Instant Reader Report
on Caicos Adventures / Carribben Paradise Inn in
Turks and Caicos / Providenciales on
2003/02
by
Barry Zigas , DC, USA
Report Number 030316161831120

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 Hawaii, Caymans, California, N.Carolina, Mexico, Curacao 

Dive Conditions

Very good dive briefings, groups led by divemaster and captain. Depth
restrictions provided but always generous.  Computer users allowed to dive
own profiles.  Hard rule was turnaround back to boat when first diver had
1500 lbs of air.    

[None]  

Overall Rating

Well-run dive operation, with spirited crew that is knowledgeable,
professional and courteous.  Captain "Fifi" Kuntz ran a tight
ship but made it easy.  Divemasters like K. Cruikshank also qualified and
friendly.  Went on successive days, first to French Key and second day to
West Caicos.  Very calm for the crossing to French Key.  The large
twin-hulled boat made it quickly and comfortably.  Fresh water, O2, marine
head. Divers set up gear for first dive, second by divemasters. Divers for
multiple days leave gear on board and crew rinses and puts out for second
and subsequent days.  First day had about 12 divers, in three groups. 
Wide mix of experience and training.  Second day more cozy and relaxed
with only 6 of us.  Generally dives to sandy bottoms then over the wall to
60-85 feet.  No dive under 45 minutes, with ample shallow degassing time
and mandatory 3 minute safety stops on bar with hanging regulator.  Lunch
of grocery store sandwiches (ask for tuna in advance if ham and cheese
ain't your thing!) served between dives during long surface interval of at
least an hour.  Second day more choppy but quick trip to West Caicos.  Both
days great dives with lots of sharks and eagle rays, black grouper, tons of
tropicals, lobsters, etc. Hard coral, gorgonians and sponges galore.  I did
my Advanced Open Water certification dives on this trip and after some
initial confusion -- I'd signed up but they seemed to have forgotten --
got very thorough and professional check out.  Highly recommended. 
Carribbean Paradise Inn is small -- about 20 rooms -- bed and breakfast
place a short walk from the beach at Grace Bay, nearly adjacent to Royal
West Indies Resort.  Comfortable rooms, firm beds, fans and AC, plenty of
hot water in clean full bathroom, cable TV with plenty of movie channels,
plain but filling continental breakfast every AM, rooms arranged in 2
stories around a nice pool. Lockers and dunk tank for divers, but most
guests were non-divers.  Host Cliff is always around and very hospitable. 
Rates are comparable to other places (including taxes assume $200/night or
more), but if you're looking for a quiet, comfortable place this is for
you. I would definitely go back.  Good website for reservations and
preview, as well as good links to T&C features/attractions. Nearby
West Indies resort has a nice, relatively affordable bar/restaurant and
the main restaurants, discos and the casino are a short 10 minute walk
down the road (bring a small flashlight for walks after dark.)  No beach
frontage, but a short walk to gorgeous beach for at least a mile in either
direction.  For local "color" try Smokey's on the beach in Blue
Hills.  It's about a $50 round trip cab ride, but great local fish, conch
and lobster served in a low key island setting. 

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