which ports offer dive trips from the cruise ship's pier?

[bradlw]

I guess I'm focusing primarily on cruises from Florida, to the Caribean or Mexico

I've never dived from a cruise, and haven't done any of the shore excursions that they offer
but I remember one or two cruises where when getting off the boat to walk around town, I saw folks stepping off the ship and right in the same pier stepping onto an excursion boat. Maybe they were sailing trips or maybe snorkeling trips, I don't know... Not sure if any were scuba...probably not.

Anyway, just thinking that since my family is now certified...and it's been quite a while since we've cruised... that maybe in the next year or so we might consider a cruise

Any suggestions for great ports with convenient scuba excursions, good diving, etc...?

 

[Tigerpaw]

There are plenty of dive shops in the Caribbean and Mexico, I would recommend you search the board and ask for dive shop recommendations at these forums:

Here for the Caribbean: Greater Caribbean & Bermuda
AND
Here for Mexico: Mexico
AND
Here for Central America: Central America

So all that being said my personal favorites that I dive when on a cruise are:
Dive Doctor in Playa Costa Maya
Dive with a Purpose in Cozumel

I generally dive on cruises, so my advice is to contact the dive shop, let them know you're coming in on a cruise ship. They are generally good about organizing your dives so that you can make it back to the ship on time. I allow myself 2-3 hours from sailing time, so if the ship departs at 5pm, I tell them I want to be back AT the ship by 2pm. Some cruises have dive excursions but I heard those are crammed with divers of different experience levels and sometimes a big ball of mass confusion and are not fun. It's why I always plan my own dive excursions vs doing the ship excursion.

As for dive gear, each diver is different but I bring my entire setup with me and just rent tanks and weights. I prefer using my own gear and you can't be to sure about how well they clean gear. I also like the looks and comments when I'm in a cold weather port. Last year on a cruise in Norway I got plenty of stares and one sweet lady remarked, "That just ain't right" LOL. That's when I explain about the drysuit and diving in general. The crew thinks it's cool, but yeah I personally like to take my own gear, oh MAKE SURE you remove any diving knives, security will confiscate it but you'll get it back at the end of the cruise.

Good luck and have fun!

P.S. I grew up in Jacksonville

 

[Wants2divemore]

To answer your specific question, there are a few dive operators which have either their shop or meeting place right next to the cruise terminal and are very easy to get to. Your best bet is to search on this cruise forum and the other forums @Tigerpaw recommended above for Trip Report posts and recommendations. If you don't see anything specific for a port you're considering, post in that forum asking for recommendations. You can also search on Trip Advisor and the PADI travel sites for dive shops in the port you're going to, look at a map and see their location. Ask them where they meet (sometimes it will be at their shop, sometimes at the pier) and sometimes they'll make allowances for you to meet them close to the pier. Sometimes they also offer transportation to their shop and back.

I've researched all the dive ops in about 30 different ports over the past few years, compiling information from their website, SB reviews, plus questions I've asked them. While I've only dove with about 20 of them, if there's a particular port you're interested let me know and I can send you the info I have. If you want the whole list, I'm find sending that too.

My personal favorites that were easy to get to have been (in no particular order):
-Pro Divers in St. Kitts
-St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures (SCUBA) in St. Croix

While most of my diving has been ones I set up myself, I have dove on an official shore excursion a few times when the boats arrival into or departure from port didn't work with the time schedule of the local shop. On average the official scuba excursions from the cruise line are more likely to be more crowded and have more vacation divers/beginners than a local shop, but it's not always the case. But overall, I've had better dives on with the dives I've set up myself than the official cruise excursions.

However, if you're going to be diving with your entire family, there's a certain amount of comfort in diving with an official shore excursion. If there's a problem that delays getting back to the cruise ship (medical emergency, time spent looking for a lost diver, etc.) if you're on an official cruise excursion, the ship won't leave without you. Thankfully I've never been close to being late for the ship on dives I've set up on my own, but it's something to consider.

 

[Milzie]

My wife and I take lots of cruises and virtually never book anything through the ship. Ship excursions are always over crowded and over priced as the cruise line is taking a cut from the local tour operator.

Cruise line sponsored Scuba excursions are getting pretty close to extinct, so you are likely going to be forced to find your own which is pretty easy to do. Book a cruise, then google something like St Thomas (or wherever) cruise scuba excursions, and you should have no trouble finding local shops that will pick you up at the pier and return you to the pier (or an easy cab ride worst case). Cabs are plentiful right at the pier.

Alternatively, once you have your cruise booked and your stops are known, a quick search or new post for recommendations here will lead you to lots of options.

