Scuba Freedom
Scuba Freedom
5
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About
We are an American/Japanese diving company and maintain high standards of safety and customer services. Scuba Freedom offers small-group Cenote cavern diving tours, Cozumel diving tours, Introductory Scuba Experiences and diving certification courses with SDI and PADI.
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Linxi
2 contributions
Jan 2022
Miki is absolutely great in all aspects!
I stumble across a post online recommending her and send her an email for inquiry.
Before we even confirm anything she would take the length to explain to me a lot of details about my plan of the trip ( I have never been to Cancun before) and how to better plan it, which is really impressive!
She replies to the email with great detail in a timely manner and her price is very transparent, NO hidden fee at all. ( unlike some other dive experience I have in other places)
We spent 3 days diving 8 bottles, she shows up on time every day(not late for even 1 min, if you ever been to any city in Mexico you will know how impressive this is ) and her driver is helpful and nice too.
Miki is even more professional underwater, she cares about the weight we carry, explains in detail the route we gonna take, and what to expect. Her care of the details delivers to the safety of the divers which I value and appreciate greatly.
It is a wonderful experience and I can't wait to jump back to the water with her again!
I stumble across a post online recommending her and send her an email for inquiry.
Before we even confirm anything she would take the length to explain to me a lot of details about my plan of the trip ( I have never been to Cancun before) and how to better plan it, which is really impressive!
She replies to the email with great detail in a timely manner and her price is very transparent, NO hidden fee at all. ( unlike some other dive experience I have in other places)
We spent 3 days diving 8 bottles, she shows up on time every day(not late for even 1 min, if you ever been to any city in Mexico you will know how impressive this is ) and her driver is helpful and nice too.
Miki is even more professional underwater, she cares about the weight we carry, explains in detail the route we gonna take, and what to expect. Her care of the details delivers to the safety of the divers which I value and appreciate greatly.
It is a wonderful experience and I can't wait to jump back to the water with her again!
Written January 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hebe_1993
Philadelphia, PA17 contributions
Jan 2022 • Friends
We reached out to Miki in the summer of 2021 about cenote diving. At that time I even don’t know how to swim! She is super helpful and provided enormous information and tips for us to be more prepared for our trip. We finally get certified locally and went to Playa del Carmen to dive with Miki.
If I can only use one word to describe our 3-day cenote diving with Miki, I would say it is “PERFECT”!
1. Miki is super professional and patient. I just got certified and Miki spend 20 min with me to practice the free descend and proper trim in our first dive. She not only tell us the tips but also explains the reason behind it. At the end of the trip, our diving skills and awareness improved a lot!
2. Miki is an expert of the cenotes! She knows what is the best time to get the spectacular light rays in different cenotes and makes perfect diving plans. The side briefing is very comprehensive and detailed. She also pointed out all the beautiful views and hidden items in the cenotes, such as animal bones, pots, small status and so on.
3. Although we did 3 tank dive per day, it is not tiring, because Miki pick us up and drop us off at door. So we don’t need to walk to the dive shop at all. Also, we can always leave our belongs in the spacious van and not worry about carrying it here and there.
4. The lunch time is another moment I really enjoy beside diving. Unlike other dive shops, which provide no food or just cold water/bananas, Miki made the lunch for us by herself! And she also brought a bottle of hot tea, which is great when we just come out of the cold water :)
All in all, we had a great experience diving with Miki and would reach out to her if we make another diving trip in this area. I would like to highly recommend her to other divers!
If I can only use one word to describe our 3-day cenote diving with Miki, I would say it is “PERFECT”!
1. Miki is super professional and patient. I just got certified and Miki spend 20 min with me to practice the free descend and proper trim in our first dive. She not only tell us the tips but also explains the reason behind it. At the end of the trip, our diving skills and awareness improved a lot!
2. Miki is an expert of the cenotes! She knows what is the best time to get the spectacular light rays in different cenotes and makes perfect diving plans. The side briefing is very comprehensive and detailed. She also pointed out all the beautiful views and hidden items in the cenotes, such as animal bones, pots, small status and so on.
