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Comments: Albatros did a great job putting together a dive for us.  We came in on a cruise ship and they worked with our schedule and level of experience.  The weather was terrible that day, but the dive was fantastic.  The crew was very professional, well informed, and friendly.  The equipment we rented was in excellent condition.  We were impressed.  Ask for Rita, she's an exceptional dive master. 

Posted by chris on 03/19/02

Just a note to let you know that Albatros Charters waited on us after our ship came in late to Cozumel. The professionalism of the crew was excellent and the service outstanding. I would be more than happy to recommend this charter to anyone. Chris Rougier

Posted by Chris on 11/05/01

Albatross Charters, is the only Cozumel chartering service you will ever need. Recently, a friend and myself had the pleasure of fishing and scuba diving with Albatross Charters. Honestly, I will never use anyone else in Cozumel. The divemasters (Rita and Burak) made this the best vacation of my life. Our diving adventures featured the best Mexico has to offer. From beautiful coral formations to lavished caves we had the opportunity to live the "Discovery Channel" in person. I could fill several pages with the memorable diving experiences I had, but it would be an injustice not to mention the exqusite service and the awesome caliber of entertainment. Rita and Burak know how to take care of people both above and under the surface of the water. The crew took care of all the operational issues, allowing us to enjoy our vacation to the fullest. Pedro (captain) and Antonio (first mate) are extremely experienced and provided us with a fantastic day of fishing and they took care of every detail during our dives. I rate them as great people and a fantastic chartering service. I promise I will make many return trips in my life, and Albatross Charters is the only way to enjoy Cozumel. Thank you to my new Cozumel friends-Rita, Burak, Pedro, Antonio.

Chris Stephens
Director of Imaging Applications
River Oaks Imaging

Posted by Steve Carney on 06/03/01

Posted by Lesa on 05/22/01 

Rita,

We had a wonderful time !  The captain was wonderful and I thought he had good english.  The first mate was also just wonderful.  I don't think either one of us have ever had such a good time.  The boat was clean and the lunch was great !  We also appreciate the drinks!  We told about ten different couples and other people we met about the Albatros and gave your phone #.  We
are talking already about our next trip.  Balazs would  like us to get certified for scuba diving and do diving and fishing next time.

Thanks so much for your hospitality .
Lesa Stelcz

By Barb on 03/13/01

Burak
We had a great time and everyone that wanted to, caught a fish.  The weather was perfect and we had a fairly calm day.  I just got the pictures back today and my husband and I had a good laugh thinking about Julian's dip in the ocean.  Not all captains can get reeled in along with the
fish.  It was alot of fun and we would recommend the Albatros to our freinds. 

Yours Truly,
Barb Bacon

Posted by Steve on 02/27/01

My Husband and I recently visited Cozumel while taking a cruise thru the Caribbean and had chosen Albatros Charters on our own rather than going thru the ships own shore excursions and we were very happy we did so.  They were very helpful with their quick responses to any questions we had while trying to organize our reservation before setting sail.  Their team keeps everyone feeling very comfortable and on a personal level.  The diving was great!!!  Burak, our dive master, takes the time to make sure you understand everything and that you are comfortable with your level of diving, and as far as the scenery goes, nothing is left out, we were even fortunate enough to see a nurse shark on our excursion.  This by far was a great experience and we would highly recommend Albatros Charters as your scuba diving charter. 

Steve & Sherry

My first time to Cozumel was very memorable and exciting.  The main reason was due to the fun that I had with learning how to dive with Burak, Rita and Albatros crew.  

Both on the water and off, Burak and Rita know how to have fun and show you a good time that you will remember for a life time.  

Thanks Burak and Rita and am looking forward to scheduling another vacation with you in the near future.

Mark DeMaio
Scarborough, ME

Posted by Anne Marek on 02/08/01

I want to thank Burak and Rita for such a wonderful vacation.  Their condo that I rented is beautiful and the crew of the Albatross was fantastic.  I felt very spoiled.

