Frenchies at Caye Caulker, Belize: past its prime

Just finished a trip to Caye Caulker to get some diving. Went to Frenchies first after reading all the reviews and hearing some firsthand recommendations. Unfortunately we didn't go back.

Frenchies is on the main drag on the east side, so it's easy to find. Suits were torn up, frayed and regs/BCDs were old appearing. By itself, not a dealbreaker.

My GF couldn't get breathe easily off her reg and told the staff on the dock about it, but was told not to worry about it. No one bothered to take a breath off it.

It didn't work any better in the choppy water, and the divemaster was annoyed. She had to use her secondary. So much for Frenchies. Overall attitude: condescending and indifferent.

Next day we visited Belize Diving Services. Office is on the quieter west side of the island (meaning about 500 yds). Much newer equipment, plus you get a dive computer, which is great for checking your buoyancy and deciding how much weight you need. Plus, because people stream to Frenchies, we had the boat all to ourselves and the guys with us were easygoing and we had a fun time getting to know them. The trip with BDS was more like the other trips we've had before.

We ran into another guy on our trip with Frenchies later that week. He cancelled his trip to Blue Hole with them because of the attitude, and went with another dive shop down the main drag. So there are at least two other groups on this tiny island. Side by side, the prices and trips are essentially the same (however, BDS at this time is not doing blue hole). I think Frenchies is getting by on its name and visible location, but not on its service and like its equipment, is past its prime.

So sad to hear. I dived with them about 5 years ago and they were good, had a great attitude and were very flexible. They were a lot more of a "bare bones" operation than some of the other operators on the islands, however, and did more of their dives close to Caye Caulker rather than heading out to the barrier reef.

In case anyone comes across this post looking for definitive answers, I'd like to agree that Belize Diving Services is one of the best if not the best diving operator on Caulker. I spent a week there years ago, and had the best possible experiences with the staff and owners. Friends of mine dove with Frenchies and were a little uncomfortable. A friend recently (past summer) went to the blue hole with Frenchies and although he had a good time, he doesn't have his AOW and hadn't been diving in 3-4 years. He shouldn't have been in the blue hole without at least a refresher dive. I can't say anything personally about Frenchies but why risk your safety if several people haven't felt good about the experience. Go with Belize Diving Services.

I would not recommend Big Fish Dive Center either. Lots of poorly maintained equipment, lots of staff seemed high, etc. There was also a "misunderstanding" regarding the price of the trips. Apparently the 10% discount on 3 or more dives is exclusive of the Blue Hole trip. Could have been a legitimate misunderstanding, but...

I've been diving with Frenchies and Belize Diving Center. And yes, Frenchies has older equipment but at least they don't rip you off. I went diving with BDC in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. At least that's what they promised, but they go just ouside the park so they don't have to pay the park fee. The other diving companies go inside the park (for the same price).