Cozumel Update

[paulmila]

Hi all Cozumel lovers
Just returned (3/18/06) from my second post-Wilma trip. After two consecutive category 4+ hurricanes (Emily & Wilma) the devastation, both above and below the water, is apparent. But Cozumel is making a strong comeback.
Downtown is all open for business and the dive piers and cruise line piers are being rebuilt.
Unfortunately Chankanaab is still closed for repiars, but fortunately the dolphin pens were destroyed and the dolphins are free for now.
Diving over the reefs is like looking down on a New England snow village. Hopefully some strong currents will blow the sand into the depths before the coral and sponges are choked. The colors we were all used to seeing are muted and the fish looked a bit stunned by it all. But in general the sea life is recovering.
If you've never been to Cozumel before the diving seems very good but for long-time Cozumel fans the change is a bit depressing.

I own a beachfront studio condo on San Francisco beach and when I am not in Cozumel I rent it. I call it my "Blue Heaven Rendezvous", after a Jimmy Buffet song of the same name.
If anyone is interested in taking a peak, visit my web site, www.cozumelisparadise.com and "swim" around. I post some other cool dive stuff on the site (sharks, whales, & Cozumel photos). If you have any questions please email me at pjmila@hotmail.com

Cheers
and Good Diving!
Paul Mila

 

[Diver Mike]

Thanks Paula,

Your impressions mirror mine from December 2005.

I am off there April 20 for a few days so I am hoping that the improvements are noticable since December.

Mother Nature is a strong lady and will make a comeback there. Just might take longer thean many of us would like, you can't rush mother nature.

Dive Safe...

Mike...

 

[Giggi]

Awesome, objective report! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

Great report. Thank you very much.

 

[pilot fish]

Your report mirrors what most people, myself included, have said, some damage but it is coming back. Actually, I thought the damage was less that I thought it was going to be.

 

[kent_1848]

Went there the end of Feb/first of Mar. Carnival was going on, and now Coz is a yearly destination for Carnival. Definately not the best diving I have done, but definately the best party! I will be back every year for that! And, the diving was better than Kansas!

 

[scubajim]

Thanks for your report......I checked out the reviews of your book, can't wait to get a copy

 

[paulmila]

Hey, thanks for your reply. Hope you enjoy the book. It's an easy beachread. My goal was not to write the "Great American Novel", but just to write a book that both divers and non-divers would enjoy, perhaps while sitting somewhere on a beach under a palm tree.
Since most of the story is based in Cozumel and features real locations it's a natural fit for a Cozumel vacation.
Any feedback, either positive or negative is appreciated.

The sequel to Dangerous Waters, titled Whales' Angels comes out in June.
Thanks again for your post. Paul Mila

 

[scubajim]

Thanks, I'll get back to you after I read It

 

[Nevis Diver]

I, too,am ordering the book. Thanks!

It seems that all of the discussion about Cozumel's comeback since Wilma has been looked at from a negative standpoint. I have spent two separate weeks on the island since October, 2005 and frankly, what I see while diving has had an almost unparalleled and positive emotional effect on me. Having not had the pleasure of diving Cozumel before Wilma, a question that comes to mind is, "Is there anywhere on Cozumel where one can dive and see the reef as it was before Wilma?"

Nevis Diver