Dive Review of
Risding Rock Inn in
Bahamas/San Salvador Island

Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Cancun, Turks and Caicos, St Lucia, Cayman Brac,
Nassau, Bonaire, Curacao, New Jersey

Dive Conditions

none  

Camera table and fresh water rinse tank on boat.  

Overall Rating

Getting to San Salvador Island remains a challenge, but one worth the trip.
We flew Spirit which provided a nice modern aircraft and a smooth 58 minute
flight, but unfortunately it flies from the amazingly over-crowded Ft
Lauderdale airport terminal 4, which is also dirty, has inadequate rest
room facilities, clearly breaks fire safety standards and is otherwise
completely unsatisfactory. FLL proved to be a pain coming and going and is
such a mess it made us long for PHL and our old US Airways / Bahamasair
connection - can you imagine?. (Note: the flight is a charter to Club Med
and their folks at the airport made an impossible situation tolerable -
thanks Club Med.)

Riding Rock Inn is a small 50's built resort with a fine marina and a very
good dive operation. Since we were there two years ago, substantial
renovations have been undertaken. Our room had a new ceiling, new bathroom
fixtures and tile, a small fridge, a new air conditioner and a new sliding
glass door to the oceanfront balcony. Outside new walkways have been built
and a new sea wall was nearing completion, to replace the one damaged by a
hurricane 2004. It was clear the dining hall was soon to be improved and we
met 'dive consultants' who'd spent the previous week talking about new
decorations for the facility. Finally, Michelle, the owner, told us more
improvements are to be implemented over the next year to make the stay more
personal and friendly - things like providing personalized coffee cups for
guests. We found our room to be comfortable but not luxurious, clean and
kept that way. The food service also was good. While we were there all food
was made to order, but the usual norm is a buffet. The resort bar an
institution frequented with salty charter boat folks and locals. San
Salvador Island is safe and the folks friendly.

Hospitality was first class. The divemaster drove us to stores to get
drinks and snacks for the room. When my mask strap broke, he GAVE me a new
one and REFUSED compensation. When my partner's recently repaired inflator
broke and released all the air in her BC, she was immediately rescued by
the Captain after kicking her way to the surface and the next morning where
we arrived at the boat, her BC had been fixed by the divemaster - no
charge. The owner drove us to dinner at a restaurant one night and then 2
hours later, picked us up - glad to do it. 

The diving was great! The divemaster, Patrick, and boat captain, Bruce,
here seasoned professionals. The boat, while worn a bit, had full safety
equipment, ran well and was SPOTLESS, including the marine head. Divers sat
on the steps to the dive platform and the crew brought your gear to you.
You suited up seated, stood up using the dive platform rail then one step
and giant stride. Getting back, you could chose to leave your BC in the
water and have the crew recover it, or take the steps. Fresh fruit, cold
water and good SITs between dives. We saw Hammerheads on our first two
dives -others saw some on later dives, but we did not. Following the
divemaster's instructions we stayed still and they came close to
investigate - just wonderful! We also saw nurse sharks - 4 on one dive
alone - other shark sightings were also reported but not by us! The deep
reefs, walls and swim-throughs are excellent. Two years ago the shallow
reefs were bleached by high surface water temps. Now sponges are making a
come-back as are the soft fans etc. Still, not a lot to see above 30 feet,
some to see 30 to 50 feet but deeper the reef is pristine. Not a lot of
eels or small creatures.

We had a wonderful, peaceful dive vacation while there. For non-divers RRI
has a small fresh water pool and fine beaches are next to the property and
elsewhere on the island. You can also charter a fishing expedition. RRI
provides a tour of the island and a fun boat picnic the Friday before you
leave. Do not miss out on Captain Bruce's fresh conch salad and you get a
chance to catch the conch! A great way to end the week. 

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