" JUST DON'T dive with them for your safety. It was my first time to see such an awful dive center and a bad dive center's owner! I'm a certified PADI diver and have dived in many beautiful places around the world with different dive center and nice people, but this Buzos de Baru PADI Dive Resort in Cartagena was literally horrible, the worst dive center never ever! That's why I have to leave this review here for the first time to save others time and lives.
First of all, their mindset that they could put 22 people (21 divers including 4 staffs and a captain of the boat) and 42 tanks (for 2 dives) on a small boat without prior explanation was just not normal. While the speed boat trip was rough, we had almost no space to change body position for about 1 hour on the way go and back to the 2 dive spots. Some people were throwing up but only the person who was sitting next by could help them, none of the dive center's staff... they just didn't care or maybe even realized. When we arrived to the first dive spot, few first people couldn't get the diving gear on on the boat because there was no space! It seemed they are completely used to this situation and just threw customers gears into the water, holy cow! But that was just the beginning of the chaos... We didn't do buddy checks (I've never done a buddy check while already in the water though), because when finally everybody was in the water with gear on, the guides gave us descent signs saying "We have no time!" only in Spanish without confirming everyone was OK. If there weren't experienced divers and Divemasters among customers, it could have gone really wrong with them! Under the water, some people for sure had problems and sent the "problem" signs to the guide but they ignored and pretended that there was no problem to follow another group not to be separated or whatever the reason. On the first dive, two of us needed to ascend the surface separatedly (one was just an Open Water student who was lost) then swimming back to the boat alone (the boat captain didn't come to pick up). There was another Open Water student also couldn't continue dive (but fortunately she was not alone). I was the one of the four who decided not to go on the second dive, because I didn't want to while I was very mad at their poor service. Anyway other people including two in my family said visibility was worse than the first dive (about 5 m) and full attention was always needed to the pack of people, their tanks and fins above, below and side of them. After the 2 dives, we were randomely seated on the messier boat and couldn't change the seat. Generally we have fun conversation on the boat after the dive, right? But people were complaining, exhausted and some were still throwing up while there was no space to rest on the boat and being separated from their boyfriend or family. Meanwhile, the staffs were only taking care of the gears to remove BCDs from the tanks! So after we came back to the harbor, we talked to the owner and told him that the trip was not really organized and staffs were not professional very honestly. The worst part is, he got angry about it without apologize, took a very bad behavior and kept pretending that they're right and they have no problem. So I really don't recommend to dive with them!
P.S. We waited to post another review here until we left Cartagena because the owner threatened my wife sending her email and Whatsapp messages from different account after my wife left them a honest bad review here. Can you imagine this? I also noticed that they're posting good reviews by themselves to recover their fake reputation. They are only worth to be disqualified from PADI. "
14 January 2018
Anynomous
" Great team. Juan, it’s owner, is really committed to make sure his customers are getting the best service and go home with the best of Cartagena’s underwater world. Highly recommended "
27 December 2017
Anynomous
" It was a nightmare diving with them: their small boat was overloaded (22 people), which resulted that some customers became sick onboard and that those who got into the water felt like it was rush hour. The equipment was just dumped into the water (buddy check anyone?) and most people had no idea what was going on. The water was murky, all we could see was flippers and we were saturated with noises produced by instructors trying to keep the group all packed. The instructors were very stressed out, (how couldn't they in conditions like these?) one rushed my friend into the water thought she said she was feeling unwell. She couldn't sink and the instructor just pulled her by the fin, how safe is this? When she emerged vomiting, the instructor left her alone in the waves, before to go back to his group underwater, and the boat took a good 5 mn to come help her... Being passionate divers, we had decided to offer her an Open Water class for her birthday, and she ended up being sick and crying of stress. I saw another Open Water student got lost and emerged by herself, so apparently it was common practice. The only professional instructor was a girl, and I regret not diving with her. We ended up being three people refusing to do the second dive: not only was it very distressful, but it felt unsafe. If anybody had a problem, there is no way we would have had enough space to perform CPR on this overloaded boat. A complete chaos! Being a Dive Master, and in 12 years of diving, I have never seen such a mess, even in the busiest areas of Asia. At least the director was honest and gave us a refund, but I would suggest this center to rent two boats for such a big group. 10 people on a small boat is already a lot, so imagine 22! I am just sorry for the customers who did their first dive experience with them and ended up thinking that this chaos is what we call scuba diving. "
22 December 2017
Anynomous
" Buzoz de Baru helped me complete my diving certification! My experience was excellent. The instructors are incredibly friendly and helpful. They provide tips for all levels so that all can improve their skills. The speak both English and Spanish.
