Backpacker Dive Shop in Cozumel

[accioio]

Hi,

I'm brand new to diving (don't have my open water), I have only done some freediving. In December I will be headed to Cozumel for a month with the intention to dive and freedive as much as I can.

Can anyone recommend a dive shop more geared to backpackers? Preferably a place that would give deals or free equipment with dives if I dive with them for a few weeks or more. I'm also looking for a place to meet like minded backpackers and also freedivers and stay away from resorts.

Thanks!

 

[DandyDon]

See this forum: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/cozumel/

And be sure to get DAN dive insurance before you leave as your Canadian insurance won't cover you there. Non-diving medical insurance is another consideration.

 

[DeputyDan]

Pay attention to the insurance recommendation.
I had a client with a health issue in the islands and the medical air service back to the USA was over $40,000 payable in advance.
If you are backpacking you probably can't cover that on your credit card.

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

Welcome to the forum! Most dive shops will give discounts for multiple dives booked at once. Some will discount for cash as well. The competition in Coz is fierce and most of the dive shops meet incredible service standards. Everyone I have dealt with are easy to deal with and return emails within a few hours. As far as the backpacking twist, I can't help you there. The main differences between the dive ops will be where they leave from, tank size, how they spend their surface interval, and the most important...boat size. Cattle boats suck. Aldora and Blue XTSea are faithful supporters of this site and deserve a shot at your business. I'm also a fan of Blue Magic and Dive with Martin and have dove with them before. If the tent gets old, I have seen some hostel type rooms on AirBnB for $20 a night or so. I don't know where you would be camping, but being at a site where you could be picked up by the operator would be my first concern. Good luck, interesting twist on a Cozumel Vacation!! Jay

 

[judydivescoz]

You will need to be certified to dive. You could finish your open water training in Canada and do your certification dives in Cozumel or complete your bookwork online and complete the confined water and open water dives in Cozumel. Most offer multi day discounts. Dive with Martin offers free rentals from what i hear. Most offer multi day discounts. If you are looking for a hostel Hostel Cozumel, comfortable, clean, spacious, and well located accommodations. Rates from $15 us per night. Check out the rates in pesos, it might save you by paying in pesos. This hostel is in a great location close to the square. It's walk to everything. If you stay I town, make sure you have a dive op that will pick you up in town. It's a cab ride to Caleta or Puerta Abrigo!

 

[Lorenzoid]

I don't have a recommendation, but your post brings back fond memories of arriving in Cozumel as a thrifty backpacker ten years ago. I hadn't done any research first, so I found some inexpensive lodging--a room with air conditioning was a luxury for me, but I splurged for one--and then wandered outside and around the corner happened upon the scuba shop Deep Blue. Don't worry about avoiding resorts--there are a fair number of budget hotels. As for scuba diving, I suspect rates don't vary THAT much among dive operators but for a few that offer "valet" service for your gear and generally cater to the well-heeled crowd. If you're looking to buy some sort of long-term package that would reduce the per-dive cost, you will just have to inquire with the various shops, as they don't advertise that sort of option. And of course if you don't yet have a certification to scuba dive, you will have to take the certification course, which typically takes around 3-5 days, including classroom and in-water training.

I have heard nothing about freediving in Cozumel. Not on my radar.

 

[Christi]

The OP says he is a freediver - not SCUBA diver. Completely different ball game. Most dive shops here don't have free diving trips so no one to team you up with. I have a free diving client, but he always brings a safety diver and books two spaces. I would never consider allowing a free diver to dive from our boat without a safety diver - free divers run the risk of shallow water blackout, and of course drowning - so there needs to be someone dedicated to them.

 

[judydivescoz]

The OP says he is a freediver - not SCUBA diver. Completely different ball game. Most dive shops here don't have free diving trips so no one to team you up with. I have a free diving client, but he always brings a safety diver and books two spaces. I would never consider allowing a free diver to dive from our boat without a safety diver - free divers run the risk of shallow water blackout, and of course drowning - so there needs to be someone dedicated to them.

I thought the poster was telling us he was new to diving but had not gotten his open water diving certification yet. He also was a free diver. He wanted info on dive shops that catered to backpackers and offered multi day discounts and free gear as well as info on a place to stay to meet other likeminded folks. That's the question we all addressed. Maybe the OP can clarify!

 

[Christi]

I thought the poster was telling us he was new to diving but had not gotten his open water diving certification yet. He also was a free diver. He wanted info on dive shops that catered to backpackers and offered multi day discounts and free gear as well as info on a place to stay to meet other likeminded folks. That's the question we all addressed. Maybe the OP can clarify!

Yep - i just re read Missed the part that he wanted to dive AND free dive

 

[DandyDon]

I hope his instructor explains the dangers of free diving soon after scuba diving.