Caribe Blu/BXTS/28Apr-5May/2005 vs 2007/report & new lessons learned (long!)

[RonFrank]

Intro

All very pleasant to dive with. Dimitri was extra fun because he kept giving us little jobs to do, picking up after him and finding stuff out for him and such

Nice trip report!

Dimitri is a good friend, so I'm interested to hear more on these little jobs from him!

We had a very similar experience in Jan. Christi runs a great op, and Blu Caribe is a very comfortable place to stay. The only things I'd add are:

Just bring cash or travelers checks. ATM's are great, but there can be surprises. We went into town one night, and one guy attempted to use the ATM. Everything seemed fine until it dispensed no money, and then gave him a receipt as if it had. We then had to find another ATM, which we did, and he was left with an uncomfortable feeling. There are safes in Caribe Blu. I just brought a wad of cash (paid for diving in Travelers checks), and left the bulk locked up.

Do NOT exceed the 50lbs bag limit, even by a pound. At the Coz airport one bag weighted 49lbs, the other 51lbs. They made me take a pound out of my bag... unbelievable!

Don't expect dollars from the ATM at the airport. I did run low on cash when flying out, so I used the ATM. I got pesos. Smart folks, now I had to spend it, or exchange it! I went shopping at the duty free.

If you dive ONE day with Blue Angle, they are then willing to provide tanks, weights, and even snorkeling gear at no charge. It maybe worth doing a Night dive, or PM dive with them if you want this benefit.

If you stay in the rooms on either side of the office on the ground or first floor, you will have WiFi in the room. I'm not sure how far this extends, but our room and the room next door on the first floor had WiFi as did two rooms next to the office on the ground floor.

Your report brings back fond memories. I have to get back to Coz next year!

 

[scubafanatic]

....so, it appears Cozumel has trended the wrong direction with respect to developments since the devastating hurricanes of '05....... instead of reducing prices and providing full tanks, to attempt to compensate for the substantially diminished quality of diving there, they've resorted to even higher prices than before, and short filling the already modestly sized AL80's. Just when I begin to toss around the possibility of returning to Coz, I hear news like this......

 

[Christi]

....so, it appears Cozumel has trended the wrong direction with respect to developments since the devastating hurricanes of '05....... instead of reducing prices and providing full tanks, to attempt to compensate for the substantially diminished quality of diving there, they've resorted to even higher prices than before, and short filling the already modestly sized AL80's. Just when I begin to toss around the possibility of returning to Coz, I hear news like this......

If that is what you took away from this report...then I feel really sorry for you...I see you practice the selective reading process :shakehead

 

[underachiever]

"How were your beds" quote

We slept like a baby. Of course we played hard while we were there.

Beds were comfy.

 

[judydivescoz]

....so, it appears Cozumel has trended the wrong direction with respect to developments since the devastating hurricanes of '05....... instead of reducing prices and providing full tanks, to attempt to compensate for the substantially diminished quality of diving there, they've resorted to even higher prices than before, and short filling the already modestly sized AL80's. Just when I begin to toss around the possibility of returning to Coz, I hear news like this......

We have been to Coz 3 times since the hurricane and find it to be relaxing and beautiful with incredible diving. We plan on another trip in the early fall. No extra compensation is needed!

 

[Crazyduck]

Quote- Computers (Uwatec Air Z’s)

Please note that there have been problems with these computers. I was talking to a boat captain out of the Gulf (of Mexico) and he was commenting that he has had at least three of these computers fail. It seems that the quick disconnect on the HP hose is wearing out and causing leaks and other problems. Then again his drop in's are about 6ft from the surface. I am not knocking the computer, just a heads up for service.

You know how we resolve these tank issues-
Recreational rebreathers… I can hope and dream. (Joke)

Later, Andrew

 

[driftin' by]

....so, it appears Cozumel has trended the wrong direction with respect to developments since the devastating hurricanes of '05....... instead of reducing prices and providing full tanks, to attempt to compensate for the substantially diminished quality of diving there, they've resorted to even higher prices than before, and short filling the already modestly sized AL80's. Just when I begin to toss around the possibility of returning to Coz, I hear news like this......

Yeah! How do you come to that conclusion?

 

[dimitrik]

Scott, nice trip report.

It was nice meeting you guys and I had a great time diving with you as well. I'm happy to hear that I was able to keep you entertained?

It's amazing how the scenery changes from day to day under the water. This trip I didn't see a single Green Moray but saw about 5 sharks on the days I wasn't diving with you guys. Last trip it was the opposite.

Also, pobably not a good idea to let Ron know what I was up to under the water. What happens in Coz, stays in Coz!

 

[Cozoholic]

....so, it appears Cozumel has trended the wrong direction with respect to developments since the devastating hurricanes of '05....... instead of reducing prices and providing full tanks, to attempt to compensate for the substantially diminished quality of diving there, they've resorted to even higher prices than before, and short filling the already modestly sized AL80's. Just when I begin to toss around the possibility of returning to Coz, I hear news like this......

If you cant afford to go then dont complain about what you should have. The reefs are great. go away TROLL.
Did you read that typically they get hot fills????!!! Your an idiot.

 

[aa777888]

Cozoholic: the beds were fine, although we could do without the plastic mattress cover as they make them a bit sweaty. I suspect the beds are all relatively new after the hurricanes.

Scubafanatic: pullleeeeze...:shakehead

Crazyduck: the Air Z is hoseless. We have had no problems with ours at all and like them a lot. Super easy to use, just pay attention to the RBT display, fly the "vertical speed indicator" and you always get to the safety stop with plenty of gas. I do wish it had a temperature display, though.

Dimitri! No fair! You saw sharks!!! No worries, you can tell if you want

Thanks to all,

Scott