We were a multi generational family looking for a first snorkeling trip for our 9 year old grandkids. We have done many of these trips with various family groups and this one was the worst. TamaDive combined 6 scuba divers with our group of six overfilling the boat meant for 10. This made it cramped and uncomfortable for us. The only refreshments were warm water and cheap crackers, with some pineapple and bananas. The instructor brought his dog along without asking, and it puked 4 times in the boat. Disgusting. We didn’t like going back and forth between the diving group and the snorkeling group- we felt less important. Finally, the first snorkeling outing ended pretty quickly when the grandkids got stung by jellyfish. Not a good first experience and we won’t recommend this outfit for snorkeling.
Hi Celia, this is Franko, your snorkeling guide that day. I’ll start with the water. We freeze it overnight and keep it in a cooler, but by the end of the trip it may not be as cold as it should be. Sorry about that. About the snacks, we have three different types, along with fruit. Regarding the boat, we operate well within capacity. The boat is certified for 22 people, and we run a maximum of 16, and that day we were below that number. I’m very sorry that you felt less important. That’s something we take seriously. We put a strong focus on reading each guest and adapting to their needs as the day goes on. Since you weren’t able to snorkel, before I got in the water (by the way, we did three sessions that day instead of the usual two), I pointed out the cooler and told you to feel free to grab anything you needed at any time. I also made it clear that if you changed your mind, the captain could bring you directly to us in the water at any moment. The day before, I spoke with Stefan, who asked whether it made sense for him to join given his shoulder surgery. We talked it through and agreed conditions should be good enough, and I told him we could even have the captain go slower than usual if needed, just to make sure he could come along and enjoy the day onboard, even if he wasn’t able to snorkel. Before arriving at the first site, I asked everyone if they preferred starting on the deeper side (where you can sometimes see bigger animals) or the shallower side (more smaller marine life, easier for the little ones). As a group, we chose the shallowest side to start easy, especially for the little ones. Once in the water, that’s where we encountered jellyfish. Before swimming further out, I asked if everyone was okay continuing, and the group agreed. About 10 minutes later, I was told the little ones were getting stung, so we immediately turned around, called the boat, and treated it with vinegar right away. After that first snorkeling session, which was short because of the jellyfish, I was more than willing to go to the other side of the island to make up for it, where we knew there was a very high chance of no jellyfish. Unfortunately, since the little ones had already been stung, they didn’t want to get back in. I still went in with Craig, Stefan and Morgan, and we were lucky to see manta rays. During the third snorkeling session, we went in again with most of the group, including the little ones, and they were able to enjoy the water more, even spotting sharks and manta rays. Our captain approach us in 4 different occasions so all of you guys could stay the exact amount of time desire in water. Regarding the mask, I wasn’t aware beforehand that you needed a prescription to fully enjoy the snorkeling. If we had known in advance, we would have at least tried to find an alternative, even if not perfect. Regarding the dog, I asked the group before departure, and the little ones were very excited about it, and Craig, Stefan and Morgan were also happy with it. You were probably in the bathroom at that moment, and I didn’t realize, so I didn’t check with you directly. Sorry about that. He normally handles the boat very well, so I can only assume he had eaten something bad that day. The reason I’m going into this level of detail is because I genuinely feel we went above what is normally expected on a snorkeling tour to try to make the experience work for everyone, especially with different ages involved. From my perspective, this review doesn’t reflect the overall group experience, but rather your individual experience, especially not being able to get in the water and enjoy it with your family. I honestly didn’t see that review coming, especially considering your husband’s very generous tip at the end of the trip. I’m genuinely sorry I didn’t meet your expectations. Thank you for the feedback, it helps us keep improving. Franko TamaDive