The instructors bring a camera with them and take photos, which they provide to you for free as a service. Their equipment is in good condition and safe. They have snacks on the boat. There is a good ratio of instructors to divers. If you want to dive for a few days with them, they have a variety of locations they can go to so you are always seeing something new. The dive community has put shipwrecks and art underwater to help the wildlife grow. "
08 December 2017
Anynomous
" Excelente servicio, personal amable, cálido y profesional. Gracias a Buzos de Baru por acompañarme a vivir una experiencia maravillosa y además sentirme segura y confiada. Los mejores! "
10 November 2017
Anynomous
" Excelente escuela de buceo! Juan el instructor es uno de los mejores instructores con los que he hecho inmersiones, me llevo a un sitio a ver un naufragio por las islas del rosario de un barco antiguo, definitivamente el mejor lugar que he conocido buceando y con las mejores personas! "
10 November 2017
Anynomous
" great experience, well organized and knowledgeable staff. I will definitely dive with Buzos de Baru again! "
01 August 2017
Anynomous
" Contacté con ellos desde Argentina, y programé el mini curso de buceo, primeramente en pileta con Santiago, un genio, con mucha dedicación, esmero y amabilidad, me dio muchos tips, para q mi inmersión fuera placentera, ya q no era la primera, pero si con ellos. Una vez en el mar, en Baru, tanto Juan como Santiago, estuvieron en cada detalle, para q los buceos fueran los mejores. Son súper recomendables, se nota que no es un trabajo más, sino una forma de vida. Disfrutan al máximo y hacen todo lo q éste a su alcance para que tanto buceadores expertos, como novatos ( yo) disfruten al máximo una experiencia maravillosa, difícil de olvidar, cuando se contrata una operadora responsable como lo es Buzos De Baru. Muchísimas Gracias chicos. Hasta la próxima!!!! Un "
09 July 2017
Anynomous
" My girlfriend and I did four dives with Buzos de Baru, a mixed plan (afternoon + night dive) and a two-tank morning dive. They were awesome. There is lots of life on the reefs to see, and I'd especially recommend the night dive, because so many more creatures come out at night. One of our day dives was a wreck dive, which was really cool, and I'd highly recommend it. The staff were very helpful, fun, and patient. I speak some Spanish, and they were patient with me over the phone and over email as I worked to schedule our dives. The owner, Juan, is a great guy and went above and beyond to give us recommendations of places to check out in the city. All the dive staff we met were friendly and made the experience totally worth it. 10/10. Definitely check these folks out.
PS: They take photos of you as part of the dive packages as well. These were a lot of fun, and we had never done that before. The photos turned out great, and they sent them all to us as high quality files via Dropbox. "
26 April 2017
Anynomous
" I dove with these guy in 2014. First and foremost, the Baru reef is DEAD. No life, no fish. Just dead Coral. Dive Cartagena. The reef is vibrant and alive. I also, on nite dive tried hard to get the DM's attention with my flashlight. Had I not been an experienced diver, I would have been toast. Also note. NONE of their equipment has integrated weights... if you like 18th century dive gear, good on you, but their equipment is way behind times. "
Anynomous
" JUST DON'T dive with them for your safety. It was my first time to see such an awful dive center and a bad dive center's owner! I'm a certified PADI diver and have dived in many beautiful places around the world with different dive center and nice people, but this Buzos de Baru PADI Dive Resort in Cartagena was literally horrible, the worst dive center never ever! That's why I have to leave this review here for the first time to save others time and lives.
