Divemasters in Cozumel (and specifically with Dressel Divers)

[wateraddiction]

I hired a private divemaster to dive with my 13 year old for his first Cozumel dives. I wanted to know he was in professional hands so I could sit back and just enjoy the experience of diving with him and let someone else do the instructing/correcting/wrangling. Have to say that was the best money I ever spent. Fernanda from Aldora was so good with him. He did a total of 6 dives and the difference in his skills between the first and sixth dives was amazing. And I definitely enjoyed the experience more because I got to sit back and just be his dad, not his divemaster. If you have a new diver I highly recommend spending the money on a private DM, will be a better experience for them and for you!

how much did this cost, I'll have 2 new divers as soon as my youngest turns 10 and I'm slightly wary of having them dive Coz after I encountered really strong currents last week. A private DM would help and I've had great experiences with Aldora in the past. I would not want my kids on a Dressel boat in a group of 8 (and I'm sure other divers wouldn't want them in their group either.....).

 

[We are Osea]

I can help you with that if you are interested. it will be a pvt experience with only the kids and myself. www.weareosea.com is our website, feel free to DM us directly.

 

[OregonDM]

how much did this cost, I'll have 2 new divers as soon as my youngest turns 10 and I'm slightly wary of having them dive Coz after I encountered really strong currents last week. A private DM would help and I've had great experiences with Aldora in the past. I would not want my kids on a Dressel boat in a group of 8 (and I'm sure other divers wouldn't want them in their group either.....).

It was $1800MXN plus tip.

 

[We are Osea]

It was $1800MXN plus tip.

Was that just for the dives, or the OW junior certification?

 

[OregonDM]

Was that just for the dives, or the OW junior certification?

Just the dives. He got certified last year here at home.

 

[danzn16]

Just curious what the divemaster situation is like in Cozumel. I've been to places where DMs are required by law and places where you can run off on your own (with an insta-buddy or maybe even solo). And where DMs are required, I've experienced cozy groups of 2-3 divers per DM and larger groups of 8-10. What's typical in Cozumel? We'll be diving with Dressel Divers. If the groups are typically larger, would people recommend paying to have a private guide for just the 3 of us?

We liked all the DMs at dressel for sure but they were not local if that’s what you’re looking for. We had 8 divers in our group. We are Tec40 and we were placed with open water divers. It felt way too crowded for drift diving. Often we’d have divers who had no idea how to go slower in a drift so would just rocket off so to stay together we’d have to rocket off and then not be able to look at anything really. Most of the dives we’d try to be last just so newer dives weren’t constantly bumping in to the other divers, so a lot of the dive was just thing to give people space which took away from enjoying the dive/looking for critters. Even if you are okay with 8 per group like I thought we’d be, there’s 3-4 groups of 8 per boat and often 3 boats and they’ll drop in close location so you’d see many divers underwater during your dive and I don’t really like that. I would pay for a private guide if you want to be just 3 (although you’ll still be pretty close to the other divers from the same boat). Or go with another op that has less divers per group. Likely what we’ll do next time.

 

[We are Osea]

Hi, I'm Jay, an instructor, and have been diving in Cozumel for many years. My partner and I run a small freelance diving company on the island called OSEA. To dive in Cozumel, you can't go solo diving or with a buddy, and must be accompanied by a DM with a marine park license. Usually, many operations have large groups and the skills between divers can vary significantly, affecting the quality of your dive. We take small groups, or even just yourself, on a smaller boat and can customize your experience based on your skills and preferences (type of dive, time of day, etc.). We prioritize the quality and safety of your dive above all else, which may not often be the case. Personally, I prefer smaller groups or more private dives. You can have a much more comfortable dive at your pace, at the level you need, and focus on what you enjoy the most underwater. If you have any more questions, would love to help you plan your next dive in Cozumel. On IG: @WeareOSEA www.weareosea.com.

Just curious what the divemaster situation is like in Cozumel. I've been to places where DMs are required by law and places where you can run off on your own (with an insta-buddy or maybe even solo). And where DMs are required, I've experienced cozy groups of 2-3 divers per DM and larger groups of 8-10. What's typical in Cozumel? We'll be diving with Dressel Divers. If the groups are typically larger, would people recommend paying to have a private guide for just the 3 of us?

 

[tridacna]

Hi, I'm Jay, an instructor, and have been diving in Cozumel for many years. My partner and I run a small freelance diving company on the island called OSEA. To dive in Cozumel, you can't go solo diving or with a buddy, and must be accompanied by a DM with a marine park license. Usually, many operations have large groups and the skills between divers can vary significantly, affecting the quality of your dive. We take small groups, or even just yourself, on a smaller boat and can customize your experience based on your skills and preferences (type of dive, time of day, etc.). We prioritize the quality and safety of your dive above all else, which may not often be the case. Personally, I prefer smaller groups or more private dives. You can have a much more comfortable dive at your pace, at the level you need, and focus on what you enjoy the most underwater. If you have any more questions, would love to help you plan your next dive in Cozumel. On IG: @WeareOSEA www.weareosea.com.

Jay, if you’re going to advertise on SB, consider going red.

 

[We are Osea]

Jay, if you’re going to advertise on SB, consider going red.

Ok thank you.