Self guided excursions can be scary for your first time, but really nothing to stress over as most of the islands are super easy to get around and all the tour companies/dive shops are well aware of your need to be back well before ship departure. They get lists of what ships are in port every day with arrival/departure times.

 

[bradlw]

thanks. I hear you about the overcrowding and over priced nature of teh cruisline trips. I guess I kindof expect that
but I also see value in the convenience, if they'll pick me up and drop me off from teh pier just a few steps away from the ship. I stress a little bit out of all teh extra layers of things that can go wrong when you start adding in taxis, distance, and time
Not a huge worry, but there is some value to avoiding that that I was thinking I'd consider.

No affirmative responses here, tells me that what I was thinking may not exist. I know I saw it one time at least years ago...but not sure about diving. I think it was a sailboat excursion that folks were boarding as we walked into town...

 

[Brad J]

I'm looking at doing the same, diving from a cruise. We have the following times and ports:
Costa Maya 8:00am-6:00pm
Roatan 7:00am-4:00pm
Cozumel 8:00am-6:00pm

We'd like to get at least 2 dives in all three spots, possibly 3. Any comments on if that's possible or suggestions?

Can you please send the information each? @Wants2divemore

 

[Wants2divemore]

Here's the info. NOTE - the info about pricing, etc. was as of last year. I'd check with each op to see what current prices / times are.

In Costa Maya I've dove with Gypsea Divers. In Roatan I've dove with Anthony's Key. In Cozumel, I dove with Sand Dollar Sports. I've included the Trip Report I posted about each dive with that dive ops listing. Both Anthony's Key and Sand Dollar Sports were official cruise excursions because the timing of my cruise stops didn't work with any of the other operators. As my trip reports mention, they were okay but I'd use someone else in the future. Island Diving Center in Roatan looks great, as does Ambient Diver Cozumel or Scuba Tony in Cozumel.

Puerto Costa Maya MEXICO
Costa Maya is a marketing term for the cruise dock just North of Mahahual

Gypsea Divers, Calle Huauchinango Detras del National Beach Club ; 18.715313, -87.708182, 77976 Mahahual, Q.R., Mexico
Gypseadivers.com
info@gypseadivers.com

10 min drive from pier

$95 2-tank dive, $30 more for private DM, normally 9a & 1p dives.
Deposit through PayPal, refundable if >48h cancellation or bad weather
6 diver maximum group, 2 diver minimum.
Boat has shade, no head, SI back at shore

Review: TLR - Good operator, would use again. Easy to get to from the Puerto Costa Maya (Mahahual) cruise terminal if you’re coming in on a cruise.

I dove with Gypsea Divers on April 8, 2024 while on a cruise stop in Puerto Costa Maya, which is a marketing term for the cruise terminal just north of Mahahual. This was my first time there.

Booking: Booked via email, Catherine (I believe she’s the owner) was very responsive and helpful.

Location: Next to the Nacional Beach Club, a 10 minute taxi ride from the cruise terminal ($8 USD). There were plenty of taxis waiting right outside the cruise terminal.

Check in: Very easy. Catherine already had my infromation, just had to fill out the standard waiver and show my C-card. Since I had all my own gear, there was no need to get anything other than weights. Note - for those renting it looked like they had Cresi equipment that appeared to be well-maintained.

Trip to boat: The boat is a 3-minute walk from the shop to the beach area (they carried my dive bag in a cart for me). There is no dock, the boat is anchored 4’ from the water’s edge along the beach.

Boat: Small 6-person boat with simple outboard motor the captain steers directly from the stern. There was a canopy for shade. No mention of safety equipment or procedures, but the life vests and first air gear was clearly visible. No dunk tanks.

Dives: The dive sites are at most a 5 min ride out from the beach to the reef. First dive was Escalones, 65’ max depth along the reef. Everyone backrolled into the water together (boat was too small to giant stride). Group traveled together along the reef behind Catherine. Catherine checked everyone’s air, and when someone was below 700 psi, she shot a DSMB and we all rose for the 3-minute safety stop. After the stop was finished, everyone surfaced together and the boat picked us up and we returned to shore (5 minutes). Total dive time was 56 minutes.

The SI was back at the shop and consisted of water, baked goods, and fresh pineapple. After the SI, we went back to the boat and out again for the second dive, which was 40 Canyons, 65’ foot max depth along the reef. The second dive went exactly like the first. Total dive time was 57 minutes.

I found the reef to appear healthy with plenty of life.

The shop has a fresh-water dunk tank, hanging racks, outdoor shower, and indoor bathroom for rinsing off/changing afterwards. There were plenty of taxis waiting along the street, so it was easy to get back to the cruise terminal.