14 January 2018First of all, their mindset that they could put 22 people (21 divers including 4 staffs and a captain of the boat) and 42 tanks (for 2 dives) on a small boat without prior explanation was just not normal. While the speed boat trip was rough, we had almost no space to change body position for about 1 hour on the way go and back to the 2 dive spots. Some people were throwing up but only the person who was sitting next by could help them, none of the dive center's staff... they just didn't care or maybe even realized. When we arrived to the first dive spot, few first people couldn't get the diving gear on on the boat because there was no space! It seemed they are completely used to this situation and just threw customers gears into the water, holy cow! But that was just the beginning of the chaos... We didn't do buddy checks (I've never done a buddy check while already in the water though), because when finally everybody was in the water with gear on, the guides gave us descent signs saying "We have no time!" only in Spanish without confirming everyone was OK. If there weren't experienced divers and Divemasters among customers, it could have gone really wrong with them! Under the water, some people for sure had problems and sent the "problem" signs to the guide but they ignored and pretended that there was no problem to follow another group not to be separated or whatever the reason. On the first dive, two of us needed to ascend the surface separatedly (one was just an Open Water student who was lost) then swimming back to the boat alone (the boat captain didn't come to pick up). There was another Open Water student also couldn't continue dive (but fortunately she was not alone). I was the one of the four who decided not to go on the second dive, because I didn't want to while I was very mad at their poor service. Anyway other people including two in my family said visibility was worse than the first dive (about 5 m) and full attention was always needed to the pack of people, their tanks and fins above, below and side of them. After the 2 dives, we were randomely seated on the messier boat and couldn't change the seat. Generally we have fun conversation on the boat after the dive, right? But people were complaining, exhausted and some were still throwing up while there was no space to rest on the boat and being separated from their boyfriend or family. Meanwhile, the staffs were only taking care of the gears to remove BCDs from the tanks! So after we came back to the harbor, we talked to the owner and told him that the trip was not really organized and staffs were not professional very honestly. The worst part is, he got angry about it without apologize, took a very bad behavior and kept pretending that they're right and they have no problem. So I really don't recommend to dive with them!
P.S. We waited to post another review here until we left Cartagena because the owner threatened my wife sending her email and Whatsapp messages from different account after my wife left them a honest bad review here. Can you imagine this? I also noticed that they're posting good reviews by themselves to recover their fake reputation. They are only worth to be disqualified from PADI. "
Anynomous
" Great team. Juan, it’s owner, is really committed to make sure his customers are getting the best service and go home with the best of Cartagena’s underwater world. Highly recommended "
27 December 2017Anynomous
" It was a nightmare diving with them: their small boat was overloaded (22 people), which resulted that some customers became sick onboard and that those who got into the water felt like it was rush hour. The equipment was just dumped into the water (buddy check anyone?) and most people had no idea what was going on. The water was murky, all we could see was flippers and we were saturated with noises produced by instructors trying to keep the group all packed. The instructors were very stressed out, (how couldn't they in conditions like these?) one rushed my friend into the water thought she said she was feeling unwell. She couldn't sink and the instructor just pulled her by the fin, how safe is this? When she emerged vomiting, the instructor left her alone in the waves, before to go back to his group underwater, and the boat took a good 5 mn to come help her... Being passionate divers, we had decided to offer her an Open Water class for her birthday, and she ended up being sick and crying of stress. I saw another Open Water student got lost and emerged by herself, so apparently it was common practice. The only professional instructor was a girl, and I regret not diving with her. We ended up being three people refusing to do the second dive: not only was it very distressful, but it felt unsafe. If anybody had a problem, there is no way we would have had enough space to perform CPR on this overloaded boat. A complete chaos! Being a Dive Master, and in 12 years of diving, I have never seen such a mess, even in the busiest areas of Asia. At least the director was honest and gave us a refund, but I would suggest this center to rent two boats for such a big group. 10 people on a small boat is already a lot, so imagine 22! I am just sorry for the customers who did their first dive experience with them and ended up thinking that this chaos is what we call scuba diving. "
22 December 2017Anynomous
" Buzoz de Baru helped me complete my diving certification! My experience was excellent. The instructors are incredibly friendly and helpful. They provide tips for all levels so that all can improve their skills. The speak both English and Spanish.
