In my opinion it’s hard to beat Sandals/Beaches for a new Diver.
You can finish your check out dives there and everything is included.
No charge for equipment or the boat ride, and a Dive Master to every four or so divers. If you are doing training dives you are likely to have a Dive Master working solely with you.
Better yet you can pretty much pick your price point. If you want to go for economy and stay in a basic room near the back of the resort you can.
If on the other hand you want a beach front walk out with Butler service just write the check.
So what’s the down side? At some of the resorts the equipment is pretty beat, safe I’m sure but beat. Of course I didn’t realize this until I owned my own gear. And you have to head to the dive shop as soon as you arrive to get on the list.
The Diving at Sandals Antigua is great, if you go there ask to dive with Delilah. The diving at Sandals Dunn’s River is, well diving in Jamaica. My dive buddy stood at The White House in Jamaica and gave it high marks.
OK, so I don’t need the hard core diving gang trashing Sandals because they are too conservative! I guess the other end to too conservative is drowning.
Yeah Sandals did loose two divers a few years ago; I assure you that was some type of aberration.
Over-all Sandals is a low stress, safe, short on Attitude leisurely dive experience. My Daughter is going to start diving this summer and we are going to Beaches Boscobel.
Enjoy!