Overall I had a good time and good dives. I recommend Gypsea Divers and didn't experience anything concerning.


Alux Divers Mahahual
Malecon, with Calle Rubia, 77976 Mahahual
+52 984 165 4753
www.aluxdivers.com

Great SB and Trip Advisor reviews


Doctor Dive
5 min from pier, $8 taxi ride
+52 998 343 7681 What’s App
Dive center is in the “Yaya Beach Club”
Good Trip Advisor reviews
Good SB reviews

2-tank dives start at 9a or 11.30a, typically last 4 hours. $95. Dive site 15 min boat ride from shop. Surface interval is back at dive shop, includes fruit, snacks, and water.

$50 deposit through Zelle info@doctordive.com Manuel Alberto Armas Duarte

Have 3 boats (one 16 diver, two 6 diver), boats appear to have shade. no minimum group size
Max 6 divers/DM
Private DM available for $50


Amigos del Mar Mahahaul
amigosdelmar.net
Avenida Malecon corner Coronado Street
77976 Mahahaul, Q.R. Mexico
+52 984 151 6758
info@amigosdelmar.net

11 min from pier

Good SB recommendations
2-tank $90, 3-tank $120

Boat: La Chula
Max 14 divers + crew
Canopy covering all seating areas

 

[Wants2divemore]

ROATAN

Island Diving Center
18 min from pier
Islanddivingcenterroatan.com

504.3380.6100

Good SB reviews. Is in West End area which has better diving that AKR. Should try and use over AKR or other cruise excursion if possible.

2-tank boat dive for cruise ship guests, $110 - includes transportation to/from cruise pier
Fully refundable if cruise ship can’t dock or canceled due to weather. Otherwise, 100% refund if cancel >24h in advance

-Will adjust pick up time for cruise ship
-Group divers into beginners, experiences, & pros
-Only 1 diver required, so won’t cancel dive if no one else diving
-Private guide $40/dive

4 boats, size 6-20 people. Look like have shade but not head


Roatan Dive Center
Main Road, Dixon Cove, IB3108
www.roatandivecenter.com
+504 9542-2577 (WhatsApp)

11 min drive from pier
Good 3.7.2024 SB Review

2023 price (2024 may be different) $113.85 for 2-tank dive (includes tax and transport to/from cruise terminal). Private guide additional $25 + tax per dive

3 boats, largest 14 passengers. Dive group size depends on divers in group but max 8:1

Shade, no head
-Select dive sites that day (max depth 60’, max length 60min/dive, but may be shallower)
-Showers/restrooms available back at shop
-Payment via PayPal.
-Offer refund if ship can’t dock due to weather or change of itinerary

For those divers who we have never dived with then each dive has a maximum depth of around 60ft/18mtrs (or shallower) and a maximum of 60 minutes in duration (Air permitting)

For those divers who find themselves low on air earlier, then the Divemaster will have the Group back at the boat around the 45-minute markand have them complete a Safety Stop and Surface. The remaining divers will be able to dive longer if tank pressure permits.


West Bay Divers
Good SB reviews, including 2.2.2025 JossRincon
We are in the West Bay now, @Ole Larson - we've been. here a month and were originally planning to try a few different dive shops. But the water/reef off this area has so much to offer, we've basically stayed here for the trip. We have been with West Bay Divers the entire time. They are professional, organized, accommodating, and safe - we dive w/nitrox and they follow all protocol. If you do multiple dives they will store your gear for you, too, so we just go home with whatever we feel we want with us (computer, small things like my lights/camera/etc. so I can get them cleaned). It's been super easy and we haven't repeated one dive the entire month.


West End Divers
15 min drive from pier
Good SB reviews
West End Divers, West End Road, West End, Bay Islands
+504-9513-2287
westenddivers.com

$90 for 2-tank dive for cruise ship guests


Coconut Tree Divers
coconuttreedivers.com
504.8795.8323 WhatsApp
email@coconuttreedivers.com

Good SB review & Trip Advisor reviews

15 min from pier

8.30a-2p; 2-tank $110 (including transportation) - separate boat just for cruise ship passengers so they make sure timing is right. Private DM $25/dive/person

• 1st dive is typically deep (80-130’) along walls or wreck, 2nd dive is shallower
• Prefer cash, 6% credit card surcharge; also accept Venmo, PayPal. $30 deposit required at booking, non refundable unless ship cancels its port
• Typical group of 8 divers. Everyone stays together
• No minimum, will dive with 1 diver
• Boats are covered, no head

Turquoise Bay Resort
Good SB reviews

35 minutes from cruise pier




Barefoot Divers

Good SB review mbwilliamn
Close to Mary’s Porch dive which is supposedly excellent.



