As we enter the last few months of 2020, our minds turn to the New Year and what it may bring. For many it is a time to set a resolution. Whether that be to learn a new skill, visit a new place or take up a new hobby. At Caribbean Culture + Lifestyle, we are always encouraging learning new things, whilst discovering the best Belize has to offer. In addition, a vacation is scientifically proven to make you happier. The new year also marks Phase 4 of Belize’s travel reopening. Therefore, we are dedicating this article to learning the new skill of diving in 2021! Belize boasts the some of the best scuba diving in the world. With this in mind, many also flock to the country to learn to dive. After all, why not learn a new skill in one of the top rated places to do so!
Rated one of the Best Dive Resorts in Belize
Stay seaside at Ramon’s Village Resort.
As one of the most recognized dive resorts in Belize, Ramon’s Village Resort offers an abundance of dive courses. The resort, which reopened in October, is located on Ambergris Caye – the gateway to the Belize Barrier Reef. Hidden within a tropical garden, the property offers beachfront views moments from your palm-thatched cabana. Not to mention, there is also an on-site dive shop and PADI learning centre and over 40 dive site with a 15 minute boat ride away.
Scuba Courses at Ramon’s
The dock at Ramon’s Village Resort in San Pedro.
Whether you are a beginner or seasoned diver, Ramon’s offers an array of dive courses to choose from. Below, find the courses offered:
Scuba Review
This includes a video review of basic diving physiology, dive tables, skills and confined water session with instructor. Also, it includes one open water dive and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
Scuba Introduction
Experience the underwater world with minimum time and cost. This course includes a 20 minute video describing the fundamentals of scuba diving and confined water session and (1) open water dive with an instructor. At completion you are qualified to dive up to depths of 40’ with any of Ramon’s Village Dive Masters. Finally, it takes approximately a half day to complete.
Scuba Diver
Recently added to PADI’s list of courses the Scuba Diver course includes the first 3 modules of the Open Water Manual and 2 shallow water dives. Upon completion you are a certified to dive anywhere at depths up to 40’. This takes approximately 2 to 3 days to complete.
Student Referral
Begin your Open Water Scuba Course at home with your Dive Shop and complete your 4 Open Water Dives with Ramon’s instructors in the beautiful Caribbean waters. Allow 2 days.
Open Water Course
Five classes cover scuba gear selection and preparation. Underwater life, dive planning, basic oceanography, diving physics and maladies. Includes 4 open water dives in the Caribbean waters. On completion you are certified to dive anywhere. Course requires 3 to 4 days.
Advanced Open Water
Designed to provide the novice with a structured, well supervised means to gain the practical experience needed after initial certification. This course is not academically oriented, but offers the experience of 5 specialty dives and training to execute those dives safely. 2 core dives required (Deep, and Navigation) and choice 3 electives (Night, Fish ID, Naturalist, Drift, Boat Diver, Multilevel, or Photography.) This course requires approximately 2 days. (Camera Rentals are additional).
Emergency First Responder
This a basic training course in CPR and emergency care. 8 hour course can be completed in two 4 hours segments. This course provides pre-requisites for Scuba Rescue Course.
Rescue Diver
This course is designed to develop necessary knowledge and skills to perform diver rescues, manage diving accident situations, and render proper first aid. Pre-requisite: Advanced Open Water Diver, 15 years of age or older, proof of CPR (within 3 years) or Medic First Aid. Course includes 12 rescue scenarios and multiple choice tests. Rescue Diver is a pre-requisite for Dive Master Course. Allow 3 days to complete.
Master Diver / Specialties
Prerequisites: Current Dive Master or Advanced and Rescue Diver. Master Diver is the highest recreational dive rating available denoting superior achievement and proficiency. Requires completion of (5) specialty courses. Ramon’s Village offers the following specialties: Fish Identification, Deep Diver, Nitrox, Underwater Naturalist and Night Diver. For more information on the dive courses available or to book Ramon’s for your dive trip, visit their website. Ramon’s Village Resort reopened on October 1, 2020.
Getting to the Island
Ambergris Caye is located roughly 36 miles from Belize City. The two ways to get to the island is by ferry with San Pedro Belize Express or on a domestic flight. The ferry is a little less expensive being around: $28USD, one way and $38 USD return. When it comes to a flight, you can take a 15 minute flight Maya Island Air for $160 USD per person return. Depending on if you go with a flight or ferry the staff at Ramons will be able to arrange pick up and transfer to the lodge.
