Palace Pier Pick-up/Drop-off?

[DSR-3]

A search found what looks like a couple op's (BXTC, and Salty Endev.) that pick-up at the Palace pier other than the house op- Aqua Safari. 'Any other's worth considering (or not)?
Not out front (ratty truck optional), not a taxi, or a scooter... From the pier and back to it (and be quick about it!). Yes, I am lazy and spoiled on vacation. Thanks!

 

[willmann_nc]

I use Dive with Martin, they're at Cozumel Palace pier between 7 and 7:15 AM, one of the first boats on the reef and back by 12:30. The continental breakfast at Cozumel Palace starts at 6:30, full breakfast starts at 7. Most dive ops at the northern marina will pickup at the Palace most at the southern marina will not (DWM is the exception).

Terry

 

[cicopo]

I know Living Underwater & Aldora pick up there & I'm sure there are more who do. Suspect Dive Paradise must too but be warned their small fast boats do not have shade.

 

[Dave Dillehay]

Aldora would pick you up a 7:35 with your gear all set up. With high Capacity tanks and long surface intervals on the beach you could expect to be back 1;30-2;00 PM

Dave Dillehay
Aldora Divers

www.aldora.com

 

[Christi]

A search found what looks like a couple op's (BXTC, and Salty Endev.) that pick-up at the Palace pier other than the house op- Aqua Safari. 'Any other's worth considering (or not)?
Not out front (ratty truck optional), not a taxi, or a scooter... From the pier and back to it (and be quick about it!). Yes, I am lazy and spoiled on vacation. Thanks!

Yes, Blue XT~Sea picks up at Cozumel
palace pier between 8:00 and 8:15am drop off usually between 1:00 and 1:30. Shoot us an email, we’ll be happy to accommodate you.

 

[DSR-3]

Thanks for the good news.

 

[deepsea21]

Tres Pelicanos will pick you up and drop you off with their courtesy transport from the front of the Palace via a taxi or one of their vehicles (I would't call their trucks "ratty"). Street pick up at the Palace is around 7:45 and drop-off would be around 12:30 on average. I've always been amazed how many divers 3P's picks up from the Palace when Palace guests have the option to use their resort dollars for diving but they prefer to dive with the off-site boutique dive ops instead and use them on other offerings.

Do consider that most dives are done on the southern sites so the time you spend on the boat with a Palace pier pickup getting to those sites and back is about the same and usually a bit longer than taking courtesy on-land transport from the Palace down to the southern marina and heading out on the boat from there. Depending on weather conditions, the ride south in a truck or taxi can be far more enjoyable than covering that distance in a boat.

If you own your own gear and are admittedly "lazy" like me on vaca, regardless of who you chose you'll want to make sure they take care of all of your gear from the day you arrive until you depart so you aren't lugging it around or screwing around with rinsing and hanging it daily yourself.

3P's takes care of all of my gear including neoprene. Aldora will take care of everything except your neoprene. Christi can comment on what her op takes care of... I believe Blue XT Sea takes care of all gear as well but I'm not sure if they also take care of your neoprene.

 

[MMM]

My experience is that driving to the caleta in the morning is easy. It is a PITA coming back when it is wall-to-wall taxis and cruise ship people and takes FOREVER. I would FAR rather be chilling on a boat if the conditions are not bucketing rain and howling wind. That is far from the norm. And FYI, Living Underwater handles your neoprene as well. They pick up first and the downtown pier (around 8 a.m.) and then El Cantil and the Palace around 8:10.

Do consider that most dives are done on the southern sites so the time you spend on the boat with a Palace pier pickup getting to those sites and back is about the same and usually a bit longer than taking courtesy on-land transport from the Palace down to the southern marina and heading out on the boat from there. Depending on weather conditions, the ride south in a truck or taxi can be far more enjoyable than covering that distance in a boat.

3P's takes care of all of my gear including neoprene. Aldora will take care of everything except your neoprene. Christi can comment on what her op takes care of... I believe Blue XT Sea takes care of all gear as well but I'm not sure if they also take care of your neoprene.

 

[willmann_nc]

It is a PITA coming back when it is wall-to-wall taxis and cruise ship people and takes FOREVER. I would FAR rather be chilling on a boat if the conditions are not bucketing rain and howling wind.

I couldn't agree more, Three P's is a good dive Op and use them when I'm staying in town but prefer getting picked up by a boat when a pier is available.

 

[DSR-3]

I too prefer the boat ride, having experienced both challenging boat rides and numbing taxi rides on Coz. I hope my "ratty truck" comment doesn't offend, but I'll stand by it! (not that I have a problem with ratty trucks, either).
Now it's down to choosing the Palace or Fiesta Americana. My wife likes the Palace (been 3x), and it is our anniversary, but I've always wanted to try the FA. Cost is not much of a consideration.*
*Goes for paying for a better operator vs cattle boats for "free" with the house shop (the AS guys were still cool and let me shore dive for free). Thanks again for the comments.