Cozumel (or something)

[arcFlash]

I got a call from my brother last night ... so the 4 of us are going to Cozumel over xmas.

The budget is good and he proposed an inclusive resort in the south. I don't have the name yet but I'm not sure I want to go so I figured I could ask around the board and see how it effects me.

I don't like the idea of no shore diving. I get board easily and would prefer to be able to dive more then twice a day. What are my options to dive or snorkel without spending $60 ever time I want to go. (I'm not interested in food and local flair to kill time)

We'd like an upscale resort with shore diving that isn't too far away. Anyone know of something?

[Qix]

Are looking for an alternative that is still on Cozumel or an alternative anywhere else in the Carribean?

[arcFlash]

Open to anything.

We are currently considering the Wyndham



Anyone know about this place

[Dano]

I'll give you my 2 cents worth. I have not stayed on the island, but have had dozen or so dives there with various dive ops.

Here's my thoughts and opinions. Cozumel is not known for it's beaches and access may be a little tricky. Shore diving is not why Coz is a favorite to divers. It's the reefs and most of the reefs are a good swim out from shore. Two places I know where shore diving is available with tank rental are Papa Hogs and Del mar aquatics.
Keep in mind there is usually a current in Coz, however, it didn't affect the couple of shores I made.

Most resorts have a dive shop on site and probably cater to the least experienced divers. You may want to use the shop for convenience or consider another shop. Most dive ops will pick you up at the resort. Check more into Wyndam. I've seen posts that they now charge $3/day for other dive ops picking you up.

Other dive ops to consider; Liquid Blue, Blue XT Sea, Living Underwater(?) I've used one and was very pleased. Exceptional service and you dive by your air consumption, not time. They pretty much do everything for you and have fruit and juice during your SI. If you want lesser service, set your own gear up and drink water than, Papa Hogs would work. Some of these have larger tanks to use and some offer larger tanks just for the heavy breathers, so consider that in the pricing.

Dan

[coinshooter]

We spent a week diving out of Scuba Club two seasons ago. The resort offers a three meal plan with the dive package, unlimited shore diving, and two tank boat dives.

Cattle boats are used to shuttle out the divers, sometimes up to a good dozen or more per boat. There are several dive masters on the boats and the divers are broken up into groups depending on experience and time on the boats. You will have dive masters escorting the groups of divers in the marine national park where most of the dive sites are located.

They offer a two tank dive, both are in the morning, one deep and one shallow.  80 cubics are standard there not like the Sunset Resort in the Grand Caymens which use 70 cubics. There is currents there so prepare for some drift diving.

The water clarity is good, with water temps ranging from 75 to 80. We used 3mm suits and were quit comfortable.

The dive package doesn't include the tipping of the staff so prepare for some extra change out of the pockets. We used taxis to get done to the town square and shops. Cozumel is a prime stopping point for the cruise ships so prepare to have lots of tourists in town when the ships are in. There are ferries that run from the mainland to Cozumel several time a day.

We gave Scuba Club Cozumel two thumbs up for the service and diving.

[tullibee]

I haven't done any of the southern resorts, but would also suggest Liquid Blue, Blue XTSea and Living Underwater if you are looking for an off-resort operation.  I know that lots of folks on the D2D board enjoy scubaclub.  You could search there for more info on other possibilities.  I have a buddy who enjoyed the El Presidente, but I don't think I would, so take all opinions for what they contain!  There is shore diving near the La Ceiba (chunks of a plane) and a couple other spots.  I have heard of other people who have rented tanks and just dropped in where they could, drifted downstream until air was low, swam in and grabbed a cab back to where they started.  (I'd maybe try this somewhere closer to town than the far south resorts, due to lack of drive-by cabs!)  I'm not sure what the Caribe Blu/Hotel Lorena is called now, but I've heard they have a decent shore dive as well - swim into the current and ride it back when you're ready.  There's also shore diving at Chankanab, but they changed the rules a few years ago to require hiring DMs to dive there - not sure if that's still true or not.  pleasant shore dive - I knew to go to the south to get to the cave where the big tarpon hang out!

[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

[arcFlash]

Thanks everyone, That's kind of what I expected. This is just the conformation.

Qix, Thanks for the advice but it's not the money, it's the value I have a problem with. I'm not accustom to paying to dive.

Value: Take the spear trip I was just on, I got 6 to 7, 100 foot dives a day for 3 days. That's value!

Last time I went snorkeling I was in for over 3 hours and it was only a crusty brown lake by Orr, Mn.  Ocean, I may not come out all day if I bring my CamelBack.   So I plan to spent a ton of time in the water and need to be on my own schedule.

[AandA]

Art and I along with Brian and his wife were in Cozumel this past winter in mid March after 2 full days of cenote diving in Akumal with Aquatech. The cenote diving was definitely the highlight of our trip, but for the week we were in Cozumel we stayed in the northern hotel zone as shore diving is the best there. Even though there isn't a lot of structure, there are a variety of fish and other creatures along the rock wall. There is no beach but the properties typically have ladders leading down to the water. Art and Brian saw a MONSTER moray eel while shore diving  :o. The current can be strong and when it is we go against it as long as possible and drift back. The other option is to stake out a place to drift to and walk back or leave a vehicle to drive back (we always rent a car so we can explore the entire Island. There's lots to see and the beaches on the east side are mostly deserted!). Art and Brian also did multiple night dives from shore (I was typically too pooped after a day of diving) and saw lots of different creatures as well as sleeping fish  :. I agree that experiencing all of Cozumel, including the great food, is a must! Walk or drive back a few blocks from the main "touristy" area and you'll find the best shopping deals as well as much cheaper and better food choices!

By the way, you can rent tanks from Pepe's at the Coral Princess in the northern area. The best shore diving south of town is Papa Hog's reef and we always shore dive there! We have always done our boat diving with Papa Hogs and they have always set up our gear. We like their FAST  :o "six-pack" boats and the personal service you get. Margaret will pair you up with divers of similar experience.

Next month we're headed to Bonaire for the 1st time to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and we are PUMPED!! We are really excited about the shore diving and being able to dive when, where and how we like!

Aly

[Shooter]

Definitely worth going to Cozumel to experience the diving.  I spent a lot of time shooting my air spear gun ;D kind of like playing my air guitar ;D. I. would stay away from the all-inclusive, and knowing your type of diving.  I would talk to Raul, at bottom time divers.  They pretty much let us dive of our own program. We were on a smaller panga that accommodates two to six divers.  I hadn't booked anything in advance.  I would recommend pre-booking with a couple of different operations. I dove with bottom time and liquid blue.  I would dive with both of them again.  However, my first preference would be bottom time.  The majority of the divers I encountered there were not as hard-core as we are.   And couple of them actually complained to the dive master that there wasn't enough current, and they had to use their fins. ??? They usually do one dive, take an hour and a half to two hour lunch break than do their second and final dive. Then it seems to be happy hour for the rest of the day. ??? I know at the two shops I recommend that you can get in three tank dives. It's a good opportunity to practice advancing in a nonthreatening manner on our target species. >  the current drifts from north to south.  I would regularly snorkel out and go with the current.  The North end is not in the park, and yes I did some spearfishing there. It was all free diving and drifting.  I would also recommend renting a car.  It is worth every penny to be able to come and go as you please.  Attached is a good snorkel map for your afternoon excursions.