Most of us in here are pretty selective; it's just that what we are selective about varies. For example, I am very selective about dining when I am on Cozumel; I am not interested in AI food. DSFDF and YMMV.
Question Cozumel Atmosphere
- Thread starter Pacific Diver
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jonhall
Contributor
Just some generalities here since you didn't really ask for specific recommendations of anything.
As mentioned earlier, spring break mobs are probably a non-factor. Cozumel isn't really known for its beaches that spring break kids are interested in. There are some nice beach areas though at the southern resorts. I stayed right by the International Pier in Nov/Dec and there weren't a lot of cruise ship people - I believe cruise ship passenger numbers are still limited.
Low key areas of the island would be the north hotel and the south hotel zones, away from town. Staying in the north puts you farther from the most visited dive sites while staying in the south puts you right by them. Fast boats in the north can get you to dive sites as fast as some of the dive boats located more central. You can find pretty much any type of diving vibe you want in Cozumel, diving as much as you want. There are many options of where to stay and who to dive with: you could stay places with an in-house dive op, you can stay where there is a dock and have an op pick you up, you can stay somewhere with an op/dock within walking distance, you can drive/taxi to a dock or a marina where an op leaves from, etc...
It seems to me the dive sites that are most crowded (with more than one dive op in the area) are the sites many ops go to for a 2nd shallower dive. Many of the DM's ask where you would like to dive each day - I'd tell them to stay away from any other ops.
It's hard to go wrong whatever you wind up doing.
Not to overwhelm you anymore but I'm sharing some info on Cozumel dive ops I put together. Post #113 has the link to the latest update in a Google document (thanks to @merlinuj )
Finding a (Best) Dive Op in Cozumel
There is a facebook group called "Cozumel for Divers". The members are constantly posting "This is my first trip to Cozumel, who should I dive with". So I posted a link to this thread so they could get the PDF file. The moderator responded to my post saying "yeah that's a bit sketchy, I wouldn't...
waterone
Contributor
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I have been on some cattle boats (30 divers) that I enjoyed and have been on some small boats that I have not. So to me it really depends on what company is running the boat.
Staying at Sunscape Sabor and Secrets I didn't find either making me want to go back but if I had to pick it'd be Secrets. Though last month when I was out it looked like Sunscape was getting a large upgrade.
I'm interested in AI food....and alcohol. It is quite convenient and if you pick the right place can have quality food but of course buffets are never that good. I have picked the wrong place before and ate out for nearly every meal...but at least they had drinks..
sefuchs
Contributor
If you have a healthy budget then you might want to look into Intercontinental Presidente. Very nice 'resort', Spa, 4 restaurants, nice beach/pool, next to marina (virually every dive OP will pick up there), away from cruise/town crowds, a few miles from town. Wife would LOVE it but your wallet may not.Glad to read your question & the responses. I have about 40 dives under my belt, going in April with my non-diving wife, and wondering who to dive with and where to stay. Not so worried about the crowds thanks in part to the responses below. We currently have a room at the small-ish Villas El Encanto, but am wondering about changing to Blue Angel or Scuba Club Cozumel. Want a place that will be nice for the wife, and nice diving & options for me?
One of the greatest things about Cozumel is that it provides enough variety in accommodations, cuisine, and activities to appeal to just about everyone.
diversmith
Contributor
I'm looking at the Presidente as an option for my wife and I with our two sons, but they don't seem to have an AI option. Looking at Costco travel, only breakfast is included and it looks that way on Expedia as well. I'm really wanting AI so we don't get nickel and dimed to death feeding 4 people and buying drinks for the wife and myself for 14 days. Does the Presidente really not have an AI option??
sefuchs
Contributor
I've never stayed there personally, friends stay all the time and absolutely love it. I do not believe they have AI option, they are more upscale. Heard their food is fantastic but probably spendy compared to town. Our routine is to always pickup lunch, munchies and booze at Mega then go out to dinner - so many fantastic restaurants in town. Cab will cost you $6-8 bucks (but always pay in Pesos for cheapest price). Might want to check if they have refer, microwave, hotplate in rooms. If you want to make good 'initial' impression of Coz to your wife this might be the place.
SwampTiger90
Registered
Cozumel Palace is a good higher end AI
mcohen1021
Contributor
They never have.
I will say this - i still hate AI. And I'm also one of those that do not like staying on the south end of the island. Palace is probably a good option, right in town, but if you dive, you might have to travel to the dive pickup. Your other option is get a condo and groceries @ Palmar or El Cantil, both excellent.
SwampTiger90
Registered
We use onsite Aqua Safari. It is an hour + to palancar but we enjoy being on the water and don't have anything to rush back to. And the DMs are great.
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