 2000 there has not been any serious risk of a storm earlier than September. During this time, so long as there is not actually a storm, diving conditions are usually ideal with very calm warm seas and good visibility. Combined with the low prices available at most hotels during this time it makes an ideal time to visit.
· Peak time runs from shortly before Christmas to just after Easter (depending when that is), with high peak covering Christmas and New Year. Expect crowds and high prices everywhere during this time. The island gets busy at every major US public holiday, so these are also times to avoid if you have the flexibility.
· Surface temperatures don't vary much during the year, with maybe 10-15°F range between seasons. In high summer (August) expect the 90s. Humidity is always very high here - in the upper 90%s. Normal wear is open sandals, loose baggy shorts and loose fitting teeshirt. Wear a hat that keeps the sun from your face and especially the back of your neck. You will need sunshades - polarizing ones are best. For evenings or if insects are a problem you will want light loose fitting trousers and a light long-sleeved top. In winter you may need something like a light sweatshirt in the evenings.
· Much of the time there is a breeze that comes from the sea which keeps away any biting insects, but when this drops, as it can do for extended periods in summer, mosquitos can become a major irritant, although on the island not especially a health risk. They are particularly bad after rain, which is not unusual in summer. You won't want to be far from an effective aerosol that is safe to apply to the skin. High deet concentration is better for keeping the bugs away, but not so healthy for you. Be particularly careful applying it to children.
· In winter mosquitos are rarely a problem, but for a couple of hours around dusk you will be attacked by tiny sandflies. Long trousers with shoes and socks can reduce the need for sprays during this time. Alternatively, it's a good time for a shower & change in your hotel room.
· Underwater temperatures vary even less between seasons, typically from around 78 - 84°F. The may be abrupt changes of temperature ("thermoclines") at depth, but these won't trouble most people except perhaps on the Blue Hole dive. In summer and on day dives in winter most people find a thin neoprene suit (3mm) perfectly adequate, with many people opting for a fabric "skin" that offers abrasion protection but minimal insulation, or even just swimwear. On the boat returning from a nightdive in winter it can be distinctly cold, so unless you have on a full wetsuit you'll probably want something to put on as wind protection.
Prices
· See here for Protech’s current and future prices. In accordance with law all prices now include GST (general sales tax) of 10%. Course fees do not include certification charges or manuals, as people have different arrangements for these. For PADI courses the agency requires that every student has his/.,her own manual that they can take away with them. Also note the very high park fees now imposed for visits to the Blue Hole.
Guarantee
· PROTECH has a customer-friendly refunds policy. We refund in full and offer a free tour if you have reasonable cause for disappointment with our service (that doesn’t often happen). We refund if we cancel a trip. We refund for unused portions of a pre-paid package, regardless of cause, so long as we have not incurred direct expenditure (we tell you in advance when we will not be able to give refunds).
Do note though that when day trips are organised, whether diving/snorkeling or any other, a refund is only available if you cancel before 3pm the preceding day. After that time you will have to pay even if you choose not to go. Obviously you'll still get a full refund if the trip is cancelled by the operator.
Staff
· We have our own divemasters and boat captains and (currently) two instructors. We also use three freelance instructors who are always available to Protech, Belizean but American in origin, very professional, very experienced, and very popular. If you telephone you'll probably speak to Ana Caliz, who runs the dive centre counter.
A rogues gallery of Protech’s staff will (probably) appear here in due course.
Location & Transport
· Protech dive centre remains on the dock of Belize Yacht Club, about a mile south of the town centre, and despite any rumours to the contrary will not be moving from here for some time. We moved out of our Gear Shop in the town centre in late 2005, and now sell a wide range of gear from the dive centre.
· To get to San Pedro from the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) simply take a flight in a Cessna Grand Caravan with either Tropic Air or Maya Island Airways. It takes around 20 minutes. From the airstrip in San Pedro, either walk down the beach or take a taxi, which should cost from Bz$7 to Bz$10 depending how much luggage you have. Your hotel may pick up this charge.