3. Although we did 3 tank dive per day, it is not tiring, because Miki pick us up and drop us off at door. So we don’t need to walk to the dive shop at all. Also, we can always leave our belongs in the spacious van and not worry about carrying it here and there.
4. The lunch time is another moment I really enjoy beside diving. Unlike other dive shops, which provide no food or just cold water/bananas, Miki made the lunch for us by herself! And she also brought a bottle of hot tea, which is great when we just come out of the cold water :)
All in all, we had a great experience diving with Miki and would reach out to her if we make another diving trip in this area. I would like to highly recommend her to other divers!
Written January 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lichen L
Toronto, Canada4 contributions
Nov 2021
The 4 cenote dives with Miki was the best experience I ever had throughout all dives in my life. Starting with the initial email communications, the van transportation, the condition and quality of the rental gear, to Miki's passionate and detailed safety briefing, dive plan briefing, the actually guided diving, the lunch after the dive, the transportation back to my hotel, I really felt I was having a memorable experience, rather than being treated like in a diving tour factory. All pieces of equipment Miki provides are sanitized by her one piece by piece. I was totally shocked to learn about that after we finished all dives!
Although I was diving with Miki for a tour, I felt I learned much more diving techniques than from my actual OW instructors. She is super nice and thoughtful, that she even sent me an email with a list of restaurant suggestions in the area simply because I had mentioned that in a few words on our way to the cenote!
Miki is professional, friendly and the best of the best, she really has set an unbeatable standard for scuba diving tours for me. I really regretted not having dove with her for my entire stay in Playa. But with that said, when I visit Playa to dive next time, I won't need to google other dive shops.
Although I was diving with Miki for a tour, I felt I learned much more diving techniques than from my actual OW instructors. She is super nice and thoughtful, that she even sent me an email with a list of restaurant suggestions in the area simply because I had mentioned that in a few words on our way to the cenote!
Miki is professional, friendly and the best of the best, she really has set an unbeatable standard for scuba diving tours for me. I really regretted not having dove with her for my entire stay in Playa. But with that said, when I visit Playa to dive next time, I won't need to google other dive shops.
Written November 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jasmine M.
Brooklyn, NY18 contributions
Aug 2022
This past trip was my second time diving cenotes with Miki. When I decided to stay an extra day at the end of my Cozumel trip to dive cenotes and heard some friends wanted to join me, I immediately emailed her 5 months in advance to ensure she was free to take our reservation. That’s how much I wanted to dive with her again!
As always, she is meticulous and extremely professional. Her passion for diving and the cenotes is absolutely radiating, which make the dives all the more magical. Communication is very clear, from the start of our emails until the very end when she and her driver drop us off. And lunch is always delicious!
Officially, I have not taken certification courses with Miki, but every time I dive with her, I learn something new. Her explanations are as clear as the cenote waters and they’re absolutely mind-blowing when the revelation clicks. My friends, who have more experience than I do, agreed that her wisdom is genius.
When I dove with her three years ago as a new diver, she ingrained in me the determination and technique to perfect my trim. Any time I question my trim or buoyancy, I think of what Miki says, not my instructors (sorry guys). I'm sure she meant it as a small tip, but there's something to be said about someone who leaves an impact on you like that in just three dives. She is truly a master of her craft.
If I have not yet convinced you that you should dive with Scuba Freedom/Miki, here’s one more tidbit from this trip. Due to unforeseen circumstances at the end of my group’s Cozumel boat trip, our shop arranged for us to go on a few dives with other cenotes guides. While those guys did a great job and we had fun, it was not the same without Miki. It’s now confirmed that I cannot imagine diving cenotes without her.
As always, she is meticulous and extremely professional. Her passion for diving and the cenotes is absolutely radiating, which make the dives all the more magical. Communication is very clear, from the start of our emails until the very end when she and her driver drop us off. And lunch is always delicious!
Officially, I have not taken certification courses with Miki, but every time I dive with her, I learn something new. Her explanations are as clear as the cenote waters and they’re absolutely mind-blowing when the revelation clicks. My friends, who have more experience than I do, agreed that her wisdom is genius.
