Cozumel (or something)

[Qix]

You stated the trip was over Xmas and you'd like to dive w/o having to shell out $60 all the time. Let's start with the Xmas part first. I'm not sure about rates and how busy it gets but you might be wise to expect to be paying a bit more and be a bit more crowded than usual. If money and crowds are a non-issue then disregard this part.

Next, the weather. The earliest I've been in Cozumel is early February and the latest I've been there is mid April. As I think back about my trips (on average) there has always been about one full dive day lost to weather and in some cases more than a day. On those days you would most definitely not be diving from shore. And from reports from people that go every year over Xmas, they are more likely to get washed out than people traveling a few months later. Perhaps you should expect to loose 2 dive days during the Xmas dates.

Open to anything.

...if you are the kind that really likes to be able to dive alot, especially the freedom of shorediving, then Cozumel is not for you. In Cozumel, you will find a way to get in a shore dive or two. But the quality won't be what you're expecting. The reef is a long ways from shore. And the current will always be taking away from the fun of a relaxed shoredive.

Also, Cozumel seems like a place to best be experienced without all inclusive. There are so many good restaurants. San Miguel is a safe, laid back little town. It really is part of the diving experience. The downside to staying in town is the longer boat rides as the majority if your dives will be 30min...1hr  rides each way, each day. To me, the only two advantages of staying at an all inclusive farther south is that your boat rides will be shorter and you won't have to mingle with Cruise Ship people until they thin out around 5pm or so.

From what you describe, my 1st recommendation would be Bonaire. After the first day you won't even want to dive from a boat again. Any rain you get will most likely be quick and it will clear up and be back sunny and sizzling hot within a few hours. Obviously, your group has decided on Cozumel so a place like Bonaire is probably out. After Cozumel, think about the experience and if you want the ability to dive just about anywhere, zilch current and very warm weather think about heading farther south. Be warned, about 95% of all people that experience Bonaire suffer from Post Bonaire Depression (PBD) which sets in while you are waiting for your plane to leave