Blues Runner
Contributor
Awesome week at the InterContinental Presidente diving with Scuba Du. Nothing has changed on the inbound side at Cozumel Airport except the requirement to wear a mask. A beautiful weather week. Temperatures ranged from the upper 70's at night to daytime highs in the upper 80's. Only one day with a little rain late in the week.
The Presidente's hospitality is first class class and feels genuine. Breakfast was included in our package and is a varied and full buffet including an omelette and egg station. There are four restaurants on site including a very good Italian offering. There are three pools (infinity, adults only and large jacuzzi pool) along with a swimmable beach on site. The location is close enough to San Miguel to make an easy cab ride for meals and exploration.
The absence of cruise ships creates a quiet vibe in San Miguel. Not good for the locally economy and they will begin to return in June.
The on site dive operator is Scuba Du. True valet diving and very convenient setup. The dive shop and dock are located adjacent to one of the restaurants. Drop your gear off when you arrive and it greets you at the dock every morning to be loaded onto one of Scuba Du's multiple boats. Long time Scuba Du employee Victor cleans you gear daily and returns it fully washed and ready for storage when you leave.
This was my first time in Cozumel since 2018. From what I have read the last couple of years, I expected the reefs to show a high degree of stress with browned out hurricane rubble and large patches of bleaching. That simply is not the case. I was ecstatic to find that not to be the reality. The marine park continues to temporarily close reef sections to reduce the stress.
Visibility all week was easily 100 feet. The water temperature was at 82 degrees. I was very comfortable in a three mil.
My dives included Maracaibo, Punta Sur (including "Devils Throat"), Palancar Bricks, Palancar Gardens, Santa Rosa Wall, Yucab and Chankanaab.
Covid testing was performed at the hotel and the results emailed later in the afternoon. Easy outbound at the Airport provided you have your Covid Test results. A little more paperwork but not unexpected in the current environment.
A few of my favorite pictures below.
David
The Presidente's hospitality is first class class and feels genuine. Breakfast was included in our package and is a varied and full buffet including an omelette and egg station. There are four restaurants on site including a very good Italian offering. There are three pools (infinity, adults only and large jacuzzi pool) along with a swimmable beach on site. The location is close enough to San Miguel to make an easy cab ride for meals and exploration.
The absence of cruise ships creates a quiet vibe in San Miguel. Not good for the locally economy and they will begin to return in June.
The on site dive operator is Scuba Du. True valet diving and very convenient setup. The dive shop and dock are located adjacent to one of the restaurants. Drop your gear off when you arrive and it greets you at the dock every morning to be loaded onto one of Scuba Du's multiple boats. Long time Scuba Du employee Victor cleans you gear daily and returns it fully washed and ready for storage when you leave.
This was my first time in Cozumel since 2018. From what I have read the last couple of years, I expected the reefs to show a high degree of stress with browned out hurricane rubble and large patches of bleaching. That simply is not the case. I was ecstatic to find that not to be the reality. The marine park continues to temporarily close reef sections to reduce the stress.
Visibility all week was easily 100 feet. The water temperature was at 82 degrees. I was very comfortable in a three mil.
My dives included Maracaibo, Punta Sur (including "Devils Throat"), Palancar Bricks, Palancar Gardens, Santa Rosa Wall, Yucab and Chankanaab.
Covid testing was performed at the hotel and the results emailed later in the afternoon. Easy outbound at the Airport provided you have your Covid Test results. A little more paperwork but not unexpected in the current environment.
A few of my favorite pictures below.
David
