The main differences in the operations will be:
1. Tank size - Aldora uses steel 120s, I think living underwater may as well but I have never dove with them. The standard is an AL80. Most ops have Al100's as an option for $4 to $10 more. Steel 120 combined with decent divers makes for insanely long dive times!
2. Pick up point- either dive shop, down town pier, or cab to Marina (either Calletta or the new one)...some will pick up at the resorts
3-Surface interval location- boat, unimproved beach, or beach club. Some provide snacks, all I know of provide water. We stop at Mega(huge grocery store like a super Walmart) the first day and load up on coconut water and boat snacks. Coconut water in amazing for cramps and dehydration.
4- sixpack or cattle boat, I believe all listed will be small faster boats. A cattle boat would suck.
5- group ascent- this varies by DM, not necessarily operation, some will let you buddy up and ascend with a buddy, others all go up when the first person hits 500-700 psi. Some DMs will share air to extend or carry a pony if your with a serious air hog. I'm pretty sure that DMs in Cozumel actually have gills and only carry a tank for show and other divers.
6- # of boats, the more boats an op has, the closer in skill level all divers will be. That way you don't get put with a group of new divers when you are wanting to do Devils Throat. Either way, the diving will be amazing.
7. Price- most will run between $80 and $100 for a standard 2 tank dive. dive with Martin includes rental equipment with their price, most charge, some will include taxes (16% maybe), and marine park fees. None include tips. I usually tip $20 a day and open my snack bag to the crew...and the rest of the boat.
On edit- it looks like Dive with Martin and Tres Pelicanos can get into the 60-70 dollar range for a multi day package.
8. Valet service- Aldora, Blue Magic, Blue XTSea, and lots of others will take care of your gear for you between dives. It's easy to get used to!!!
9. Nitrox- all have it as an option, cost will vary I believe. It makes a difference for my wife and I, reduces the need for a long nap after 2 long dives. Some say it's psychological, I don't care. It works for us. Make sure you test your tank while a tester is available. Some don't have a tester on the boat.
With 5 divers, you can usually get your own boat and dive as a group with your own DM. That will allow you to adjust your dive times to fit your schedule. We did that with Dive With Martin 2 years ago while diving on a cruise. It worked out great and was about as cheap as going on a 6 pack boat. You won't get to meet other divers though. Sometimes that's a good thing...lol.
Christi with BlueXTsea and Dave with Aldora are huge supporters of this site and deserve a look. I have not dove with Blue XTSea yet but have with Aldora, Blue Magic, and Dive with Martin. There are no wrong choices, just the one that fits your needs the best based on the variables listed above. I have only heard great things about Blue XTSea, they fill up for a reason!
All ops are great about responding to email and have websites that Google will find in a few seconds. Great idea on the night dive! Even better than day diving! Watching an octopus change colors while trying to figure out why you can still see him is amazing!
i keep meaning to do a spreadsheet/chart of all the options.....just haven't gotten around to it yet. Most people have their favorite dive operator and will defend them like they are family. You just need to find your favorite....which will hopefully take several trips!
The scallops at Guidos are a favorite, ceviche at the Thristy Cougar, and lobster rolls at the Lobster Shack, burritos at King Burrito or Burrito Gordito are cheap and great, and lots and lots of other great place to eat. Bohemia Oncura is the best beer ever and only available in Mexico. There is a thread about favorite restaurants on here. Staying downtown is a good move!
Our preference is Casa Mexicana for the nice rooms, location, and breakfast buffet. We dive with Aldora for the tank size, #of boats, availability to dive when weather closes most ops, and their downtown pier is 1/2 block from Casa Mexicana. A quick breakfast and short walk and were on the boat. Aldora is more expensive, but the dive times make it reasonable for us. CM is about $70 a night. Suites Bahia is about $40 a night and includes the same buffet, just a 2 block walk to eat. Decent rooms, but older.
Good luck, safe travels.
Jay
