Instant Reader Report
on Warm Water Divers / Felix Karon Hotel in
Thailand / Phuket/Similans on
2003/01
by
Carl Scott , TX, USA
Report Number 030210223140501

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 Palau, Costa Rica, Caymans, USVI, Belize, Cozumel 

Dive Conditions

They request you stay with group or a buddy.  Dive time limited to ensure
ample surface interval for subsequent dives, but typically reached no-deco
limit within that time, anyway.  

Large rinse buckets were provided, along with ample room on all boats for
safe storage between dives, though no dedicated table/area for cameras. 
Overall rating is boosted by subject matter, as evidenced by my results
(groups.msn.com/scottdiving).  Would have been a 5 with more macro stuff. 
Low diver-to-guide ratios made it easy to take your time with great photo
ops.  

Overall Rating

First of all, Warm Water Divers owns no boats.  They are an agent that
contracts with several reputable dive operators in the area.  Nonetheless,
they are very reliable, offer extensive destination options each day, and
take their fee from the operator instead of the client.  

Dived with Siam Adventure Tours in the Similans (they get the award for
the best boats and service, incuding on-board marine biologist), Santana
Divers (good operation, but most staff a bit stuffy), and Euro Divers (not
the nicest boat, but great and fun staff who know how to find the critters
for their clients).  When one operator had a problem, Warm Water
immediately contacted me to make arrangments for an alternate the next day
and cheerfully refunded the price difference.  All operators had no more
than 4 divers per DM, and I had my own private guide on more than one
occasion.

The Similans offered the most consistently good diving, with impressive,
healthy reefs of various hard and soft corals so thick you couldn't see
rock in many areas.  Vis always good.  Phi Phi islands were also great,
with excellent diversity.  King Cruiser wreck was a bit disappointing,
with 30' (or worse) vis, but some interesting creatures.  Anemone Reef and
Shark Point are must-do's, because of the healthy reefs and abundant life.

Thailand's Andaman Sea is a great value on some world class diving.  It
should be on everyone's wish list.  Food is CHEAP, hotels are many and can
be quite reasonably priced.  Service is overall some of the best you'll
find anywhere. 

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