LDS/Organized dives

[rednose83]

Why do some LDS feel the need to gouge every penny possible from divers?

I mean really. It's frustrating. Looking at one place, to go with the LDS on an organized trip (it's like a 15 minute drive from the shop) it's $79.95 per diver to dive in a local deep, dark hole or you can go it alone for $10. Why aren't the shops more realistic when pricing dives? I understand they want to make a profit and all but seems like it'd be better to have people sign up for these dives and get them into the shop rather than make them so pricey that nobody goes.

[mm2002]

I could half way understand the price if it were a boat dive, they were supplying all air fills, a catered lunch, and beer after the dives. But just to dive? hmmmmmmmm

[FishFood]

Why is that frustrating? Just go pay the $10 and dive. Something is missing here.... Are they private guided dives or something? There is some reason why the shop charges the extra money...

[snagel]

Sounds odd, like already said, typically they will with through in entry fee, lunch, air, and maybe even dinner in the package.

Bigger trips typically are a little cheaper through a LDS if they can get a group rate and then they throw in the little stuff - lunches and dinners. But, I've seen some trips cost more through the LDS than what you can book yourself - have to work the numbers. It is good to go with a group if you are new to a dive location - have somebody to help out and answer questions. Plus, you don't feel like you are not alone in a strange place.

Last year went on a trip to Bonaire with a LDS (total 53 people). I actually didn't get in on time on the shop deal, but was able to book the trip on my own for about the same price. It was fun to have so many familiar faces and I was able to hang out with them and they worked me a deal on all the extra lunches and dinners they had put together.

In your case, a local dive for $70 more dollars than what you can do yourself sounds really odd.

Snagel

[ReefHound]

Originally Posted by FishFood

Why is that frustrating? Just go pay the $10 and dive. Something is missing here.... Are they private guided dives or something? There is some reason why the shop charges the extra money...

I agree, why whine when you have the low cost alternative? Sounds like these guided dives are targeting the newbie OW or resort diver to get them into local diving and overcome their reluctance.

[Okc_diver]

You should ask them what the price includes.

[h2odragon1]

My LDS will offer dives also, but $79.95 is too much!
They include transportation, and a 'box lunch', (hot dog's and hamburgers, and soft drink), not included is entrance fees to the site. Even driving alone, entrance fee, and purchasing a slightly overpriced meal from the dive site, I can save money by not buying from the LDS.

[mtnplayva]

We have participated in quite a few trips to the quarry in PA with our dive shop. While I could get it a little cheaper, I pay them because they supply me with tanks, air fills, and breakfast/lunch/dinner including drinks and snacks. It is so nice to roll out of the tent to a prepared breakfast of eggs and bacon. I come out of the water and have hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch. Finish off my afternoon dives and then have steak, spaghetti or chicken with salad.
I've actually wondered how they could possibly be making money on the trips but I think they do it because it keeps people involved and creates a loyalty to the shop.

Yours seems excessive considering the cost of the daily fee. As others have asked, is there anything else included?

[Clanggedin]

Our LDS offers organized dives. You only pay $10 on top of the fees to get in to the places. The $10 includes lunch and unlimited air fills. They also have drawings for prizes if you paid your $10. Gear rental (m/s/f, tank, bcd, regs, weights, wetsuit) is only $35.

[db83]

There's got to be some services included with that kind of charge. And if it includes tanks, air, food for the day, and transportation, it's probably worth it. Think how much you'd spend on all of those things (that you'd want) by yourself, and then add on the convenience of having someone else provide it.
If those things are not included, then.... I'd be thoroughly confused.