Had reservations to Grand Lido in Jamaica. Flew Air Jamaica from Ohare
to Montego Bay. Flight was uneventful, Customs and immigration the
usual...Bus ride to Negril was uneventful. Arrived Grand Lido to the
news that they are overbooked. Offered to put us next door at Hedonism 2
for the night. If we did not like it, free transfer to another
Superclubs resort the next day. (and by the way, a discount of U.S
$300). Bargained the discount up to $600, and accepted the transfer.

Hedo is a nice resort, and we had a great time. Dove the second and
third days. I had brought my gear (BP/W) but could have used their gear.
(looked well maintained and fairly new) Tank choices were alu 63, alu
80, or alu (I think) 120. Boat was fairly large, (ample room for the 6
divers (max) that were aboard.

First dive of the day was....interesting. One woman insisted on boarding
the boat nude, and diving nude.
Dive was to 83 ft max., 19 minutes. Reef was shall we say, overfished.
not much life, damaged coral, and a fair amount of damaged fish traps.
(I released a whole trapful of fish, but was “herded” along by the
divemaster. All dives were escorted, and we dove as a group. when the
airhogs were out of air, we ascended.

Second dive was at 1 pm, only four in the group. 67 ft for 34 min. 1:30
entry time. Different reef, same story. Damaged coral and sponges, not
much large fish, few shrimp, eels or life. Was gonna skip the next days
dive, but the divemasters promised better the next day.

Second days dives were slightly better.
1st dive 78 ft max, 25 minutes. One LARGE  moray,  somewhat more fish,
but still a fairly disappointing dive. The only excitement was when my
Halcyon inflator failed AGAIN, causing me a bit of excitement as it
failed and inflated my wing in a hurry. I disconnected, vented, and used
manual inflation for the rest of the dives. Only a hassle at the safety
stop.

2nd dive, was nice.....56 ft max, nice swimthroughs, and
DOLPHINS...adults and babies. they were in a playful mood, and swam with
us for about 10 minutes, the babies were especially curious bumping and
pushing us.  I never realized how loud they are up close. They lost
interest after 10 minutes or so, and left. We continued for a few more
minutes and then went up with the hoover, who had gone through an entire
120 in 30 minutes.

All in all, except for the dolphins,  very disappointing dives.

The resort, however, is fun, clean, staffed with well trained, motivated
people,  who are willing to do whatever it takes to make you happy. A
thank you goes nearly as far as a tip (although those were appreciated!)
 The food was good, plentiful and well presented.  The booze flows like
water.  The other available gear, (kayaks, sailboats etc) are well
maintained, and the games and activities are well organized and fun.

I’m going back next year, but I probably wont go diving.