Beginner Diving in Cozumel

[Mark Y]

I've been to Cozumel twice. First time I rented a house, we had plenty of room, prepared many of our own meals, etc. It cost us $27 USD per day, per person (four of us) and included daily maid-service and water delivery. We even had a nice outdoor space over looking the soccer fields. So at night we'd down beer & watch the local teams play. We dove with Aqua-Safari. They where nice to dive with, but they pack a lot of divers into the boat, and I prefer smaller groups.

The second time, I did an all-inclusive package. I think the hotel was Brisas Cozumel, now called Hotel Cozumel (I think). It is across the street from Dive Paradise. Oh yeah, there is shore diving available. Did a night dive and a looong day dive (90 minutes). We didn't dive with Dive Paradise, though. We went with Yellow Rose, their boat was called Blue Note. The Capt., well, she was interesting - and not longer there. It was a slow boat, but didn't pack in the divers.

For my money and enjoyment, when I go back, I'd rather rent my own house and select a more technical orientated dive shop. Also, car rental is a must. There is lots to see, like Neeked Beach!

Also, I've dove Cozumel with no wet-suit, a shorty, and a 3/5/3mm suit. Although I wasn't cold when diving 'naked', I prefer the protection of the 3/5/3 mm suit.

And lastly, avoid swim throughs. Although it is fun, most divers don't have good enough control of their bouyancy and really beat up the reef. In principal, I swim over the reef and meet the group on the other side.

Hope this helps! Enjoy, Cozumel is a fun place! ;D