When I dove with her three years ago as a new diver, she ingrained in me the determination and technique to perfect my trim. Any time I question my trim or buoyancy, I think of what Miki says, not my instructors (sorry guys). I'm sure she meant it as a small tip, but there's something to be said about someone who leaves an impact on you like that in just three dives. She is truly a master of her craft.
If I have not yet convinced you that you should dive with Scuba Freedom/Miki, here’s one more tidbit from this trip. Due to unforeseen circumstances at the end of my group’s Cozumel boat trip, our shop arranged for us to go on a few dives with other cenotes guides. While those guys did a great job and we had fun, it was not the same without Miki. It’s now confirmed that I cannot imagine diving cenotes without her.
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking your time to leave such a wonderful review. Clear communications and the quality of experiences for our customers are what we always give the highest priority to. I am so happy to hear you had another good time with us. Looking forward to your next visit and diving more cenotes with you!!
Written August 19, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TatianaMcCabe
Brooklyn, NY37 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
Miki communicated incredibly well leading up to our diving date. She is very thorough with her safety protocols and made sure we were comfortable and well prepared for the dives. Her cavern and cave diving experience made for a smooth, fun and beautiful time. She helped us coordinate a photographer who joined us and knew the best spots and lighting conditions to take memorable photos. She also provided a delicious home prepared meal and went out of her way to make me feel special as it was my birthday :)
Written April 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Tatiana, thank you so much for taking your time to leave such a nice comment! It was REALLY fun day! I also enjoyed the photo/video shooting divings with you both!! Hope you are coming back soon to let me show you more cenotes! Thank you!
Written April 19, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael A
22 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
I’ve had a number of dive guides, and Miki is at the top of the heap. Just like my beloved instructor who trained me for open water, Miki is sweet as pie on dry land, but takes her job very seriously at depth.
She’s an incredibly knowledgeable cave diver. And she seems to know the cavernous cenotes of Quintana Roo like the back of her hand. She pointed out all the cool geology, fossils, fish, and aquatic phenomena (including my favorite, the haloclines!!)
Miki’s style is to do more comprehensive pre-dive preparations and relatively casual post-dive debriefs, generally over home-cooked Japanese meals! And since I hadn’t dove for over a year prior, her gradual starting pace was a welcome cadence. We didn’t begin our descent until everyone in the group felt comfortable.
Miki also keeps her gear in good, clean condition, which is particularly impressive given that she’s a one woman show!
Do yourself a favor: if you’re planning a dive trip, do it with Miki in Quintana Roo. It will be the best diving of your life. Cannot wait to explore more with her!
She’s an incredibly knowledgeable cave diver. And she seems to know the cavernous cenotes of Quintana Roo like the back of her hand. She pointed out all the cool geology, fossils, fish, and aquatic phenomena (including my favorite, the haloclines!!)
Miki’s style is to do more comprehensive pre-dive preparations and relatively casual post-dive debriefs, generally over home-cooked Japanese meals! And since I hadn’t dove for over a year prior, her gradual starting pace was a welcome cadence. We didn’t begin our descent until everyone in the group felt comfortable.
Miki also keeps her gear in good, clean condition, which is particularly impressive given that she’s a one woman show!
Do yourself a favor: if you’re planning a dive trip, do it with Miki in Quintana Roo. It will be the best diving of your life. Cannot wait to explore more with her!
Written April 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Michael, thank you so much for taking your time to leave such a nice comment!! It was really fun time with you both!! I'm looking forward to your next visit for more!
Written April 19, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amy S
2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
If I could leave a one hundred star review, I would. Miki is THAT good at what she does! I had initially found Scuba Freedom through a mutual friend, and am so grateful to have been referred to her when I was looking to book a Cenote tour. Proudly I can now say I am a repeat customer and will continue to be for as long as she will take me diving! When you book a tour with Miki you are receiving world class service and impeccable attention to detail. Safety is paramount but so is your enjoyment. As a truly authentic, beautiful soul, spending your day with Miki, you’re spending the day with a friend you are so thankful to know.