· To go to Belize City from San Pedro, either for its own sake or to go on a land tour, fly to Belize City Municipal Airstrip for around half the cost.
Communications
· There are several good internet cafes in San Pedro which provide refreshments, printer facilities and other benefits such as writing photo CDs, as well as low rate telephone calls around the world. Protech customers can use our wireless broadband connection free of charge. Belize Telecommunications, who have a monopoly over telephone services in Belize, have decided to block internet phones using their equipment. This is despite an official finding that they can only do this once they have provided an alternative, which hasn't happened. Consequently our internet phones are not currently working at all for in-coming calls and rarely for out-going ones, and that situation will persist until we move and transfer to cable-supplied internet. You may call us internationally on our BTL numbers, and although it is expensive it is affordable. For us to call overseas is however, prohibitively expensive.
Links and references that may be useful
OUR CUSTOMERS REPORT..... See here for places (hotels, restaurants, anything at all) that our customers have found good or bad, and have chosen to tell us. These are NOT particularly Protech recommendations
http://ambergriscaye.com/. This site offers objective information about most hotels in the area, plus copious general information including many useful maps. It has a very active discussion forum which will give an insight into the ways of San Pedro ex-pats. If you have a question you may find this is the place to ask it.
http://www.belizeforum.com/ is a similar but less active and less well-resourced site. Note that http://www.belizeforums.com is a completely different and less useful site.
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/belize/ is the Scubaboard forum on Belize, and often has interesting threads.
http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/ is possibly the best site for monitoring Caribbean weather that may affect Belize.
http://www.hydromet.gov.bz/ is the official Belizean weather page.
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/ and similar sites will tell you what time it is in Belize. It's always 6 hours behind GMT, and is usually US Central or Mountain time. Belize does not operate daylight saving.
http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/ is the webpage for DAN Americas, where you should go to buy your dive insurance. If you live in Europe you'll want the European site http://www.daneurope.org
Note that DAN Americas insurance does cover divers with Protech and is accepted by the San Pedro chamber. The recent dispute never affected cover from any other worldwide DAN organisations.
http://www.padi.com/ is the website for the Professional Association of Dive Instructors, which will give you a lot of information about their courses (though no detail - that has to be bought from them). PADI is by far the largest recreational dive training body in the world. Protech has almost the highest level of registration they offer. On their site you can see what dive centres are actually recognised by them - you'll find that quite a few advertising PADI are not recognised.
http://www.millionfish.com/ is the website of a good friend of mine who takes superb underwater photographs, often published in "household name" journals.
http://www.iantd.com/ is the website of the International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers, the original and many think the best technical dive training body. They have very demanding standards which you can read on-line, and when you have passed one of their courses you have really achieved something, and become a better diver. Protech teaches some of their lower-level courses, and can arrange for tuition at any higher level.
IANTD have recently experienced major administrative problems associated with a failed sell-out followed by a repossession and this affected students, instructors and facilities at all levels. This has been resolved and IANTD is now moving towards a sound future.
http://tauchen.de/ is a superb German dive magazine, but you'll need to read German.
http://www.divernet.com/ is the leading UK dive magazine on-line, providing a wealth of information.
http://www.seasportsbelize.com/ is a good place to dive if you're in Belize for less than a day from a cruiseship. We'd love to see you in San Pedro but there isn't really time to get here and back unless you're prepared to fly. They're based in Belize City and will often be able to offer you a dive trip to suit your schedule. Although they're not a PADI IDC centre they run IDCs about 4 times a year.
http://www.belizediving.com/ is another big dive centre in Belize City. They also offer you the chance to swim with penned dolphins.
http://earth.google.com/ gives you an interactive global atlas. Look up San Pedro and your home town!
http://www.skydivebelize.com/ gives you some ideas on what to do if you visit San Pedro in February 2007, which may be your last chance to do this for some time. The island looks superb from 10000'!
This is a totally subjective list that we have chosen to put together. Please write if you'd like a link to your website. A reciprocal link would be nice!