Thanks again,
Anne

Posted by Jon on 02/08/01

Albatros took great care of my group.  We had eight divers ranging from beginners and intermediates to advanced divers, and at no time was there any reason for concern.  We are all better divers having been with them and Roberto managed the goup well.  Roberto was a great help in learning where to look for the sea life and this guy knows where to look-lobsters and crabs ands morays and...Roberto knows the undersea world.  Julian, the boat captain, treats you like family.  He is one of those special accomodating, friendly people that make you feel right at home.  Snacks/lunches/cerveza provided by Roberto were great.  The boat, complete with galley and bathrooms, is spacious and well maintained.  Albatros does it right.  Get wet with Albatros!!

Posted by DAN COOKE on 02/08/01

Great time did fishing and diving. Equipment in great shape, big enough to get you to the right dive and fishing sights small enough to make you fell like family.

Posted by Mike Faunce on 02/08/01

Burak and Julion offer the best experience on the island.  They use top model equipment and by far have the best boat set-up for easy access diving and an enjoyable lunch.  High quality diving will be had by all!  Highly recommended!

M. Faunce
Brookline, MA

Can't go wrong with Albatros Charters. I've been recommending Cozumel to everyone since I came back from my vacation! Cozumel was one of most beautiful places to dive and Albatros made it even better. It really was like owning your own boat for the week w/ the crew taking care of everything. Burak and Julian was great. They are true professionals and were very easy going (Julian is not only the Captain, but a great Chef as well). Chartering the boat for a big group like you are doing is probably the best. You get the most bang for your buck (i.e. on the days we didn't want to go diving, we went fishing or just took a tour around the island doing what ever). Albatros' package deals were the best. I checked out other places when we got to Cozumel and I was really glad we chose Albatros. I can go on and on, but got to get back to work so I can go back down to Cozumel again! Have fun!

February 2001

Posted by Hal & Cheryl on January 24, 2001

My wife and I visited Cozumel Jan 4-14 this year and had a great time.   Burak and Albatros Charters sent books and tapes to us in the USA so we were prepared for our Night Specialty training when we arrived.  The boat and crew picked us up, just as promised, and Michelle took us on a couple of great night dives.  We were very pleased. Thanks Burak and Michelle from Albatros Charters  

Hal & Cheryl Williams halwill@ocsnet.net 

Posted by Beau Jones on January 2, 2001

Hey there,
I have just returned from a trip to Cancun during the week of Christmas 2000.  After looking over the web for possible fishing charters to take myself and two others out fishing, I came across a couple reviews of Albatross Charters and decided to write them to see if they might be available for a couple of days fishing.  After only one day, I received an e-mail from Burak Gunbay informing me that they did have those two days available and would be more than happy to take us out. Judging from the tone of Burak's e-mail, I knew immediately that they would be a good crew for a fun-loving threesome of wanna-be fishermen.  By the way, I wrote three other companies and never heard a thing form any of them.  I called Mr. Gunbay and
reserved the two days by giving him a $50 deposit/day.  The boat's captain, Julian, wrote me a small e-mail a couple of weeks before the trip and let us know that he was looking forward to our arrival.   This is the kind of customer service that is unexpected and much appreciated.  We worked out that we would meet in Playa del Carmen and head out from there.  On December 26th they were there waiting for us just as they said they would be.  It had
rained very hard the day before, and Julian informed us that the seas were very high and for us to be ready for a ride!  He was telling the truth...it was no "Perfect Storm", but it sure was plenty for these three land creatures.  We caught a barracuda and a sailfish to start off the day, but that was unfortunately the last fish we saw for the rest of the day...the seas were just a bit high (approx. 8-12 ft. high).  At lunch, we headed to a small reef for some snorkeling to break up the day (this had been offered to us through the e-mails).  The snorkeling was one of our trip highlights. Although we thoroughly enjoyed our day with captain Julian and mate Armando, we decided that a second day of high seas just might beat us into submission...so we decided to cancel the second day.  I still regret that decision because the seas had obviously calmed after another day of calm perfect weather.  Oh well, I look forward to utilizing this company as soon as I can get back to paradise.  I would recommend this outfit to others
without hesitation!

Beau Jones

bjones@hatfieldphilips.com

Posted by John on 12/22/00

I have been diving and fishing with Albatros Charters since January 1998.  Their Dive Instructor and Staff help me get my Open Water Certification, then my Advanced and Stress and Rescue Certifications.  I am continuing my training with them.  They are always friendly, professional, and helpful.  Roberto one of the DiveMasters is unbelievable.  He can find wildlife a great
distance away and lead the group to see some amazing sights.

