Dive Location for Novice Diver with Lots of Sea Life.

[Lateralus]

I'm going to Cozumel and have a bunch of dives under my belt. My GF just got recently certified.

She has been on a few dives but really hasn't seen anything. Her thing is sea life.

I know that Dive Ops usually ask you where you want to go, depending on the current, etc...

I dove La Francesa last time and didn't really see much.

What is a Dive Location that I can mention that is <60' that will have the highest probability of seeing a substantial amount of sea Life?

I've been told to visit Paso El Cedral for Sea Turtles, so I've jotted that one down. Interested in other. Thanks.

I also want to explore the island when I'm not diving, any recommendations on must-see things to do? Suggestions on best beach?

 

[Lorenzoid]

No need to cite sites to the divemasters. Just tell them your preferences, and they will know what sites fit your preferences. My wife and I do just that. We tell the divemaster that we prefer to see marine life over presumably interesting underwater topography, swim-throughs, etc. They will know just where to go.

Of course, if you are not the only divers on the boat, then your preference may be taken into account along with the preferences of others.

 

[cicopo]

Colombia Shallows & area.

 

[MMM]

I a
ways find interesting critters on San Francisco.

 

[Brules]

Must sees for her:

Tell the DM you want to find:

1) A splendid toadfish (only found in Cozumel)
2) Sea horses
3) Moray Eel
4) Turttles
5) Columbia Shallows (the macro life and juv fish here is off the charts - wont see big stuff but it is amazing and sloooow nice current - will see turtles here though sometimes!) Last time I was in Coz we did C Shallows 3 times out of 5 days and I was totally stoked about it haha......thats how much I like it. We pull 85 and 90 minutes 2 of those on AL80 tanks too.....!

1st dives in Coz are usually deeper (down to 90') and are more coral/feature/structure rich
2nd dives are shallower and more sea life rich

Be sure to tip the DM nicely if he out does himself with showing her some great things......

Speaking of what is everyone tipping now a days per person 2 tanks?

 

[Skittl1321]

She has been on a few dives but really hasn't seen anything. Her thing is sea life.

In Cozumel? Or local? Because if it's in Cozumel, I can only assume she hasn't been looking....

Everytime I've asked a DM to take me to a spot with a high probability of seeing something, I have with two exceptions- I've missed the Loggerhead (either from air running out before we get to him or he was spotted at that sight later that day) or with the Pipe Horse I got a message on the magna doodle during my safety stop that said "Pipe Horse below". Oops...


If you dive a week in Cozumel I'd imagine you would be highly likely to see Moray Eels, Turtles, Nurse Sharks, and tons and tons of fish. If it's in season the Eagle Rays (my favorite) are plentiful too.

If she's never been on dives with much to see, it is very likely she will actually really like the coral structures of Cozumel, which are actually sea life- but people usually think of vertebrates when they say that. There is so much diversity in what is there. On top of (I don't go over the side) Santa Rosa wall is my favorite for coral structures (though I've seen the turtles, sharks, and rays there too.)

We really loved our dive at Palancar Bricks this year too. And the year before I loved Columbia Shallows, but didn't make it this most recent trip.

 

[diverokc]

Cedral pass has the most wildlife i have ever seen. Always turtles sharks and eels, and usually a ripping current. My favorite is probably columbia shallows.

 

[Ron Lee]

Get the Cozumel map from cancunmap.com

 

[ggunn]

Colombia Shallows & area.

Second that. Max depth 30', usually little to no current, beautiful coral formations and tons of fish.

 

[MMM]

Speaking of what is everyone tipping now a days per person 2 tanks?

I tip 20% of the total cost and think it is well spent.