Aldora Divers

[Brad J]

We got back to the Iberostar each day about 1-1:15pm. Pick up was about 8:15am.

However that will change based on where your pickup/drop off location is.

 

[Dan G]

We typically stay at the Villa, which is up north, and return around 1:30 give or take. The dives are long and the SIs are a minimum of 60 mins.

 

[divingjd]

We typically stay at the Villa, which is up north, and return around 1:30 give or take. The dives are long and the SIs are a minimum of 60 mins.

This is about right. I have had a few day we didn’t get back until 3 or so, going to Islote on the East side and then a long second dive or something like that, but 1:30 would be pretty typical.

 

[mccula01]

I GUESS I NEED TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT WITH A LITTLE HISTORY.

I retired in the early 1990s and was certified by the, then, best shop in Cozumel, Scuba Du/Presidente. But even there you could not get what is now called valet diving. I chose to private charter from them as that was the only way to get to the fabled Devil's Throat. As part of the private charter I tipped some people to take care of my gear. Finding Devil's Throat at that time was only a guess from landmarks.
Because of current and poor drops it took me 5 trips to get there, and because of 80cf tanks I came out on the wall with just 500psi. But what a sight to see with a narc going on! Memo Mendoza was my dive master then and still. I then realized that there should be some way for the general dive public to experience this and not spend a fortune to do so. But Memo and I knew that several innovations were needed to make that possible. The biggest hurdle was the air supply and that in our estimation, alum 80 cf tanks would make the dive potential dangerous for the average diver. Fortunately High Capacity steel 120s were just becoming available and we went from there. So you could kinda say, THE DEVIL'S THROAT WAS THE REASON FOR THERE BEING AN ALDORA DIVERS.

With reasonable funds from my retirement, we decided to try to bring that experience to everyone. First off we took delivery of HP 120 tanks, rented a boat from the old Blue Angel and Pam Litton, and instituted care of our divers gear (cleaned in Memo's apartment), and required the use of the recent innovation of dive computers. Also by then I had gotten GPS coordinates for the Devils Throat to make the drops perfect and safe. After we received our first boat Aldora I (still in use) there were lots of other problems to overcome but we did. Our whole goal was to safely replicate the experience a millionaire on private charter.
Part of that was to limit our boats to just six divers of similar experience, and you all may know the rest.

By the turn of the century we were looking for lodging commensurate with the the quality expected of Aldora. I was close to purchasing the La Perla/now Blue Angel, but the road noise and constricted rooms make me look elsewhere. In 2003 I did buy the VILLA ALDORA, which was an abandoned wreck but with great possibilities. I more than doubled the purchase price in renovation and upgrading but the result was what some of you now know to be a beautiful waterfront property, and dive resort in the serene near north of Cozumel. We also put in docks so that our Aldora Boats could pick up guests there. Last year we celebrated our 20th year of operation there. Each of those years we have continued to upgrade every aspect of the service and beauty of the Villa and for our long term guests, I am sure they can say it is a more wonderful experience ever.

As I write this I am celebrating my 78th birthday today and that could explain why I am no longer in charge of Aldora Divers. But my dear friend Memo still is and we coordinate on issues of Aldora Divers and the Villa Aldora. For instance, just last month we worked out a deal to provide free Nitrox to those staying at the Villa. And having given my dear Grandmother's name , she who raised me, I will be doing all in my power and influence to make sure that the dive shop continues to honor here name.

One more thought. I do live in Galveston County south of Houston most of the time (mainly for the access to health care for us old folks) but I do stay at the Villa once a month to check in on the dive shop and Villa. As some others do, I also get great discounts on rooms!

If anyone would like to communicate with me, my email is dave@aldora.com or 830 460-0667

Dave Dillehay

I agree with this sentiment. While there may be certain dive sites I prefer when I'm on a dive trip to Cozumel (and elsewhere) I'm not going to get upset if I don't visit them on the trip. When I'm in the Caribbean I'm on vacation and getting upset over dive sites is not conducive to my main vacation desire: relaxation. Even a mediocre dive in the Caribbean is typically better than the good dives I get in back home; I'm warmer while wearing much less neoprene, the visibility is significantly better, and the marine life more varied and colorful. Plus I never have to worry about parking.

