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I would also pick an operator you like rather than an operator that leaves from a particular location. In most cases, you won’t really know where you are going until you’re on the boat, anyway. There are exceptions, like the far northern sites, which tend to be booked in advance. But those are...

Glad you found out Cozumel was not the tourist trap you had heard about. As you saw, there are places that cater to the cruisers, but they are easy to avoid. I hope you will return and find better lodgings, which should not be difficult. To encourage you to return, here are a few comments on the...

The contract for the rental car may prohibit taking it to Cozumel on the ferry. Check in advance to find out if it is allowed. If not, your best bet will likely be to hire a van to get to Playa.

I’m trying to plan a trip in the next few weeks, flying into Cancun. How has the traffic been lately between PDC and Cancun airport? Is there any reason to plan for more than 90 minutes by private transfer?

You would be very unlikely to get back by noon with Aldora. I don’t think I’ve ever been back that early in more than 10 years diving with them. Transit time from Fonatur might close the gap, but you still might get back earlier with 3Ps.

I switched to my 3mil today. A little easier to descend and hold the safety stop, but not really a big difference. YMMV.

Ferry is pretty normal. Masks required. Not very crowded last Friday afternoon, except outside seating, which was full. Inside was practically empty.

Of course, wetsuit preference varies, but I am diving with Aldora right now and wearing a 5 mil in 82 degree water. I am totally comfortable. You may be OK with the 5 mil. Aldora now has some steel 117s. Shorter than the 120s, but larger diameter. Those are working well. I don’t know the details...

Agree. Lots of experienced divers prefer Aldora, but Aldora has enough boats and enough guides to group people of similar experience together. I’ve joined some of those dives when I just wanted to get in a relaxed afternoon dive or a night dive and have seen how they work with less experienced...

See you there!

April 29-May 8 at Villa Aldora, diving April 30-May 7 with Aldora.

Just barely qualify for this roll call, arriving April 29, diving April 30-May 7. Diving with Aldora, staying at Villa Aldora

Somehow, I never really notice what you can’t find in Cozumel. I’m more likely to be looking for crema, achiote, or good tortillas here in Michigan. :cool:

It appears that I was using “Indo-Pacific” incorrectly. I intended it to mean all of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but I now see that if is more restricted, covering the Western and Central Pacific. Learn something new every day!

Definitely a basket star. The crown of thorns is only found in the Indo-Pacific.

Can you stay overnight on the island? If you are coming over on the ferry, even an early ferry, it’s going to limit your options. Staying one night would open up some options, but staying for a few days would open up more, because the dive op would get a chance to see you in the water. My...

Glad your second day with Aldora was better. That has been more typical of my experience with Aldora. I haven’t been on Falicity in a long time. Columbia Deep has been a regular first dive and one of my favorites. My first few dives with the 120s were also challenging, rolling around and feeling...

You can also order directly from some manufacturers in the US. There was an article in the NY Times a few months ago. I bought some from a company called Demetech.

Getting back and forth between Playa and Cozumel is normally pretty easy, but the current reports are that the ferries are a nightmare. They cut way back on schedules during the pandemic. Head over to Cozumel for You on Facebook and you will see photos of the looooong lines. There are also...

Testing is still required for fully-vaccinated people to return to the US. See the May 19 CDC guidance here: COVID-19 and Your Health Testing or quarantine is no longer required for fully-vaccinated after exposure, but that’s more about returning to the workplace.