First time going to Cancun/Cozumel

[rileymartin]

Hi,

I am going on a non-diving vacation next week to Cancun but would like to spend at least one day diving on Cozumel. I was hoping anyone with experience diving at Cozumel could help me with any information, recommendations, preferred dive shops etc. I've been out of diving for about 20 years so I'm also not sure how recreational diving has changed. I've already signed up for DAN diving insurance. I will be renting all equipment. Thanks for any help/info you can provide.

Riley

 

[Jay_SMART_Diver]

You will spend a lot of time traveling and you would have to strike out pretty early to get to Cozumel for the AM boat dives at the time most of the charters leave. It's about 45 minutes to an hour from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen then about 45 min for the Ferry then transport to your dive charter so take that into account. Since you have been out of the loop for such a long time you may want to do a refresher before you go (if possible). There is some good diving right in Cancun, try contacting Ben at Mayan Aqua Dive. He runs a great operation and could probably set you up with a check out/refresher and some fun dives right there in Cancun. I dove with him in March of '08 and had a great time with a lot less headache, money, and travel time for one day of diving to Cozumel. Just my 2 psi.

 

[Pearldiver07]

I didn't have a good experience with Aquaworld's trip to Cozumel. Pure cattle-drive. Their boat lost a motor, and the group leader was going to leave us behind (he was carrying the passes for the ferry and bus back). Apparently the boat crew never bothered to call ahead to let anyone know of the delay (almost 4 hours getting back to the dock). Then we had to run to BARELY make the ferry back. Since they both (boat and leader) had radios, I don't consider that acceptable. Didn't refund us for the missed meal that was paid for as part of the trip, no hint of consideration or compensation to any of us.

I've been on a lot of dive trips over the years, and they are the only operation that I can tell you I will NEVER dive with again. Stuff happens, but how they handled it showed a lot about that operation. But since, from what I saw, they're a tourist operation, they'll rely on the uninformed first-timers to keep rolling.

But the previous poster is right about the haul to get there and back - long day. Wear comfortable shoes and I suggest a roller bag, as our trip involved some distance carrying our gear between the bus to Playa and the ferry. Carrying the gear almost a half mile wasn't that fun. I am used to humping a ruck in the military, but I saw a lot of unhappy campers on that little march.

Also, think about a cenote trip from there. Less headache, incredible diving opportunity.

Have fun!

 

[escapeartist]

We used Diversity Diving who partners with Blue Angel for Cozumel dives. It was awesome! Had a blast and would do it again. Check out Diversity Diving, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

 

[firstdive2005]

Hi Riley- I second Ben at Mayan Aqua Dive. His crew is great. That is if you will be staying around Cancun. If you are going to do the trek to Coz which I hope you do. Just get up real early and make sure your on the first ferry. Now the dive OP I like is Scubamau. Email Opal and she will set you up. If you need a refresher and lets face it you do then Mau would be a great benefit to your day. But you know what nearly every dive op has a good show going on. I'm just bias to Mau's shop. Have a great time.

 

[Diane in Suntree]

Riley,

I have been using Caribbean Divers (Downtown Location) on more than a few trips to that wonderful Island of Cozumel. Here is their home page you can go to for info on them caribbeandiverscozumel.com

My opinion (for what it might be worth) on your trip is since you haven't been diving in a while you might just concider snorkeling trips instead for the one day. If you were to be there longer you could have a refresher with a divemaster or if you had more than one week till you go, it would have been a great help to re-famarilize yourself at least in a pool. Most of the dives there are drift dives (down to 125' if you aren't careful) on the walls. They tend to loose a diver once in a while but they do have a great chamber available there on the Island.

Have a great trip, eat at a "Real Mexican Restaurant" and be careful of the pick pockets..... they love the bars and crowds in the shops around Cancun! Use the bus instead of taxis, cheaper and a lot more fun (except never use a taxi that is a VW Bug). Also, don't go to the theme park Wet-n-Wild, when there is such beautiful beaches available.

Hope this helps you out a bit.
Diane

 

[submarinerman]

We have been using Dive Palancar for the last 3 years in Cozumel. We have been happy with all but one of their divemasters. Regards. Joe

 

[lv2dive_old]

Hi,

I am going on a non-diving vacation next week to Cancun but would like to spend at least one day diving on Cozumel. I was hoping anyone with experience diving at Cozumel could help me with any information, recommendations, preferred dive shops etc. I've been out of diving for about 20 years so I'm also not sure how recreational diving has changed. I've already signed up for DAN diving insurance. I will be renting all equipment. Thanks for any help/info you can provide.

Riley

defiantly Mayan aqua dive I got my advanced cert from Karl I learned allot and the crew treated me like VIP good place to do a refresher and Cancun has wonderful reefs lots of fish and shallow dives 30 to 55 ft

 

[Niko17]

Hi,

I am going on a non-diving vacation next week to Cancun but would like to spend at least one day diving on Cozumel. I was hoping anyone with experience diving at Cozumel could help me with any information, recommendations, preferred dive shops etc. I've been out of diving for about 20 years so I'm also not sure how recreational diving has changed. I've already signed up for DAN diving insurance. I will be renting all equipment. Thanks for any help/info you can provide.

Riley

I can hook you up with Pascual Scuba Center in Cozumel. Pascual has been a DM since mid 80's

You can e-mail me at nmatlhong@hotmail.com

 

[TSandM]

If you haven't been in the water for 20 years, I'd stay on the mainland side, and keep the dives shallow.