Contemplating a weekend in Coz

[Linthorn]

I am a newly minted PADI OW/AOW diver (16 dives) and my wife just offered me a weekend trip to Cozumel as a birthday present (November). I've never been there before and would be looking primarily to dive. She, however, doesn't dive (she loves to snorkel or sunbathe). I figure I'll get two days to dive (that time before flying thing will prevent the third).

Any recommendations for us as far as hotels (we're leaning AI) and Dive ops? I've looked around for info but most people go for longer periods, or have more divers in their group.

One thing I did find interesting was Aldora using large tanks. As a newbie, I suck air and larger tanks=longer bottom time big time. Any other ops offer this?

Thanks

 

[Scubagal]

What a nice wife you have! You'll probably get lots of responses on this, but I'll throw in my 2 cents. I would recommend staying at the Fiesta Americana (they have an all-inclusive option). I wrote a trip report with some pictures from our trip there in February if you're interested. Fiesta Americana & Dive House Trip Report

We used the in house dive op on that trip, Dive House, and were happy with them. I don't remember that they offered larger tanks though. Whatever you decide, have a great trip!

 

[rrunyan]

A weekend just isn't long enough. Especially when you factor in airfare, etc. Try to swing four or five days as a minumum.

That said, since your wife is so darn nice to you, why don't you treat her to one of the nicer AIs on the island. My wife and I like the Iberostar. The onsite dive op (Dressel Divers) is just fine for newbies. More experienced divers don't care much for them but they do keep an eye on the newer divers. No big tanks however.

I guarantee you will LOVE Coz! It's better than Disneyland.

Ron

 

[Jester]

with rrunyan to a point. I think a weekend is plenty long if that's all the time you have.

I do agree with Iberostar since your wife doesn't dive. They have an AI program with lots of surface activities for non-divers (plenty to do on that 3rd day).

I wouldn't worry about large tanks. If you dive with other relatively new divers, you'll all be using 80's, and if your tank is much larger, you'll probably not be using all of it, and you're just carrying around the extra weight. It also won't help you dial in your ideal weighting.

Just my .02, but whatever you decide, have a blast!

 

[Moodiejeff]

One thing I did find interesting was Aldora using large tanks. As a newbie, I suck air and larger tanks=longer bottom time big time. Any other ops offer this?

Thanks

When I stayed at The Presidente, Scuba Du got me aluminum 100s when I first got certified... I was quite the air hog back then. Kept me on par with the rest of the group.

I'm sure most dive ops will accomodate you, just let them know ahead of time.

Definitely try to stretch the trip... 2 days of diving is definitely not enough!

Do your research, there are a lot of great places to stay (and some not so great), you'll be best off staying south of town.

AI is not always the best way to go... there are LOTS of great places to eat in town!

 

[Texas Diver]

My wife and I like the Occidental Grand. It is a very nice resort and is an AI. But it is far from town. So if you stay there you will be missing out on the dining out experience so many people on this board highly recommend.

 

[Len]

A weekend ?? wow...I need 2 weeks.

For a very short first time trip to Cozumel I recommend a southern AI resort and use the onsite dive op...less hassle. Iberostar or Occidental Grand would be perfect. Spend as much time as you can under water. If you make it into town...great...if not, don't worry...you'll be back...I guarantee it.

 

[ggunn]

Beware; a weekend is plenty enough time for the addiction to set in. I predict that you will be planning your next, longer trip before the weekend is half done.

But never fear, we have an amiable support group here who will help you through your withdrawal and who will, ironically, also help you get your next fix.

I'm jonesing again...

 

[d56nut]

I second the opinion on Fiesta Americana! We will be going there in December for our 3rd trip there this year. We went in February for a week and again in May for a week. The on site operation is great...Dive House. They will get you larger tanks if you let them know ahead of time. I believe they are an extra 6.00 a tank. The dive masters are great....always finding great things to see! As for the hotel...we've never had any problems. Everything is included. The breakfast buffet is good, the lunch buffet can sometimes leave something to be desired but you have the option of ordering from the lunch MENU (no one will tell you that) and your food will be made to order! Dinner buffet was also good and they have a special restuarant. I know that when we go for a week, we get to eat there twice so I'm not sure how a long weekend will work. Rooms are nice, beds comfy, air conditioning works great, small refrigerator in room (don't take anything out of it or you will be charged but you can bring up cans of soda from the bar and keep them in your fridge for no charge). Pool has a swim up bar plus there is another bar in the open air lounge. I don't have kids so I don't know about their kids program but I've heard it's not that great (leave the kiddies with grandma and grandpa). If you decide to go into town for shopping or lunch it will cost you 6.00 each way (much more expensive if you stay further south). I give Fiesta Americana and Dive House 5 stars.....however....I do want to try Occidental Grand sometime...I've heard rave reviews on that one too (more expensive and further south).

Hope this helps!
Michelle