I'm going to be stopping in those ports on a different cruise in April. Here's what I found doing internet and SB research. Note - I haven't dove with any of these operators. Remember that you make sure your cruise ship arrives at least 1 hour before you're supposed to be at the dive op, as it can take a while to get off the ship in port.
COZUMEL
This is not a complete list of Cozumel dive operators, but ones that seemed the best from various reviews.
Salty Endeavors
cozumelscuba.com
8 min from International Pier
Recommended as good dive op per SB Coz thread, good SB & Trip Advisor reviews
6-8 person boats, fast, full shade
$80 2-tank dive; 8a-12.30p; 1.30p-6p, 1h surface interval at private beach, yacht club, or restaurant
If solo diver, website says you get buddied with DM.
No minimum number of divers
Full refund minus $20 fee for >14d cancellation. No refund for <14d
Tres Pelicanos
trespelicanos.com
dive@trespelicanos.com
10 min from International Pier
2-tank boat dive, 8a & 1.30p, $99.76 (be there at 1p). 70 min or 700psi, trip lasts 4-5h
Morning boats always go out, requires 3 person pre-book minimum for afternoon boat.
Great reviews on SB - good job at grouping people with similar abilities on boat
Dive Paradise
diveparadise.com
10 min from International Pier
(855) 798-5300 (toll-free US)
954.743.5310 (Mexico)
8a-1.30p & 10a - 3p express morning trip, afternoon express 2-tank dive $103
Mentions special 10a departure for cruise passengers & 4 person minimum
Usually only have 4-6 divers + 1 DM per boat
Full refund if >48h notice for cancellation, 50% refund for 12-48h;
Bottom Time Divers
bottomtimedivers.net
15 min from International Pier
Small, fast boats, 6-person, shaded
Good SB reviews
$90, 2-tank dive, 1.30p, SI at beach or restaurant, should be back about 5-5.30p
50% deposit before trip, >24h cancellation full refund
2 diver minimum
7.30.2023 submitted questions through website form. 7.31, answered with above
8.15.2023: Said I want to book with him, asked what are next steps
8.16.2023: Raul said I get in too late for morning dive, doesn’t have anything in afternoon.
Ambient Diver Cozumel
Run by ChuckP (SB) - called Carlos in Cozumel. Sounds like a great person and dive op.
Marina Fontanur
Cozumel, Q Roo
Mexico CP 77600
www.ambientdiver.com
info@ambientdiver.com
+52 987 876 6845 (WhatsApp)
Has small boats, groups people by ability so you don’t have to surface early with a bunch of new divers
4 min from International Pier
2-tank dives, leaving at 8a & 1p $100, each trip lasts 4.5-5h
No deposit, pay cash or credit card (5% surcharge)
Unfortunately, the times really limit you there. We normally depart at 8am and then if we had a second trip, we depart at 1:30 – 2. Trips last about 4 ½ to 5 hours.
Jungle Divers
www.jungle-divers.com
2 min from International Pier
Keep groups small (2-4), group by ability
2-tank dives, $99, private guide $50
Includes snack, drinks and lunch for SI
Leave marina at 9.30a & 3p - dives usually last 6 hours
Large (probably slower) shaded boats
Good SB review
Bookings require nonrefundable deposit (credit card or Paypal), balance due in cash USD okay (extra fee for PP or credit cards)
ScubaLuis
Scubaluis.com
7.30a & 1.30p 2-tank dives, typically last 5 hours
4 min from International Pier
Good recommendation from Dive Talk FB group
Dive with Martin
Divewithmartin.com
4 min from International Pier
Recommended by Carlos (owner of Ambient Diver Cozumel)
7.30a (no minimum), 10a (6 person minimum), 1p (4 person minimum)
Scuba with Alison
scubawithalison.com
5 min from International Pier
Small, fast boats (8 divers max on boat)
Good Trip Advisor reviews & SB review
They leave at 8a
Scuba Life
scubalifecozumel.com
4 min from International Pier
Recommended as good dive op per SB Coz thread
2-tank 9a & 2p
Small, fast boats, 8 person max, 1 DM : 4 divers
70 min max or 700 PSI
SI on beach
Blue Project
www.blueprojectcozumel.com
5 min from International Pier
Good SB review
2-tank (9a-1p) or (2p-6p) $95 reef dive11
Groups of 6 divers/DM
Deposit via Paypal, balance in cash (USD or Pesos) - no credit cards
Aldora
www.aldora.com
10 min from International Pier
2-tank dive $95 +$10/tank nitrox (most use Nitrox)
7.30a & 2.30p depart (minimum for afternoon dive)
Uses steel HP100 & HP120 for longer dives
6 divers/boat. Group similar diver abilities and air consumption
Will dive on east side of island if needed due to weather (they say they’re the only shop that does this)
Have to check in at dive shop
7.30am start
Small covered boats. Will pick up at some resorts
ScubaTony
www.scubatony.com
4 min from International Pier
Recommended as good dive op per SB Coz thread and by Carlos (owner of Ambient Diver Cozumel)
Small, fast boats (6 passenger max), have shade but no head. Group
2-tank dive $95 (7.30a & 1p - lasts 4-5h), 1h surface interval at a pier or beach, includes water, fresh fruit, snacks
Cash (USD or Pesos) or Paypal (5% surcharge), no credit cards. $75 deposit per diver required. Cancellations >24h fully refundable
The following never answered my email / text / WhatsApp message asking questions about dive times and other things.
Caribbean Divers
www.cozumel-diving.net
11 min from International Pier
Recommended as good dive op per SB Coz thread
3 large boats
Papa Hogs
www.papahogs.com
scubadiving@papahogs.com
3 min from International Pier
Good recommendation from Dive Talk FB group
Fleet of 8 boats (6,8,10,16 passengers), small fast boat operation, most boats have shade
Say they group in small groups of similar levels
2-tank $89 8.30a-12.30p; 1.30p-5p