08 December 2017The instructors bring a camera with them and take photos, which they provide to you for free as a service. Their equipment is in good condition and safe. They have snacks on the boat. There is a good ratio of instructors to divers. If you want to dive for a few days with them, they have a variety of locations they can go to so you are always seeing something new. The dive community has put shipwrecks and art underwater to help the wildlife grow. "
Anynomous
" Excelente servicio, personal amable, cálido y profesional. Gracias a Buzos de Baru por acompañarme a vivir una experiencia maravillosa y además sentirme segura y confiada. Los mejores! "
10 November 2017Anynomous
" Excelente escuela de buceo! Juan el instructor es uno de los mejores instructores con los que he hecho inmersiones, me llevo a un sitio a ver un naufragio por las islas del rosario de un barco antiguo, definitivamente el mejor lugar que he conocido buceando y con las mejores personas! "
10 November 2017Anynomous
" great experience, well organized and knowledgeable staff. I will definitely dive with Buzos de Baru again! "
01 August 2017Anynomous
" Contacté con ellos desde Argentina, y programé el mini curso de buceo, primeramente en pileta con Santiago, un genio, con mucha dedicación, esmero y amabilidad, me dio muchos tips, para q mi inmersión fuera placentera, ya q no era la primera, pero si con ellos. Una vez en el mar, en Baru, tanto Juan como Santiago, estuvieron en cada detalle, para q los buceos fueran los mejores. Son súper recomendables, se nota que no es un trabajo más, sino una forma de vida. Disfrutan al máximo y hacen todo lo q éste a su alcance para que tanto buceadores expertos, como novatos ( yo) disfruten al máximo una experiencia maravillosa, difícil de olvidar, cuando se contrata una operadora responsable como lo es Buzos De Baru. Muchísimas Gracias chicos. Hasta la próxima!!!! Un "
09 July 2017Anynomous
" My girlfriend and I did four dives with Buzos de Baru, a mixed plan (afternoon + night dive) and a two-tank morning dive. They were awesome. There is lots of life on the reefs to see, and I'd especially recommend the night dive, because so many more creatures come out at night. One of our day dives was a wreck dive, which was really cool, and I'd highly recommend it. The staff were very helpful, fun, and patient. I speak some Spanish, and they were patient with me over the phone and over email as I worked to schedule our dives. The owner, Juan, is a great guy and went above and beyond to give us recommendations of places to check out in the city. All the dive staff we met were friendly and made the experience totally worth it. 10/10. Definitely check these folks out.
26 April 2017PS: They take photos of you as part of the dive packages as well. These were a lot of fun, and we had never done that before. The photos turned out great, and they sent them all to us as high quality files via Dropbox. "
Anynomous
" I dove with these guy in 2014. First and foremost, the Baru reef is DEAD. No life, no fish. Just dead Coral. Dive Cartagena. The reef is vibrant and alive. I also, on nite dive tried hard to get the DM's attention with my flashlight. Had I not been an experienced diver, I would have been toast. Also note. NONE of their equipment has integrated weights... if you like 18th century dive gear, good on you, but their equipment is way behind times. "
03 February 2017Anynomous
" Servicio muy regular. "
28 November 2016