Jamaica

[whacky]

At the beginning of may me and the other half are off to jamaica on holiday. we were wanting to learn to scuba before we went but a combination of lack of time and cost has ruled that out.

So we are going to do a discover scuba session before we go, but i was wondering if anyone knows if there is any opportunity to do some diving for the beginner while we are out there? We are going to negril if that means anything to anyone

[diver]

Sorry can't help about Jamaica but would suggest if at all possible that you try and do all your theory and confined water bits in this country. That way you won't be studying and stuck in a classroom during your holiday.

Diver

[philworrall]

Most of the resorts do some sort of "try a dive"

You will be wasting your time learning to dive here if most of your diving is going to be in tropical waters IMO.

It is a completely different style of diving. No wet suit (or dry suit) and little on no weight belt.

Just go for it when you get there.

HTH

cheers
;)

[spottydog]

I agree with diver. It's worth doing your theory and pool sessions over here before you go. Most centres here will understand you will be finishing off in warmer climates and therefore don't want to learn about cold water diving at this time.

If you do the pool & Theory in Jamaca you will waste 3 days of your holiday sitting in a classroom. If you do your pool and theory here before going you will just need to do the 4 qualifying dives (in the sea not a classroom).

[Jevs]

Whacky
I went to Barbados 10 years ago and did 5 dives as an un-qualified diver.
I don't think they really care if you have a padi or not. It's worth doing a "try dive" over here just to see if you like it.
As Phil says...no wet or dry suit, just shorts and T-shirt for me as the caribbean is like a bath !!!.
Not much in the way of great reefs, but lots of wrecks and some huge chimney sponges and sea fans.
Loads of fish (especially seargent majors) as well as jawfish, grammas, queen, french and rock beauty angels, morays and some very large groupers to name a few.
One tip, if you do go diving, hire an underwater camera...it's well worth it.
Good luck and enjoy
Andy