I cannot say enough good about Splash in Placencia, Belize. First of all, when I made a reservation for a refresher course from my home in the States, I got prompt, accurate, helpful information. In our emails, I mentioned that I’m a writer who does detective fiction and one of Splash’s owners, Ralph Capeling, promptly set up a dinner that included a writer friend of his. I had a lovely evening during said dinner and Ralph refused to let me pay my share even though he was doing me a favor!
I’m a beginner, so the other owner, Patty Ramirez, set me up with my own instructor and dive master, Pablo. Pablo picked me up on time on dive day in a new air conditioned van. Then he took me to a local doctor for a quick exam (blood pressure, heart, breathing, medical history) because I’m a senior and Patty is incredibly safety-minded. When we got to the dive center I was suprised to see the nicest, most modern and convenient set-up I’ve ever seen in all the Caribbean; and that includes the American Virgin Islands, St. Kitts, St. Martin, Martinique, Turks and Caicos, and Bonaire.
Pablo took me through some preliminary safety training and then we boarded the Princess Taia, a gorgeous dive boat, I think a 60′ Newton. The skipper gave a a safely rundown regarding the boat and introduced the whole Splash crew.
During my refresher course and dives, Pablo took incredibly good care of me. No amount of praise is excessive. I got scared a couple of times and he just grabbed me securely by the BC and calmed me down with the look in his eyes and with soothing hand gestures. I never had to surface, mainly because I had developped such trust in him.
On Ranguana Caye, Splash employees cooked us a delicious BBQ chicken lunch with watermelon for dessert. We rested a bit then went out out for our afternoon dive. I saw lots of marine life, though was dismayed to see that the reef didn’t look as healthy as it did 25 years ago, which was when I first dived Belize. Less colorful and fewer fish. But thanks to Pablo and Placencia I still had a lovely time.
There’s a lot out there about unsafe diving practices in Belize. Splash is a HUGE counterpoint. The care, professionalism, constant attention to safety, and first rate equipment could not have been better. Did I tell you they have fresh water showers on the Princess Taia?
So for friendly, fun, safe, professional diving, CHOOSE SPLASH PLACENCIA! And no, I’m not on Patty’s payroll!
The Princess Taia crew served us more delicious watermelon on the trip home and Patricia was waiting for us with juice and cookies.