The Dilemma

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Teufel4K

Semper Fidelis
ScubaBoard Supporter
Messages
41
Reaction score
36
Location
Maryland
# of dives
50 - 99
I'm planning a trip to Cozumel next year in October. I've never been and will be traveling with two other scuba divers who just recently got certified.

I am debating on whether or not to stay at Cozumel Palace All Inclusive or at a regular hotel like the Casa Mexicana.

I don't plan on using Aqua Safari if staying at Cozumel Palace. And would be using Tres Pelicanos or Aldora (from all the glowing recommendations here).

My biggest thing is the estimated $300 a night at Cozumel Palace vs $100 a night at Casa Mexicana and going out to eat in town. I don't drink so I think the All Inclusive might be wasted on me but I like the idea and convenience of being all to get food and snacks whenever via the hotel restaurants or room service. But at the same time I could save $200 a day to put towards diving and food out in town.

What do you Veterans of Cozumel think?
 
I think you need an AI like a hole in the head. Stay at Casa Mexicana or similar, get out and walk around the plaza in downtown Cozumel each afternoon or evening, enjoy the restaurants, walk to Mega (big supermarket/department store) to get a few things. Enjoy the Cozumel vibe.

Wash, rinse and repeat with all the money you saved.
 
I think you may find that a lot of people on Scuba Board like to travel cheap. There are others who place a higher value on comfortable accomodations and what passes for luxury on Cozumel. You have to decide whether cheap is the most important thing. Also be aware that the Palace has decided to place a tax on divers who use their pier but don't use their dive operation. It adds up and has to be part of your calculus. I wouldn't consider staying at the places listed thus far in this thread. Probably because at this point in my life I place a high value on comfort and relative luxury. YMMV.
 
I think you may find that a lot of people on Scuba Board like to travel cheap. There are others who place a higher value on comfortable accomodations and what passes for luxury on Cozumel. You have to decide whether cheap is the most important thing. Also be aware that the Palace has decided to place a tax on divers who use their pier but don't use their dive operation. It adds up and has to be part of your calculus. I wouldn't consider staying at the places listed thus far in this thread. Probably because at this point in my life I place a high value on comfort and relative luxury. YMMV.
Yep I read that they are charging $25 a day per diver to use the dock for pick up. That's fine, their house their rules. I'll just use a company like Tres Pelicanos to pick me up on the street or take a cab to meet them at the Marina.

What are more comfortable and luxurious hotel options? The Presidente?
 
I think you will be very happy. Be sure to take in "Buccanos at Night" one evening. $8 or so cab ride from The Palace and a lovely evening awaits. Please Google it. Enjoy your time on Cozumel.
 
I don’t think AI is justified for a dive vacation, the food tends to be ****** and you barely get to use the other perks. Being close to the dive op, for me, would be a lot more comfort than having to take a taxi - so it would be Casa Mexicana between those two.

That said - take a look at other places in the area, or if you go with Casa Mexicana, make sure you get a room high up and with no connecting door. I found it to be only “ok” value, and WAY too noisy in the bottom floor rooms.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/perdix-ai/

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