Cozumel Questions:

[sailit2000]

Have to go with the Presidente and Blue XT Sea both would be a good combo for you. I used to be in your situation. I would also suggest one of the "Snorkel Trips". They are a little corney but they do take you to some pretty good spots. It was what got my wife diving, she saw the divers down below and said "I can do that". This year we did the Kona Aggressor; (are doing) May Bonaire, Sept. San Diego and Great Whites, and December Palau Aggressor. Maybe you will get lucky like I did.

mjh,

What snokel trips were you referring to? My wife does not dive and I would love to take her on one of these corney trips.

Thanks,
Fran

 

[Mawg]

My wife and I are considering a trip to Cozumel this spring. My wife does not dive but she does enjoy snorkeling from shore (she's really not a boat person) and is very content hanging out on the beach while I go diving. With that in mind I'd like to find one of the nicer resorts where she would be very comfortable while I am diving and which has a nice beach that we can snorkel from. So after reading through many posts, trip reports, internet sites, here are a few questions:

How do the El Presidente, Occidental Grand, Occidental Allegro fit the goals I've listed above? Any other recommendations? (all inclusive or not, either is fine)

I want to find a dive op that either offers single tank dives or will have me back to the dock around noon (as opposed to mid-afternoon)

How long of a drive is it from the OG or OA to the golf course on the northern side of the island?



Any opportunities for single shore dives in the afternoon?

Thanks,

Been going to Coz. since 1992. This May will be 22nd. trip. Will do # 23 in August. Wouldnt stay anywhere else but El Presidente.Stayed there 17 times already. Forget the others. Nothing is a long drive on Cozumel. Golf course is 20 minutes at most from Presidente. I hear it is a superb course from a friend who is an 8 handicap. Take plenty of balls. The rough in some cases is swamp. Not knowing your dive experience, I would still advise you to go with Caribbean Divers because of your time constraints. You'll get back around 1:30 on average but you'll be glad you went with these guys. Cdivers@prodigy.net.mx is their Email address. I've been diving with Cesar and Ruben for several years now. They are a lot of fun and VERY safe. They will arrange for whatever kind of diving you want to do. Also, you can do a shore dive from the Presidente. Put in at the very south ladder and drift north with the current. You'll see lots of fish, a barge and toward the end of the dive, you can get down to 30 feet or so, all in a bouyed area safe for divers. AND your wife will love the beach at Presidente. Best beach and service on the island. Snorkeling is teriffic too. Unlike the resorts further south, she'll find coral and lots of fish in the water in front of the Presidente. You just cant go wrong there.

 

[Jillandtheboys]

Can anyone help me on where to go for our open water dives to complete our PADI certification close to shore or from a shore dive? I have a little guy who will only be in the shallow snorkeling. So one adult will be watching him, and my other son is 11yrs old who is getting certified with me.Someone said to try the Blu Angel dive shop at the Caribe Blu Hotel. Anyone know about this place or any others to try?
Thanks!! Jill and the boys!

 

[D_O_H]

I'll second (or more like fifth) everyone's recommendation on Blue XT and the Presidente (didn't stay there, but did check out the property and it looked very nice).

If you play the golf course, make sure you get there in enough time to get all 18 in. We snuck over a little too late one afternoon after diving and were disappointed not to be able to finish. The first 9 holes are pretty mediocre (certainly not worthy of the $150 price tag) while the back 9, especially the last few holes, were awesome. The back 9 was in much better shape than the front nine as well (especially the greens).

 

[Chad_Ordelheide]

It been a while, but I stayed at the Presidente. Like I said, it been a while, but when we were there you could sign up for diving with them and get as many beach dives as you want. Also, if you appeared experienced, you could get on the small fast boat. When you returned you still that the afternoon to do whatever. The only drawback we had was food, and the beach extras were not included. We had a great time though. Been to Cozumel 3 times. If you get a chance. Leaver early on the ferry and do some Cenote Diving in Cancun! I think it can be done. We actually stayed in Cancun one year so that made it a little easier! Happy Diving

 

[SoCalOffshore]

Blue Angel next to the Caribe Blu has an easy shore dive area. Although, I would not advise Cozumel for newly certified divers. The dives are usually deep and involve current and swim throughs. That being said, the beach dive at the Caribe Blue is very easy and shallow.