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Dive Review of Viva Divers/Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach in
Bahamas/Freeport

Viva Divers/Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, Aug, 2009,

by Jeff, VA, USA ( 2 reports). Report 4997.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 3 stars Food 2 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 4 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling 3 stars
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 5 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments Viva Divers is the dive operator for the all inclusive resort Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach. I did some research before my trip, but not much written about this dive operator. Looked at their web site (www.vivadiving.com) and compared the dive sites and rates with that of UNEXSO. Although VIVA does not have a "shark feeding" dive, they do go to Shark Alley where the shark feeding operators go. I thought I would give VIVA a shot and then decide if it would be worth almost double the cost per dive plus Taxi fare to go elsewhere.

I called the dive shop prior to my trip and was lucky enough to talk to Patty (owner) who pleasantly answered all my questions and penciled me in for all the dives I anticipated doing. She explained that it would be easy to take me off the board if I did not want to go on a particular dive (no charge).

I was pleasantly surprised at the ease of registering for dives, and total friendly and knowlegable dive staff and owners. I had all of my equipment. I observed that those who rented gear were personally attended to by the staff and the rental gear was in great condition. The shop was very organized. The dive master had no problem replacing a divers failed equipment (the divers own equipment, not rental) while on the boat before a dive. Most dive masters were multilingual and gave pre-dive briefings in several languages (needed as many divers were from Italy, France and Germany). Viva has a secured location for hanging rinsed gear until the next dive.

My first dive was to shark alley where 10+ 6' grey reef sharks arrived at the site as soon as we descended. They cruised by at very close range too. I thought I could reach out and pet it, but did not of course. AWESOME! I had already experienced a shark feeding dive and felt that seeing the sharks in a more natural state was just as exhilerating.

After experiencing my first dive with VIVA I was hooked. No need to go elsewhere. I was pleasantly greeted by name everyday by all staff. The dive shop was casually very organized and well run. All staff knew what their roles were each day. Nothing ever appeared rushed or stressful but we always got our dives in at the scheduled times.

Eventhough the resort was at full capacity, the dive boat was only full on one dive. I was on several dives with only 4 other divers.

We never went to the same dive site twice during my stay. All sites were 5-10 minutes from the resort.

No night dives but that is OK. No trip to Theo's Wreck but that was fine with me too. We dove a few smaller wrecks.

Overall, this was a great dive week experience made possible by VIVA Divers. Patty, Stephen, Steffi and Sawyer - Thanks

This dive operator was the best feature of the resort.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 101-250 dives
Where else diving Grand Cayman, Cancun, St Thomas, Mexican Riviera, Turks & Caicos, Hawaii
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas calm
Water Temp 86-88°F / 30-31°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 60-70 Ft/ 18-21 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Depth and time, but given ample time if on computer
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas None
Dolphins Schools Whale Sharks None
Turtles 1 or 2 Whales None
Corals 4 stars Tropical Fish 4 stars
Small Critters 4 stars Large Fish 4 stars
Large Pelagics N/A

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter N/A Boat Facilities N/A
Overall rating for UWP's N/A Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments [None]
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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