Best Morning departure time for optimal sea life viewing, does it make any difference?- Cozumel

[cozcharlie]

From a snorkeling standpoint , I have noticed that at the peak of the day (12-3) I tend to see less but that is obviously very shallow water (<15 feet ) and therefore very strong sunlight

I haven’t noticed as much of a difference diving. I have dove at almost all times of the day for various reasons. I too prefer the afternoon dives , fewer divers and depending on time of year you catch the various things that come out at twilight.

 

[Redfoot]

Purely anecdotal, but I noticed far more larger life on the reefs first thing in the morning diving with 3P's (fast boats, smaller pax, earlier to drop than other operators) and on afternoon dives when there are not many others out on the water. It makes sense- even the most seasoned animals that are used to humans probably swim away when there are 30-40 divers hovering over and shining lights in their faces. BUT it all depends on everything else- weather, currents, moon phase, luck, etc.....

My all time favorite Coz dive was an afternoon on Cedral Pass. I think there were only 4 of us on the boat, and no other ops in sight. It was 60 minutes of non stop animals- 3 variety of turtle (with multiple sightings) huge free swimming morays, rays, nurse sharks,, baby blacktips, schooling fish, etc. It was so much fun.

 

[OregonDM]

I've always really enjoyed the twilight/night dive combo. Seeing the reefs under the afternoon light is definitely a different perspective, and then you go right into a night dive after your SI. Great little 2 tank trip.

 

[NeilA.]

Thank you for your replies!

Well I get up kinda early and not a night owl (anymore) so maybe call it the Laid Back schedule.

I don’t like to rush to the boat in the morning and enjoy going out for dinner and a cocktail or two after diving (but b4 8-9 at night) I’m a bit on the older side so the typical 2-tanker in the morning and in the afternoon wears me out too much. I think a 3-tank mid-day schedule would be the perfect ticket but apparently there isn’t a market for that schedule. So I’ll stick to my 2-tank a day dives and since I’m retired it gives me a reason to stay an extra couple weeks so I reach my target of at least 40 dives a trip.

I’ve been thinking about this also Steve. I’m there to dive and enjoy the sea. The 9:00 start for a three tank day might be just perfect. I found a four tank day is too much, and a two tank morning leaves a lot of open afternoon time- we’re not shoppers or daydrinkers and sitting at the pool gets old fast. I do also enjoy a good dinner and a couple of drinks in town nightly.

Next trip I’ll ask if anyone is interested in doing this at least a couple of days-schedules and operator willingness permitting.