Advice for Cozumel

[tsdivers]

New to the board........great place. Need advice on Diving with Palancar and staying at the Grand Cozumel by Occidental.................thoughts???? Another question, how easy is it getting bake on those small boats, can gear be taken off in the water for someone slightly handicapped??? I was looking at the boats from Blue XT and others.
THanks!

 

[lhpdiver]

New to the board........great place. Need advice on Diving with Palancar and staying at the Grand Cozumel by Occidental.................thoughts???? Another question, how easy is it getting bake on those small boats, can gear be taken off in the water for someone slightly handicapped??? I was looking at the boats from Blue XT and others.
THanks!

My wife and I stayed at the Grand about a month ago and dove with Liquid Blue. The only regret we have is that we only got in 3 days of diving. (Well the pizza left a lot to be desired). We didn't dive with Dive Palancar but the few people we spoke with who did were all smiles. The resort seemed kind of on the empty side when we were there. As for the 6 packs - I can't see any problem taking your equipment off in the water to get up the ladder. You're going to have 2 competent, healthy young men (captain and DM) to lend a hand (on whatever boat you are on). The ladders are like dock ladders. I think the conditions would have to be really rough for it to be an issue. The boats are not anchored - they drift with the current so there is no pull etc. By the way - Aristeo is a very capable DM and freelances for both Liquid Blue and Blue XT.

I'm having trouble picturing a boat which would be hard to get back onto if you take your gear off in the water .. ?? You will have to get yourself over the gunwale which is maybe 2 feet above the water surface. I guess if you would need to crawl onto a platform you might have to stick to a larger boat.

Have a nice trip.

BTW - there is a service road to the south of the resort which really cuts down on the walk to the dock.

 

[lhpdiver]

One last thought (promise) we booked the room thru hotels.com - I _think_ we got a good rate.

 

[humanFish]

New to the board........great place. Need advice on Diving with Palancar and staying at the Grand Cozumel by Occidental.................thoughts???? Another question, how easy is it getting bake on those small boats, can gear be taken off in the water for someone slightly handicapped??? I was looking at the boats from Blue XT and others.
THanks!

I did 10 dives with them about a year ago and things were great. I think the longest boat ride was about 10 minutes..they come twice a day to pick you up...more if you plan night dives. 2 morning dives and 2 afternoon dives.

They go to the sites the DM suggests unless people speak up. They are professional, have O2 onboard, and Occidental is very comfortable. You'll have a great time....

 

[humanFish]

New to the board........great place. Need advice on Diving with Palancar and staying at the Grand Cozumel by Occidental.................thoughts???? Another question, how easy is it getting bake on those small boats, can gear be taken off in the water for someone slightly handicapped??? I was looking at the boats from Blue XT and others.
THanks!

BTW - there drill usually is to step up the ladder with your gear on...and from what I remember they have nice ladders....I don't remember anyone doffing their gear in the water and handing it up...

typically, they don't like people hanging out on the surface very long as the currents can be swift...once you get in the water it's DIVE! DIVE! DIVE!

 

[lhpdiver]

I think on the entries the concern is placement (over current). The DM has a spot in the reef in mind, often entering the water by himself leading the boat to the spot. I think the pickup is much less critical.

Here's a heads up - make sure your air is on before entering the water on the second dive. Some boats may have a practice of shutting the valve (even if you rig it yourself) during the surface interval. They are worried about blowing the HP hose in the heat. This practice took one guy by surprise...

 

[Diver Kat]

New to the board........great place. Need advice on Diving with Palancar and staying at the Grand Cozumel by Occidental.................thoughts???? Another question, how easy is it getting bake on those small boats, can gear be taken off in the water for someone slightly handicapped??? I was looking at the boats from Blue XT and others.
THanks!

Have done almost all my Coz diving with Papa Hogs 6-packs, and they always take you're fins, tank/BC from you, then you climb up the ladder ... got kind of spoiled!

 

[SprintGuy]

Palancar allowed people to swim on the surface while the divers were below. I wouldn't think they would have a problem with taking gear off. They seemed willing to do anything reasonable.

 

[diverbob]

These guys are working for tips...I have a hard time believing they would tell anybody no about almost anything.