I have also gone on many fishing trips with Julian, the Captain of the Albatros.  He always manages to find some fish, even when other boats don't get anything.

Albatros Charters also provides access to rental houses and condo's.  These are always clean, well equipped, and conveniently located.

I am planning several trips with Albatros Charters in 2001.

John

From Ed & April on 11/21/00

Burak

Just a quick note to update you on our trip.  While we were only able to spend a day on Cozumel we had a great time.  In fact the day we spent on the Albatross with Julian and crew were the highlight of our cruise out of Galveston.

As planned we spent the morning trying to fish (unfortunately the weather wasn't cooperating and we were forced to stay on the lee side of the island). After we snorkeled at the park just south of the docks for the ship we meandered up the coast and entered a protective area Julian said would allow us to learn the finer points of diving.  Having never had any experience with scuba the three of us aboard who had the nerve were quickly outfitted with what appears to be first rate stuff and a few minutes of talking later we were in the water with Julian as our guide!  The experience was unbelievable.  I can add that we intend to get certified while at home so the next trip down we can spend more time in the water.

As far as general matters are concerned I can whole heartedly recommend that anyone wishing to experience the true beauty of Cozumel do as we did and charter upon arrival.  We did see some of the party catamarams and honestly were repulsed.  That was not snorkeling or diving!  We also saw the town later that night and I can say that if you only have one day to spend from a cruise ship, the first priority has to be the water and the coast! 

Julian and crew were great.  They made us feel at home and tried very hard to please.  The food was plentiful and the shrimp were delicious!  I can honestly say they were as good as anything we had on the cruise.  We had requested fruit and there was again plenty.  Truly an ask and you shall receive attitude!

When our plans call for us to travel to the area again we will be sure to look you up. In the mean time if any of your perspective clients need a reccomendation please do not hesitate to show them this letter or have them contact me personally.

Ed & April Braig
Texas
Email @ ecbraig@aol.com

Posted by Jon on 10/10/00

You need look no further than Albatross Charters (http://www.albatroscharters.com) for diving.  We just completed 4 fun and sun filled days with Julian, Roberto and Armando.  Roberto, our divemaster, has an eye for where the sea creatures are, and Julian, the captain, and Armando, the first mate, treat you like family.  We had divers of various experience levels from "just completed open water" to 100+ dives.  Julian/Roberto/Armando made the experience exhilarating for all of us.  The whole staff is informative, knows the lay of the undersea world, they are patient, professional and knowledgeable.  The boat is spacious with room to get out of the sun if need be.  Your drop you gear on day one and don't have to worry about it until after your final dive at the end of your trip.  They picked us up at our villa, provided snacks, lunch and cerveza at the end of the day.  You won't find a better deal with any nicer people.  I will definitely dive with Albatros again.

Jon

Posted by Marti/Little Rock on 10/05/00

We just vistited Cozumel for the first time.  We also went diving for the first time with Albatross Charters and thorougly enjoyed every minute of it. Burak (dive master) was very helpful and patient.  Being first time divers, we were (I was) somewhat nervous and apprehensive, but Burak put us right at ease and worked so patiently with us.  The crew (Julian and Armando) were also very helpful and quit knowledgable.  Burak made it easy and fun to learn. We couldn't believe the beautiful sights we saw on our first few dives.  I can't say enough about them. They were professional, knowledgable and accommodating....And did I mention the delicious quesadillas?  They're also great chefs as well!

BILL

Posted by Tim & Ida on 09/21/00

Ida & I just made our first trip to Cozumel, but it will not be our last.We booked our charter dives in advance, with Albatros Charters. I was impressed with the reviews posted about them,& was looking for someone that offered more of the unhurried type of dive trip.This was Ida`s first real dive trip & to say she was nervous would be an understatement. Well we met Burak & Rita (the Owners) at the Allegro Resort, at 7:30pm  the day we arrived. They wanted to make the times & the dive sites work with any of the vacation plans we had. They are great, & this helped put Ida at ease.We did 2 dives, on 3 days, & 3 dives on 1 day. This included 1 night. On the 1st dive of the second day, Ida had a panic attack just as she hit 98` deep. Burak led her to a sandy spot at about 78` & helped her calm down. She went on & comepleted the rest of the dive with out any more trouble, & now feels more confindent about her diving. (Thanks Burak)
There Captain & crew were great. The boat is large & offers relief from the sun & rain. They pick you up at the resort, wash & care for your gear, & make you feel like family(or better).
Plus they served the best quesadia`s & coldest beer around. We will dive with Albatros Charters on our next trip to Cozumel.

