Cozumel questions

[DandyDon]

Ok diving the ocean is different and Coz currents can be challenging in some ways. Not advanced necessarily, but not Molasses Reef either.

Do you think i should bring along signal mirrors as well?

I carry one on every dive, along with dive light, sausage, storm whistle, inline Dive Alert whistle, etc. If I get swept away, I want to be found.

 

[halocline]

I usually stay right next door to Casa Del Mar in a little B&B. In fact, I just got back. It's about a 45 minute walk into the downtown area, (just under 3 miles) not bad at all if you're not in a hurry. I usually rent a bicycle for the week and it's an easy 10-15 minute ride. A taxi from casa del mar to downtown will run about 80 pesos.

My favorite restaurants are only open during the day; but I like to eat at the local dives, not the tourist places. There are lots and lots of choices of varying quality both for locals and tourists. You'll have fun looking around town. There's an inverse relationship between the enjoyment of downtown and the number of cruise ships in port.

Shore diving is okay right there; I assume you're diving with del mar, but if not, there's a good small dive op right next door. Send me a PM if you want more info. If you dive due west from the remains of the pier, you'll hit the last little bit of paradise reef that was cut off from the main part of the reef by the construction of the cruise ship piers. It's an interesting night dive. I've never taken a float. Probably a good idea but I guess I'm a risk taker.

 

[ggunn]

There is a lot of unique structure (some "junk" but also some nice coral heads) on the bottom south of the pier. In February, my plan is to familiarize myself with the bottom topography during some day dives so I can navigate at night going from one thing to the next. Shouldn't be hard to do. I'll break out the compass if needed.

It never hurts to have a compass. Inertial navigation is fine until you lose the string, which is easy to do, especially at night. The current can stop or change direction suddenly, so you don't want to depend on it for orientation. It's better to have a compass and not need it than the other way round.

 

[TV Mark]

Especias has great empanadas. Wet Windys has wonderful burritos and margaritas.
Four of us ate at El Piques with drinks for around 300 peso. El Moro is off the beaten path
but the sea food plater for two is very good and filling. Have Fun!

 

[underachiever]

A few places you can eat for 2 under $30. El Pique, Los Otates, El Foco, Parilla Misson on 30th, Chalangos, La Seras.

 

[DandyDon]

Yeah that $14 RT cab ride is what cuts into his budget.

 

[Ms. Ann Thrope]

Trying to keep your evening to $30 could be a bit of a challenge. We often end up walking one way, cabbing the other. Obviously the more local and less touristy the restaurant, the better the deal. I agree with Halocline that some of my favorite restaurants are the closed-by-4 places--not always compatible with a dive day.

Wet Wendy's is good; they put care into their food and the drinks are strong, but it's not what I consider cheap. We ate at El Casino (the place next to El Foco) for the first time this trip and thought it was good and moderately priced--entrees ranged from about $7-$9, mojitos were $6.

Sunday night on the square has got to be the best deal going--free music, lots of people dancing, and oftentimes lots of people selling great-looking homemade food (anything from tamales and huaraches to dessert) off of tables and carts.

Halocline--where do you rent your bicycle, and about how much is it running, price-wise? I'm pondering doing a solo cheapie trip again soon (came back yesterday but left behind a crucial piece of gear, so I might go back and get it), and I've been thinking a bicycle looks like the best way to conveniently/cheaply get back to some of the neighborhood taco joints.

 

[dougr52]

Hey all, I am going to Cozumel in January with my girlfriend and a group of divers. I've never been to the island before, and me and my girlfriend are on a pretty tight budget. We're staying at Casa Del Mar and are all inclusive there, but we would still like to go out and experience Cozumel's night life and food. our budget is something like $30 per night, what restaurants and activities would you all recommend?


OK, Question 2. I would like to do some shore diving along with the scheduled boat diving on this trip, where are some good places to go shore diving?

Thanks! We are REALLY looking forward to diving in Cozumel, it'll be my second time in the ocean and her 1st!

how did you get a all inclusive package at casa del mar ??
i donot see any travel dot com offering an ai package!!!

 

[warmwaterturner]

Great 1/2 price drinks and appetizers at Blue Angel every day 3:30 to 6:30

+1 for Blue Angel. Plus there is a nice little shore entry there right next to the Sting Ray Prison.

 

[DandyDon]

how did you get a all inclusive package at casa del mar ??
i donot see any travel dot com offering an ai package!!!

Meal plan, Hotel Casa del Mar Cozumel, Mexico.

* Breakfast, lunch and dinner
* Alcoholic and Non Alcoholic beverages
From 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
* Tax and Tips

$39.00 USD per person, per night

*** Seafood and lobster available for a surcharge of only $15.00 per plate.

Don't believe the "Tips Included" part.