Currents in Cozumel?

[Diving Dubai]

Currents are quite predictable given that they are driven by the most part by tides.

The NOAA has a nice simple educational website on them.

You can easily get an online tide predictor which will not only show high water and low water each day, but the swing between the two. If there is a large difference then you'll get stronger currents (more water flowing) and vis versa.

I've always been taught (I stand to be corrected) that as a rule of thumb 20mins before and after High and low tide is the slack water time where you get lowest water exchange

Obviously wind can exacerbate the tides, a wind blowing towards the land can increase the tidal height, and again the opposite.

Of course local captains understand all the different variances and have an uncanny ability to predict currents exactly.

 

[ggunn]

Currents are quite predictable given that they are driven by the most part by tides.

The current that flows past Cozumel is part of the Gulf stream, not a tidal current, and it swirls and eddies along the shoreline. It can be totally different in magnitude and direction at one dive site from what it is at another only a mile or two away.

 

[cvchief]

Trust me, Dave, I won't get into the argument about the difference between anecdotal and empirical evidence.

So..... You got any empirical evidence? My anecdotal and Dave's seem to match, so absent empirical evidence to the contrary, I will postulate a theory.

I will probably take a year or two of study, so I am going to need you all to go to my go fund me page. Just look for 'Send Jefe to Cozumel for 2 year diving for the study of currents as well as the definitive study of margarita quality as relates to the degree of intoxication."

We will also be raising money for MStevens to do the peer review. (and a small study on the flavor profiles of mojitos at sea level vs on a balcony.)

 

[WarrenZ]

I'm in for the study on cervaza accelerated decompression as it relates to nocturnal desaturation.

 

[ggunn]

You guys are going to need a Registered Professional Engineer to certify and seal your results. Fortunately for you, I am such a person. I'll need to be on site for the collection of the data, of course.

Gordon Gunn, PE, BSEE, BSChem

 

[Thomthumb]

Thanks for all the replys. I guess that I am going to have to go along to provide an unbiased tester

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

I got hit by a crazy strong current on April 18 and was separated from my group when I followed the wrong set of fins through the wrong swim through. When I tried to go over the reef and find my group, the current blew me off the reef and I went for a ride, launched my SmB, and completed my safety stop. By the time I was done, our boat was waiting for me and my wife gave me a hug once I was back on board as opposed to the slap I deserved.

We knew when we dropped in the currents were strong because we were diving in a sandstorm. It literally looked like a blizzard and was beautiful in its own way. The next day we dove the same site and it was dead calm and beautiful. The strong currents had blown sand all on the reef and it looked like a snow storm had hit under water. One of my favorite dives ever. Even the strong current dive was a blast, I was just embarrassed I cut everyone else's dive short by about 15 minutes. So my contribution to this post is:

1. Currents are possible, make sure you have a SmB and reel and know how to use it.
2. There is far far less than a 1% chance you will need it
3. If you are separated, follow the lost diver drill, thumb the dive if you can't find your group, and as soon as your DM notices your gone and surfaces, every boat in the area will be looking for you.

Safe travels,
Jay

 

[Dizzi Lizzi]

Wait! I'm a RN, you need me along too!!!

 

[ggunn]

1. Currents are possible, make sure you have a SmB and reel and know how to use it.
2. There is far far less than a 1% chance you will need it.

I have need of my SMB at least once on every trip I make to Cozumel. Nothing particularly scary, just coming up sooner or later than others in the group through layers of current that are moving at different speeds, or diving somewhere like Colombia Shallows where there is no need to stay right together, or diving outside the park without a guide, or just having something to hang from at a safety stop. I make a point of deploying it near the beginning of every trip even when I don't need to just as a refresher.

 

[deepsea21]

Does anyone know when the current in Cozumel are slower than normal. When are the strongest currents?

Thanks,
Thom

After 14-15 years of diving Cozumel there is always a S to N current. It's the nature of the reef and one of the reasons (despite on-island development) Coz continues to offer world class diving at a discount. All that fresh water flowing up from the south continuously feeds the reef. There are no "spooky" currents in my opinion and, in fact, the current can offer a spectacular no-finning-necessary dive... Just kick back R-E-L-A-X and enjoy. If you are a bit spooked by current, spend the $50 or so for a private DM on your first dive. After that, you'll be like "What the heck was I so worried about as this is great!"