Tim

Posted by Albert on August 14, 2000

This spring my three sons and I took a trip to Cozumel and had a wonderful trip, mainly because of Albatros Charters.  We chartered a boat with Captain, mate and Dive Master for four days, two diving and two fishing, for about what it would cost you to charter a boat in the states for a full day. The service and attention to details was excellent.  We caught some beautiful dolphin and I know we saw things diving that you would never see diving with a large group.  Burak, the owner, was extremely helpful with our pre-trip planning.  I can recommend Albatros Charters without hesitation.

Posted by Katy on June 28, 2000

I went to Cozumel for the first (and I certainly hope not the last) time during the last week of May.  While I was there I had a great scuba experience with Albatros Charters.  They were very pleasant and friendly and did everything they could to make it enjoyable.  They picked us up right from the dock at our resort.  Because I had never been on a real dive before, I was extremely nervous about it.  Previously, during my certification dive, I had problems equalizing and it took me quite a while to get down to the rest of my group.  With Albatros Charters I was not rushed in any way to get to the bottom.  Burak told me to take my time and made sure I was completely comfortable with my descent.  The dives were incredible!  I was amazed by the wonders that lie beneath the surface of the ocean!  Between dives we were served fresh quesadillas, which were absolutely delicious!  Because I was experiencing motion sickness on the boat between the dives, they went in to the shore so I could sit on the beach.  I was very impressed that they went out of their way to help me feel better.  I know that had I been in a cattle boat I would have been left to suffer.  The whole crew was great, helping me in and out of the equipment and pulling me back in the boat at the end of the dives.  All in all, I had a wonderful time with this company and I hope to dive again with them whenever possible!

Katy

Posted by Anne on April 16, 2000

I have been diving with Albatros Charters for three years now.  I've already scheduled my next trip with them this year.  The boat is clean and spacious.  You never feel crowded.  The crew is great!  They take care of everything.  All you do is dive and lay in the sun.  The captain, Julian makes the best quesadia's I've ever had, and the cervesa's are ice cold when you complete your dives for the day.  You cannot beat the diving in Mexico.

Posted by Cynthia on April 14, 2000

I had a great experience diving with this company!

We stayed at a condo, Costa Azul and was picked up by Albatros Charters right in front of Plaza las Glorias which was 2 minutes walking distance from the condo. I am a novice diver, I did receive my certification through Albatros Charters given by Instructor Burak.  He  was very patient with me, "as I was having a little trouble with my mask and equalizing", but Burak just kept reassuring me that I could do this and finally I did do it. While in the water, I felt comfortable and at ease and I think it was all the personal attention I received from my instructor.  If it wasn't for that I don't think I would have continued diving. During our dives, we had our dive master, Roberto, it was great following him through the coral, saw things that I didn't think I would see, (huge manta ray). I found the crew most helpful when exiting and entering with scuba gear on. Impressed with the crews lunch after the dives, I had heard through the experienced divers who have been diving for years, that this is not a common practice with other dive companies. Since this was my very first experience diving on a boat, that I can not evaluate the other services in the area but I was assured from the other experienced divers that this is a good company to be diving with while in Cozumel. I found their web page at: www.cozumelscuba.com .

Posted by Rita on April 10, 2000

I have been going to Cozumel for over 4 years, and the last 3 I have been
diving with Albatros Charters.  They are a small business that caters to the
vacationers.  This IS NOT a cattle car diving operation.  They only go out
once a day, and do not rush to have divers back at a certain time so they
can go out again.  They do what the divers want.  They have excellent,
experience, English speaking dive masters and instructors.  I would not go
any where else.  More information can be found at www.cozumelscuba.com.

Rita

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