I had an amazing experience diving here, due in VERY large part to Dive Instructor Murphy. I never did well in school due to having a ālearning disabilityā (which really means that I just have a different way of processing information), but I certainly will become proficient at this awesome sport. And I couldnāt have asked for anyone better than Dive Instructor Murphy. Thatās because he was extremely patient, helpful, laid back, and just a very cool dude with me throughout the entire trip. Thereby helping me to significantly increase my dive times.
Which is a lot different than the experience that I had with Rainbow Reef just a few days earlier, as I apparently had the straps stolen off of my fins. I did not remove them and those things donāt just get up and walk away by themselves.
To whomever it was who did this, the only thing I can reason is that you were upset with me because I was slowing down the group a little and thatās why you did it - as a way to get back at me. But if you had come to me and asked me to get back in the boat (while working out some type of compromise regarding the cost that was fair to both parties), I would have understood and been cool with that. But stealing and trying to enact some type of payback (especially when youāre not even willing to talk with the other person) is wrong any way you cut it. I donāt know if this was a staff member or a regular customer who did this, but thatās just messed up why you would need to do something like this.
Anyway, I had an absolute blast at Pirates Cove. We saw the Christ of the Deep statue, a couple of Spotted Eagle Rays, a lobster, various fish, and just an incredible underwater world that you really canāt take in unless you have the actual experience.
To anyone reading this who is like me, I encourage you to push yourself into this sport like I did. There are some really good people who will be more than patient, helpful, and encouraging to you as a new diver who simply has a different way of processing information. We all learn at our own pace and that doesnāt make you any less intelligent than anyone else.
To the owners of Pirates Cove, please acknowledge the OUTSTANDING quality of service that Dive Instructor Murphy adds to your team. When I was on the boat, I observed how the other staff (including staff from other dive centers, such as Silent World) were with him. They apparently think of him in the highest regards, which can only come through many years of proving your dedication to this sport and the safety of the other divers around you.
Response from Host
Mar 2025
Wow, thank you so much for sharing such a highly detailed and passionate review. The Pirates Cove Crew expresses sincere appreciation for you sharing your personal experience. Your review reminds us why we commit to excellent service.
We are absolutely thrilled to hear that you had such a positive and impactful time diving with us, and especially with Dive Instructor Murphy. We couldnāt agree moreāhe is an incredible asset to our team, and weāll be sure to pass along your kind words to him! Itās wonderful to know that his patience, expertise, and encouragement helped boost your confidence and skills underwater.
We also appreciate you sharing your perspective on learningādiving truly is for everyone, and your words will surely inspire others to take the plunge, no matter their learning style. It sounds like you had an unforgettable dive, and weāre so glad to have been part of that experience with you!
Weāre sorry to hear about the issue you had elsewhere and hope that it doesnāt take away from your overall excitement for the sport. If you ever need another adventure, weād love to have you back at Pirates Cove! Wishing you many more amazing dives ahead!