Instant Reader Report
on Atlantis Dive Resort / [same] in
Philippines / Puerta Galera on
2002/10
by
Giles Charlton-Jones , BWI, Cayman Islands
Report Number 021030135127534

 Cayman, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Australia, Red Sea, Honduras,
Mexico.... 

Dive Conditions

All dives were guided with max depths given according to the site (from
100ft to 15ft). When busy (esp. weekends) dive times were limited to
around 50 mins.   

Great macro photography, quite a few frogfish, plenty of Nudibranchs,
interesting shrimp but not as numerous as expected. The pygmy seahorses
were not playing while we were there, no sightings but we were assured
that they are normally around. Very short boat rides (5-10 mins) but no
camera buckets or safe area, although the boatmen were very good at taking
care of and handling cameras. Large camera/regulator rinse tank at the shop
but is was not policed very well. Frequently saw people dunking wetsuits,
bcd's and even a weightbelt once! I'm sure that after a few comments have
been made this will change!  

Overall Rating

Great service, great accomodations and great dive-staff. Very enthusiastic
guides/instructors, even when doing 5 dives a day.  Some of the guides
were new to the area and not especially knowledgeable about a few of the
creatures on our hit-list of things to see, but they are learning! 
Strong tidal currents at varying times of the day and although
unpredictable in some areas the guides mostly had it spot-on. At slack
tides in many areas current was absent or negligeable. 
Underwater photographers that want the longest dive times should take a
safety balloon and reel.
Overall a superb resort with everything on-site. The rooms are clean,
comfortable and well appointed and the restaurant is first class. 
Cannot recommend the staff highly enough.  

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