Anthony’s Key
Good SB reviews
18 min from cruise pier

Diving for non-resort guests is on a space-available basis

TLR - Good dives with established operator, but questionable safety on dive.

I took an official Royal Caribbean shore excursion dive with Anthony’s Key resort on April 10, 2024. When booking the dive, it was advertised as being with Anthony’s Key, as opposed to some other dive excursions where they don’t mention beforehand what dive op they use.

Getting there: After meeting on ship, the entire group exited the ship, then walked about 5 minutes to the AKR shuttle, along with other divers from a different Royal Caribbean ship. It was a 25 minute drive to the resort

Once at AKR, the 8 divers from our ship were taken to the boat and the other 15 from the other ship went to a different boat. I brought my own gear, but everyone else was using gear provided by AKR (this was included in the excursion). The gear was ScubaPro jacket BCDs and regs. They appeared to be in good condition and I didin’t notice anyone having any gear problems. Nitrox was available for an additional fee.

Dive Boat: The Isomar, a 28’ dive boat with rack space for about 20 divers. Boat had shade, rinse buckets for cameras/computers and separate one for mask, life vests, oxygen, and first aid kit. No head.

Dive briefing: Mentioned location of safety equipment and dive plan. There was no attempt to establish dive buddies. Since I was by myself, the DM just asked me to stay with him. The DM mentioned that the cruise ship policies limited the depth on each dive to 60’. This wasn’t mentioned in the booking information from Royal Caribbean. There was 1 DM for the group of 8 divers, which is the maximum allowed by marine park rules. He mentioned that the reef rose near the end which would serve as a natural safety stop.

Dive 1: 3 minute boat ride from dock to Over Heat reef. It was a group dive with everyone supposed to be staying with the DM. There was a photographer from AKR diving with the group, taking photos and video. Simple out and back along the reef. The reef seemed healthy with good life. There were a few points where you could have gone deeper than 60’ but the DM seemed to follow the shallower part of the reef. The contour naturally rose for the last 10 minutes of the dive. There wasn’t an official safety stop, but I was at 15’ for the last 5 minutes of the dive, my SurfGF was 35%, and my NDL was 99.. Everyone ascended together then back into the boat. Total dive time was 45 minutes.

Surface interval: Back at AKR docks. Nothing was provided except for water; they have a gift shop where you can buy snacks. The photos and video from the 1st dive were displayed about 5 minutes after we got back to the dive. I didn’t check to see how much they were to purchase.

Dive 2: Peter’s Place, a 3 minute ride from the dock. Again, a simple out and back, staying along the reef. There were a few more spots that would have been good to go below 60’, but the DM kept people away from those areas.

Near the end of the dive, the DM led everyone through a natural rock swim through, about 40’ long, 5’ high, 6’ wide, with the exit visible from the entrance. There was no mention of this swim through on the boat during the dive briefing before the dive. I followed in behind the DM since he was my buddy. Once I exited I gave him the okay sign, and turned to make sure the person behind me was coming out. The DM ascended to about 10’ above the exit waited until the 3rd person exited, then started to swim off and never checked to make sure everyone else exited. The exit was at 45’, then the contour of the reef rose quickly and the DM was waiting at about 50’ away at 15’ depth (but he was far enough away that he couldn't see the swim through exit). There was no official safety stop signaled by the DM but everyone was pretty shallow at this point and my SurfGF was 40% and my NDL was 99. Everyone ascended and got back into the boat. Total dive time was 45 minutes. Once back at AKR, there were restrooms and showers available but I didn't see any dunk tanks. There might have been farther away but I didn't have time to look as the shuttle arrived 10 minutes later.

During both dives, I only saw the DM look back at the group once every 5-10 minutes to make sure everyone was still there. That, combined with how he handled the swim through, was concerning to me from a safety perspective.

Overall, I enjoyed the dives and knew that I was getting a generic group dive since I booked with the ship. I did appreciate that they didn't combine all 23 of us cruise ship divers into one boat. If I come back to Roatan on a cruise, I’ll use a different dive op. AKR looked nice and from reading reviews on SB, I would strongly consider staying there if coming to Roatan for multiple days.



Sun Divers
Good SB reviews
13 min from pier

8.30a 2-tank dive trip, $90
Boats hold 10-12
Max 6 divers/DM
Deposit required at booking, fully fundable >30d in advance, 50% >15d, 0% <14d
Cash discount

 

[Wants2divemore]

COZUMEL

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)


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


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
10 min from International Pier

2-tank boat dive, 8a & 1.30p, $99.76 (be there at 1p)
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.
11.7.2023 review said 9:1 when there Oct 2023, guide didn’t look around, not great experience.


