Costa Maya?

[Skittl1321]

We are going on a cruise in December and want to do a mix of diving and snorkeling. (Well snorkeling was the impetus for the trip, but then we decided to get OW certified.)

Can anyone tell me if there is good diving near Costa Maya? We have a dive planned in Cozumel, but I was thinking of adding either Belize or Roatan to the list of places to dive, because I've heard both are great. But both of those ports are places we want to do some other things- is Costa Maya a good place for a beginner to dive?

Can you recommend a dive shop that works with cruise passengers? I know all the excursions for our ship aren't listed yet, but so far it looks like only Discover SCUBA is available, no real diving, so we'd want to book independently.

 

[Laurie S.]

Check out Gypsea Divers, I've dived with them twice while on cruises and they are great! There is wonderful diving at Costa Maya, despite the hurricane a few years ago. Take a taxi for about $3 from the back of the cruise terminal to the Cuarenta Cañones Hotel and Gypsea Divers is right next door. There is a restaurant/bar there, too, which makes for a great place for the surface interval. We plan on heading back to Costa Maya later this year or early next year to have our beach wedding right there.

 

[Skittl1321]

Thanks! I sent them an email about pricing, and they are pretty reasonable! I couldn't believe how fast they emailed back.The other two cruise stops seem a bit more expensive, so this sounds like it might be the stop for us.

Is it like Cozumel where a divemaster is in the water with you? Or is the reason that it is cheaper than Roatan/Belize because you need to hire someone separately if you don't want to dive without a guide?

 

[Laurie S.]

Most likely you will have Catherine diving with you and I think she's an instructor. The price includes having someone with you.

 

[Skittl1321]

Good deal then thanks for the recommendation.