Written March 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words!! It was so great to have you again! Your coming back to use my service means to me a lot. Looking forward to your next visit for more!! Again, thank you so much.
Written April 19, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Duane Wise
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Solo
Miki is the best. I cldn't have gotten a better Dive Master. An A-#1 professional. Very courteous, patient, safe, & an all-around excellent communicator. A 1st class Dive Master. When you define the Cenotes, make sure you put her picture right along with the definition.
Written December 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I had a great time with you and your friend. Again thank you so much for choosing us for your cenote diving tour!! Looking forward to your next visit before long! - Miki
Written March 22, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ashleigh B
Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia7 contributions
Dec 2021
I was referred to Miki by my scuba shop in NYC (ScubaNetwork) to do my Open Water dives for certification. As a brand new diver, I was a bit apprehensive with the whole thing, but Miki had my trust from even the beginning with our email communications.
She organizes her training/tours so professionally. Hires a driver for pick-up and drop-off, provides lunch, rental equipment, and she takes the time to get to know her customer's comfort level so that she can plan the best experience for them.
We did 2 OW cert dives in a shallow cenote where many other scuba divers were also being trained. Then we did the last 2 as a boat dive in Cozumel. So if you're going for your certification, with her you get to try 2 different experiences off the bat.
I also can't imagine someone more knowledgeable than Miki. She has 20 years of experience and was clearly born to teach this subject. She's very conservative as a diver, so you know you're getting top-tier training that doesn't skim over safety. She's extremely clear with the education she provides, and she won't push you to the next step until you've shown you're ready for it and understand the previous lesson.
I had such a great time during training that I planned more dives with her after I became certified. We did several more cenotes (MAGICAL - no words) — she's just as amazing as a tour guide as she is an instructor. I can't wait to go back for more.
Most of my dives were private lessons or tours, except for the last two where I joined a cenote tour with an advanced diver; he was a repeat customer of Miki as well.
Whether you're training, advanced, or somewhere in between, Miki takes the time to make you feel safe, comfortable and ensures you will have a great time. :)
She organizes her training/tours so professionally. Hires a driver for pick-up and drop-off, provides lunch, rental equipment, and she takes the time to get to know her customer's comfort level so that she can plan the best experience for them.
We did 2 OW cert dives in a shallow cenote where many other scuba divers were also being trained. Then we did the last 2 as a boat dive in Cozumel. So if you're going for your certification, with her you get to try 2 different experiences off the bat.
I also can't imagine someone more knowledgeable than Miki. She has 20 years of experience and was clearly born to teach this subject. She's very conservative as a diver, so you know you're getting top-tier training that doesn't skim over safety. She's extremely clear with the education she provides, and she won't push you to the next step until you've shown you're ready for it and understand the previous lesson.
I had such a great time during training that I planned more dives with her after I became certified. We did several more cenotes (MAGICAL - no words) — she's just as amazing as a tour guide as she is an instructor. I can't wait to go back for more.
Most of my dives were private lessons or tours, except for the last two where I joined a cenote tour with an advanced diver; he was a repeat customer of Miki as well.
Whether you're training, advanced, or somewhere in between, Miki takes the time to make you feel safe, comfortable and ensures you will have a great time. :)
Written January 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina N
2 contributions
Nov 2021
I came to do my check out dives for my open water certification and it was amazing! Miki is super detail oriented and patient. She helped my friends(discover scuba, certified) and myself feel very safe during the dives. She explained everything and made sure we were all comfortable. She also gave us a lot of independence so that we didn't feel pressure to be perfect. Miki also really gave alot of advice and instruction on everything scuba as I am a novice to this (i.e. dive computers, general gear, dive sites, dos/don'ts). Miki also listened to me and went at my pace during my first ocean dive as it was quite scary to plummet down to 50ft for the first time. I was able to collect my nerves and continue on with the dive with Miki there. I had a great experience and can't wait to do more diving!
Written December 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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