Happiness is an underwater safari, wherever it is. Go Celtics!!!

 

[Bookworm11]

Going back to what type of diver you are, I am a let me learn everything diver. After I did my first swim thru, I was addicted to them. Same with cenotes. After I saw my first nudibranches (tiny navy blue ones 1/4 the size of my pinky nail), now I am addicted to them, too. I am lucky because I'm a pretty good spotter. I once spotted a stone fish that the DM missed. So I adapt to what's there. Of course I get excited by every turtle, eagle ray, manta ray and moray eel. But I revel in whatever there is to see. And Aldora lets me see the most. Crossing my fingers I might get to go to Devils Throat this November, or at least back to the Cathedral! Can't wait to take more advantage of those steel tanks, those small groups and the great DMs (well, I followed the DM who started me diving and took me on my 99th and 100th dive, and went to work for Aldora). Its very safe to say I wouldn't be diving except for him and Covid sending me to Costume to vacation because it was safe there!

 

[Dave Dillehay]

Going back to what type of diver you are, I am a let me learn everything diver. After I did my first swim thru, I was addicted to them. Same with cenotes. After I saw my first nudibranches (tiny navy blue ones 1/4 the size of my pinky nail), now I am addicted to them, too. I am lucky because I'm a pretty good spotter. I once spotted a stone fish that the DM missed. So I adapt to what's there. Of course I get excited by every turtle, eagle ray, manta ray and moray eel. But I revel in whatever there is to see. And Aldora lets me see the most. Crossing my fingers I might get to go to Devils Throat this November, or at least back to the Cathedral! Can't wait to take more advantage of those steel tanks, those small groups and the great DMs (well, I followed the DM who started me diving and took me on my 99th and 100th dive, and went to work for Aldora). Its very safe to say I wouldn't be diving except for him and Covid sending me to Costume to vacation because it was safe there!

I like to know that the idea I started with Aldora Divers continues to honor that name. That very much pleases me. Most don't know that Aldora was the dear grandmother that save me from a terrible childhood, I would really hope that name can be honored for a long time. Thanks for the info.

Dave Dillehay

 

[JFS]

I like to know that the idea I started with Aldora Divers continues to honor that name. That very much pleases me. Most don't know that Aldora was the dear grandmother that save me from a terrible childhood, I would really hope that name can be honored for a long time. Thanks for the info.

Dave Dillehay

We had some of your divers on whale shark tour this past week. They were staying at your Villa Aldora. They had nothing but great compliments about the Villa and diving.

 

[MBinDC]

Also here to compliment Villa Aldora. Stayed over Labor Day weekend so wife and daughter could complete ow referrals with Aldora Divers (Maja of Aldora Divers doing an excellent job with that). Was pretty quiet, even with my 8 and 10 year old sons enjoying the pool and snorkeling off the dock all day. Good value, great spot, and just excellent staff. We'll be back (esp. b/c all I got in while there was a single night dive, and I need more, soon).

 

[Charred]

I would really like to learn more about how people handle their meals when staying at the Villas.

 

[Cert1967]

I would really like to learn more about how people handle their meals when staying at the Villas.

On site you have a kitchen in the med to large units - use it how you wish. Small units have a smaller setup.

Breakfast - we have a bite in the room before the 730am dive boat pickup - works for us. Others cook a full fry-up. Some just a coffee and whatever.

Lunch? Maybe a snack

Sunsets - great view

Dinner - runs the gauntlet of the local spots. We usually eat early

On Site - nice gas BBQ on the deck. Some folks are big grill folks

Grocery run - we make one on arrival, wherever you choose - whatever you want

Few years ago one large group hired a cook for dinner each evening. We were invited.

Your vacation

Your choice