Cozumel Trip Report 06/12/2009 - 06/19/2009

[jhayes75]

We arrived in Cozumel on time at 2:30 PM. We then quickly got through immigration without having to have the cavity search. Next we hopped on the cattle bus which had no A/C and as long as it got us to our hotel (Casa Del Mar) I was ok. When we arrived, the four of us were greeted as long time customers and being that we were practically the only guests we were able to pick our rooms. While we were checking in, we were brought glasses of punch rum. After dropping off our bags and sorting out our dive gear we decided to have a beer and head to the international pier and check in with Dive With Martin. I brought my dive gear down and decided to try out my very inexpensive camera (Intova IC600). We jumped off the pier and after hitting the water I had to retrieve my fin. The only problem, I was 4lbs light. After getting more weight I retrieved my fin and onto diving I went. The dive started at 5:35 with a max depth of 36ft for 57min. After diving we walked back to the hotel and cleaned up for dinner. I have to tell you, I feel like I am stealing from this place after eating a fantastic meal (grouper) and a few beers at an all inclusive resort for what I am paying per night. Today is only Friday and with only one cruise ship at port, I can see how this economy was hurting.

Well this was day one of seven and I cant wait to get on the boat, although I was happy diving off the beach for free. I will keep this thread updated as the trip continues.

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Great report so far

 

[philmottrek99and02]

looking for more great reports! Thanks

 

[jhayes75]

Today was another great day in Cozumel. We began the day with breakfast and than walked over to our boat which was right on schedule 7:45am. We decided to dive Palancar Bricks for our first dive of today. We splashed in at 8:48am with a 47 min bottom time at 80 deg and a max depth of 87ft. Lots of turtles on this dive. Our next dive was on a reef that I can not remember the name of at this moment. On this dive we hit the water at 10:51 with 1:05min bottom time at 80 deg and a max depth of 61ft. Here are a few shots of today's dives.

 

[MRXRAY]

Nice report Jason and great Photos! looks like the trip is going awesome so far! Keep us posted!

 

[Hetland]

Wow! Really good stuff there! Have fun and send more pics!

 

[jhayes75]

Today was probably the best of dives ever in my book. I am sure it will only get better. I am so glad that I came with a good friend of mine who has been coming to this island for over 20 years. He is pretty much considered a local here. Our dive operation pretty much lets us dive on our own pace and dive computers. I happen to get to 500 PSI about 10 minutes before my buddies so I just go to 20feet and drift with them until its time for them to come up. TodayÃÔ aquatic life consisted of more turtles, nurse sharks, parrot, file, squirrel, cow and French angel fish. There was many more but I will have to look them up. We left the dock again today at 7:45 AM and headed to Columbia Reef. On this dive we splashed at 8:46 AM with a bottom time of 51 Min with a max depth to 75 ft at 82 deg. The current was very strong here and it was like we were on glider (mucho fun). On our surface interval we went to the beach were our boat captain sliced us up some fresh cantaloupe. After an 1:23 min surface time we headed to Pasa del Cedral Reef and splashed at 11:02 AM for 59 min with a max depth of 58feet at 82 deg. There are no cruise ships today so it is very peaceful here, although the island can use the business. I have to laugh now, (because I have been there) to see tourist paying someone 60 USD to bring them 100 yards off the coast to snorkel. I now know were to go by myself. Here are my pics of today. You will have to excuse some of the blurry shots due to how fast the current was.

 

[MRXRAY]

Looks awesome! Love the nurse shark photos!

 

[Hetland]

I really LOVE that barracuda shot!

 

[Pelagicsal]

The 'cuda shot rocked! You've got me drooling for next Sunday!!

Glad to see that I'm not the only one who can't get a decent Leech Headshield Slug shot! (thank you)

Enjoy a 'rita for me and tell the fish I'm almost on the way.
I'll be checking in for more reports.