Aldora Divers

[boulderjohn]

Exactly. Majority tends to rule (though not always).

In my early diving days. I went to Cozumel a lot. I used a couple different dive operators, and they all did the same thing--ask you where you wanted to go as the boat was heading south. I learned that most people had no idea, so I was a always ready for that question with the name of a site. About 80% of the time, someone would say, "Sounds good!" That ended the discussion, and off we'd go.

 

[Shawn C]

In my early diving days. I went to Cozumel a lot. I used a couple different dive operators, and they all did the same thing--ask you where you wanted to go as the boat was heading south. I learned that most people had no idea, so I was a always ready for that question with the name of a site. About 80% of the time, someone would say, "Sounds good!" That ended the discussion, and off we'd go.

What we do as well. Works out a lot of the time. I do let our dive op know ahead of time that we have no interest in diving C53 and not to put us on a boat where that's a possibility.

 

[ggunn]

What we do as well. Works out a lot of the time. I do let our dive op know ahead of time that we have no interest in diving C53 and not to put us on a boat where that's a possibility.

Yes. Majority determines consensus, but other factors are in play as well. The DM and the captain have the final say.

I agree about the C53; been there, done that, didn't like it very much.

 

[cozcharlie]

Just as a counterpoint for those who don't go to Cozumel much, I dive the C53 wreck about once every 30 dives or so and I usually like it. Sometimes there are a lot of silversides and other things in and around the wreck (though this varies wildly) Main thing to ask dive operator if they bring up C53 is what have they seen there lately. If they answer "not much", then I would agree its probably a pass. If they say they have seen something that sounds interesting to you, then consider giving it a try.

 

[Bookworm11]

I only dove with Dressel before, so I wouldn't have known that. And Dressel worked for me well until this past April when it really didn't work at all for a number of reasons.

 

[Bladebreaker65]

Aldora is a great operation. The missed gem for newer divers is the ability to shore dive at the Villa. Do a chk out dive with them and this will get you on a good group fit on the boats. A big perk is the quick night shore dive at the Villa. There was a resident green moray under the dock, along with several octopi that are fairly comfortable around divers, so they don't immediately bolt or hide. Great intro to a night dive in semi-controlled surroundings. If you do have issues Dave and Memo are always available to listen and are very fair minded.
notice my picture is at the Villa gearing up for a shore dive.

 

[Nanodiver]

Aldora is a great operation. The missed gem for newer divers is the ability to shore dive at the Villa. Do a chk out dive with them and this will get you on a good group fit on the boats. A big perk is the quick night shore dive at the Villa. There was a resident green moray under the dock, along with several octopi that are fairly comfortable around divers, so they don't immediately bolt or hide. Great intro to a night dive in semi-controlled surroundings. If you do have issues Dave and Memo are always available to listen and are very fair minded.
notice my picture is at the Villa gearing up for a shore dive.

Aldora is a great operation. The missed gem for newer divers is the ability to shore dive at the Villa. Do a chk out dive with them and this will get you on a good group fit on the boats. A big perk is the quick night shore dive at the Villa. There was a resident green moray under the dock, along with several octopi that are fairly comfortable around divers, so they don't immediately bolt or hide. Great intro to a night dive in semi-controlled surroundings. If you do have issues Dave and Memo are always available to listen and are very fair minded.
notice my picture is at the Villa gearing up for a shore dive.

This is so true- that night dive at the Villa is just great- no boat ride, in and out when you want, warm post-dive shower right at hand. Plus I had a juvenile octopus check out my hand with its cold little suckers!

 

[scubbq]

Question to the Villa regulars. If you had to choose between Courtyard Sur and San Juan room, solo diver trip, which is best? Is one a complete mattress and the other two twins shoved together? (Hate that). There is a scathing trip advisor review that makes me hesitant, but I can’t trust one angry traveler. Have only seen Villa from the boat!

This would be the final four days of a two week stay at Casa Mexicana which is my normal base of operations. Like CM due to comfy beds, good shower, and proximity. Final four days at Aldora seems like a good place to relax on the water versus over a 7-11 across the street from the water?

 

[Dan G]

Question to the Villa regulars. If you had to choose between Courtyard Sur and San Juan room, solo diver trip, which is best? Is one a complete mattress and the other two twins shoved together? (Hate that). There is a scathing trip advisor review that makes me hesitant, but I can’t trust one angry traveler. Have only seen Villa from the boat!

This would be the final four days of a two week stay at Casa Mexicana which is my normal base of operations. Like CM due to comfy beds, good shower, and proximity. Final four days at Aldora seems like a good place to relax on the water versus over a 7-11 across the street from the water?

I recommend Courtyard Sur over San Juan. I have stayed in both and liked Courtyard Sur much more due to more space (the 50sq ft in Courtyard Sur goes a long way) plus the layout is nicer. We sat at the table just outside of CS often to eat breakfast or lunch, and SJ was noisier due to its location.

 

[divingjd]

I recommend Courtyard Sur over San Juan. I have stayed in both and liked Courtyard Sur much more due to more space (the 50sq ft in Courtyard Sur goes a long way) plus the layout is nicer. We sat at the table just outside of CS often to eat breakfast or lunch, and SJ was noisier due to its location.

Agreed. The courtyard rooms are really nice for a solo trip. San Juan feels a little cramped, even when you’re by yourself. Alexander is great, too. For a few more bucks, you get the full kitchen.