Dive Paradise
diveparadise.com
10 min from International Pier

Good review on SB for diving from a cruise ship, said was very accommodating to cruise schedule and 10a morning express boat is good.

8a-1.30p & 10a - 3p express morning trip $103 (should do 10a)
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;



Living Underwater
Good SB review
Small groups, usually only AOW or higher
Good sites chosen on group


Azul Divers Cozumel
azuldivers.com
info@azuldivers.com
+52 987 141 3551

Great reviews on SB.
Dives in Cozumel Marine Park
Departs from marina Fonatur
Small groups, 6 people per DM


Scuba with Alison
scubawithalison.com
5 min from International Pier
Small, fast boats (8 divers max on boat)
Good Trip Advisor reviews & SB review



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



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


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


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 3.10.2025 JT145

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)



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



Dressel Divers
Large cattle boat operation, dive 8:1
11.7.2023 SB review said had great difficulty in communicating with them since they’re based in Spain and all communication beforehand has to go through Spain office. Didn’t recommend


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
Can leave gear with shop during entire stay
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


Sand Dollar Sports

TLR - Good dive with Sand Dollar Sports. Would do again if coming on a cruise ship and port times don’t work well with other dive ops. If times work, would consider another dive op that goes father out to different sites.

I was in Cozumel on April 11, 2024 on a Royal Caribbean cruise. This was my first time in Cozumel. I chose to dive with an official shore excursion through the cruise line, due to our ship arriving too late to make the morning dives and leaving to early to ensure that I would be back on board if doing the afternoon dives with other operators. Royal Caribbean didn’t advertise who the dive was with (and wouldn’t answer when I asked before the cruise). I read on a Facebook group beforehand that Royal Caribbean used Sand Dollar Sports, which is who the dive was with.

Getting there: Our ship docked at the International terminal. The excursion met at 12.15p at the end of the pier, the 6 of us walked 30 seconds to another section of the pier, where we boarded one of Sand Dollar Sports’ boats. It was a short 3 minute ride to Sand Dollar Sports (they’re ½ mile north of terminal) where we got off and everyone got gear (I was the only one with my own gear). The gear was AquaLung BCDs and regs. It looked well maintained and I didn’t see anyone have any problems with gear during the dive.

Boat: Even though there were only 6 of us, we were on one of their larger dive boats, with rack space for at least 25 divers. There was a marine head, camera/computer and mask dunk tanks, and shade covering half the boat. The boat had life jackets, first aid equipment, and oxygen.

Dive briefing: Covered safety equipment on the boat and the dive plan, which was descend and drift as a group with the DM, then ascend whenever someone had 700 psi for a 3-minute safety stop then board the board. No buddies were established, but 4 of the group were 2 couples, so I buddied with the other solo diver.

Dive 1: Villa Blanca, max depth 65’, a short 3-minute ride northwest from Sand Dollar Sports. It was a easy drift dive along the reef. The DM did a great job of pointing out interesting creatures, as well as regularly checking that the group was still together. At the end, the DM shot a DSMB, we all ascended to 15’ for the safety stop, then got back on the boat. Total time was 45 minutes.

Surface Interval: They provided fresh fruit and water on the boat. The boat moved slowly south to the 2nd dive site, which was about ½ mile south of the International terminal.

Dive 2: Paradise Reef, max depth 35’. Again, a shallow, easy, gentle drift dive with lots of life. At 45 minutes, the DM shot the DSMB, everyone did the safety stop and boarded the boat.

Once on board, it was a 10 minute ride back to the International terminal, where we were dropped off next to our ship.

Overall I enjoyed both dives. From reading on SB, I understand that there are many other sites, including wall dives, that might be more interesting. I imagine that our sites were chosen to make sure we got back to the ship on time. If I come back to Cozumel, I would choose a different op that had small fast boats to see other sites. But if I ever come back on a cruise and time is an issue, I wouldn’t have a problem diving with Sand Dollar Sports again on an official shore excursion.

 

[gmerick]

Several places I've dived where the Dive Boat was at the pier:
St Lucia (my favorite) Dive St Lucia (Scuba Steve) picks up at the ferry pier or on the cruise pier.
St Thomas, Operators are moored in the cruise pier basin
St Croix, Dive boats are moored on the cruise pier (I live here)
St Kitts, Dive boats are moored in the yacht basin attached to the cruise pier
St Martin, Dive St Martin is 1/4 mile down the cruise pier access road, and the water taxi from the cruise pier drops at the dive dock.

I have dived at all the above.