Hi Steven

      Just got back from the " Catalonia". Spent a week there   in Aug.
     I had my son and niece so i did not do any diving but when i enquired
about
     it i was told it was relatively shallow stuff, not much over 40 ft The
reefs  were
    a bit sparse. We did get out a few times to go snorkelling out past the
breakers
     at reef edge, so, so. Sorry im spoiled by Cozumel. They usually take
out the
   " new " resort guests on afternoon dives so if you wish a little more
time to do
     things dive in the mornings.
     The resort was pretty nice, only one pool but the beach is nice and
wide
       beautiful white sand..Snorkelling from shore there sucks, all sea
grass.
    You will see however lots of sea snakes,we saw 8-10 every day,not big
only
    about 12-18 " long. The kids liked the food,never got over to the
Japanese
  restaurant, but every one i talked to said it was the best restaurant
there, give it
  a go..  If you have the time check out " NeptuneDivers" at
www.neptunodive.com
   they are a ways away but will arrange to pick you up by boat.30- 100 ft
dives
  plus cave diving near Santo Domingo and no you do not have to be cave
certified.
    They are quit large and of course you are escorted  everywhere.
  Also if time permits,check out Catalina Island for it's diving,lot's of
black coral
   and huge sponges. Next summer my son will be certified so we will dive
when we
  go back.

    Didn't help ya much with the diving from the resort,sorry....

    Richard

 Just me again, Richard..
  Just to let you know April3-11 04 is Holy Week

 As the brochure say's  beach and watersports may
   not be available during this time !!!!!!
Something for you to check out

Richard