Visit Date: September 2012

I am aware of the circumstances of the previous reviewer's dive. The shop's compressor broke before they could fill the six tanks that the customer needed for their dive. Things move slowly on Staniel Cay, especially in the off season, so it was going to be days or weeks before a new compressor could be brought on line. They had three tanks filled so he took out a smaller group that was willing to go with just three tanks. We had scheduled our dives there several weeks previously.

Anyway, the compressor situation couldn't be helped from what I witnessed... Now on to the dive. Jake is an excellent diving instructor. He was very thorough with our kids and very attentive to see if they were comfortable throughout the skills test and dives. He was also funny and had great stories about island creatures and island lore. He knows the reefs very well and pointed out several cool creatures that we would have missed without his sharp eye.

Unexpected things happen, but I think he is doing a great job running his business and at the same time contributing to the ecological health of the reefs and to the welfare of the awesome island where he lives. He is as interested in building a great community as he is in building a great business.

Visit Date: September 2012

4 months ago I scheduled my dive trip into the Exumas, I touch base with Jake several times before the trip to make sure everything was ready to go. I gave him my credit card form and filled out all the paperwork. We were to dive two days.

The first day he was to pick us up at the dock at 8:45, he showed up at 10:15. After we dived he offered for us to leave our equipment on the boat and he would wash it and store it for the next day trip. That night he called the resort we where we were staying and said his compressor broke and he could not take us diving, that he was done. We asked the gentleman to call him back so he could bring back our gear and he said we could come and get it. One of the gentlemen at our resort went over to pick it up and he was given only half of it. Not washed, or cleaned just sand all over it. We ended up going over to get the rest of it and when we showed up, they came running out with the stuff. We then realized we had someone elses equipment and we walked back in to return it and there were tanks filled ready to go. When we pulled out of the marina the boat was being loaded to go out.

We figured out that what happened was he got an opportunity to do something else that made him more money and he decided that was more import than treating customers right. I would recommend diving with anyone but him, do not come to Staniel Cay to dive because at this time, he is the only game in town and he does business accordingly. I have been diving for a long time and have traveled to many destinations and this is by far the worst experience with a dive shop I have ever had.

Management Response from Staniel Cay Divers:

We are sorry you did not enjoy your experience with Staniel Cay Divers. I would like to take a moment to clear up any confusion you may have had during your stay.

We received your confirmation in August 2012 for (2) three tank dive trips scheduled for September 12 and 14, 2012. We were experiencing difficulties with our compressor and were focusing on filling just enough tanks for our reservations. We were able to fill up tanks for your first dive trip, as well as the Discover Scuba booked for September 13, 2012.

The boat was scheduled to pick your party up between 8:45am- 9:00am on September 12, 2012, but did not arrive until 9:20-9:30am. Our captain was late that morning and I apologize for his tardiness. We communicated with the management on the island where you were staying and told them we were running a bit behind. Jake explained the situation we were having with our compressor and he informed you that the second trip may have to be cancelled. You seemed to be understanding of our dilemma.

Since your party was feeling a bit under the weather, we agreed to end the trip early with only a two tank dive. All of your gear was cleaned thoroughly with fresh water and secured for the night. We take pride in our gear and treat our guest's gear as it were our own.

The following day, September 13, 2012 Jake conducted a scheduled Discover Scuba. Only half of the Discover Scuba was completed since one of the students was feeling sea sick. At this point the compressor was completely un-operational and we did not have enough full tanks for your second three tank dive trip scheduled for September 14, 2012. Jake confirmed with the management of the island where you were staying that we would have to cancel the second trip.

The Discover Scuba was completed the morning of September 14, 2012 with the tanks they had used from the previous day. We had discussed with the management on the island where you were staying that they would pick up your gear since they were already coming to the island. It was raining on and off all day that day and the gear was picked up on a small boat. It is possible that the gear had gotten sandy or wet from being transferred from island to island. We are sorry that the gear was sandy when you received it.

We did forget to give the management (2) of your gear bags. We are sorry that you had to come in to pick those up. The tanks that were outside the shop were empty with their dust caps off. These were tanks from your first trip and the Discover Scuba. No one from Staniel Cay Divers was loading or un-loading the boat that afternoon. The dive boat is located on the fuel dock so there may have been some traffic of guests receiving fuel. The boat has not left the dock for dive trips since the morning of September 14, 2012.

We have been working hard since then to complete the installation of the new compressor. Once again, we are sorry we could only accommodate half of your booking. Since we had to cancel, Staniel Cay Divers covered your additional freight charges that were incurred to bring your dive gear to the Exumas. We are planning to have the compressor up and ready to go to re-open on October 3, 2012. We will be closed October 24 - November 21, 2012 to attend trade shows.