Helmet Dive at Coral World - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

frekil · 06-13-2007, 08:12 PM

Has anyone ever gone on this excursion (Helmet Dive)

at St. Thomas. I will be there in July and considering it.

Blizzard · 06-13-2007, 09:48 PM

Yes, we did it 11-05.
My wife is not real comfortable underwater. It took her a few minutes to get adjust but she enjoy it.

canarymoon · 06-14-2007, 07:37 PM

And you are both wearing your glasses!!!

LuLu · 06-15-2007, 05:00 PM

Thanks for the question, frekil!!!

Blizzard .... Love that picture!!!!!

One of the best things about both the Helmet Dive and BOB is being able to wear glasses!!!

canarymoon · 06-15-2007, 05:48 PM

Can't tell you how excited I was when I saw that!

Blizzard · 06-15-2007, 07:59 PM

It is real easy to do. You climb down a ladder and once in the water they place the helmet on you. Then you continue down the ladder. As I recall the bottom is about 20 feet down.

canarymoon · 06-16-2007, 12:17 PM

I am SO ready to do this!

I know this is not the only port where helmet dives are available. Think I will check and see where else you can do them since we're not scheduled to go back here until late 2008.

Blizzard · 06-16-2007, 12:30 PM

LuLu had mentioned the BOB.
It is my understandingn is that with that with the BOB you have to swim under it and come up with your head in the bubble. For some, that might be more difficult.

LuLu · 06-17-2007, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blizzard

LuLu had mentioned the BOB.
It is my understandingn is that with that with the BOB you have to swim under it and come up with your head in the bubble. For some, that might be more difficult.

You're right, Bliz!

While you don't actually have to exactly swim with BOB, you do have to go under water to put on the bubble. When you come up, they open the top of the bubble if you wish for your glasses. Also, you ride around on water motor bikes.

The BOB folks are very good at keeping everyone comfortable. Actually, almost too much -- swim along with you the entire time. Really ... should not say that because some folks do get under water and panic... especially, when they are trying to drive a bike. Sometimes too many new things at once!

BOB is certainly a "thumbs up" for taking proper care of everyone on the excursion.

Never been on the Helmet Dive but it seems like it would be the easier of the two.....

canarymoon · 06-17-2007, 11:11 AM

I found something else that might interest those who like underwater exploring.

Its a two man sub with a 360 degree clear bubble for the 2 passengers, guided by a diver driver on the outside.

I started a thread with a description of it on the GRAND CAYMAN forum, as that's where it is offered.

Although pricey, it sounds intrigueing, and I would love to get some feedback from anyone who has done it, or just has some thoughts on it.