Diving with Dressel’s Cozumel

[Blue1800]

Am booked this February at the Iberostar, though I would dive with Dressel’s seeing they are on the property.
I’m a new diver this past summer and this will be first salt water diving.
Just looking for relative feedback about operator,
Also would you use the storage locker at the dive shop for your equipment
Little concerned about proper weighting, big difference in equipment from , Steel to Al tank and 7 mm suit to 3mm .

Les

 

[Charles2]

I have stayed at the Iberostar and used Dressel for diving. You will enjoy yourself. Just let them know that this is your first salt water diving. They will be glad to help get you sorted. Yes, I would use the storage lockers (more like storage bins) for my gear, but be sure that you take a padlock for security. Be sure to write a report when you get back.

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

Don't be concerned about weighting. DMs will carry extra if you need it and the first dive is a check out dive anyway to get everything dialed in.

They deal with new divers and weight issues literally everyday.

Safe travels,
Jay

 

[Mahidoodi]

Blue;
I stayed at Iberostar and dived with Dressel this past Oct. I have dived with them for the past 7 or 8 years. They are an outfit with their main office in Spain. In fact if you book with them and pay ahead of time you can get a 20% discount. They will allow you to carry your unused dives for up to 3-5 years. When making your reservation mention to them that you have not dived in salt water. They have a pool-check option but that doesn't help you much since it is not salt water. They operate big boats and have maximum of 8 divers to a dive master. They may carry as many as 3-4 groups in one boat. In my last trip they had 4 boats running with each boat carrying 16-24 divers. It can get a little hectic. They will give you your weight on the boat so ask the dive master for suggestion and the dive master always carries extra weight should you need it while under. The dive master will pair you up with someone but since he/she doesn't know your skill level the first couple of dives would be more to gauge your skill. Be sure to tell the dive master your skill level and discuss anything of concern, such as swim thru, descend concerns and so on. Cozumel is drift diving so be sure to listen to the dive master's planning as they will sometime give you tips on drift diving and staying with the group. Batista and Maddy are the shop managers and they are very helpful. Manuel, Julian and Scott are some of the dive masters who will help you too. Captain Miguel and mate Francisco are also very nice and helpful. There is a small area for storing your equipment, but be sure to bring your own lock. If you call/Email the main office in Spain ask for Marjon and tell her Mo sent you.
Have fun and enjoy your dives.

 

[Blue1800]

Thanks Mahidoodi that was very helpful. I will book ahead and tell them Mo sent me

 

[Texasbrons]

Am booked this February at the Iberostar, though I would dive with Dressel’s seeing they are on the property.
I’m a new diver this past summer and this will be first salt water diving.
Just looking for relative feedback about operator,
Also would you use the storage locker at the dive shop for your equipment
Little concerned about proper weighting, big difference in equipment from , Steel to Al tank and 7 mm suit to 3mm .

Les

BLUE
What were your thoughts about the trip and Dressel? We are scheduled to go there at the end of May. I have an 18 year old son who I will be diving with. His only salt water dive was in Grand Cayman while we were on a cruise. I have several dives, but I consider myself far from being an expert. My son has had several dives cancelled due to weather or various reasons. Most of his dives are in fresh water lakes.
Also, I don't know if you were there before or after or during the ferry events. Did you notice anything that made you concerned for your safety while you were there or was it pretty much a non event?
Looking forward to your comments.

 

[Coztick]

Blue;
I stayed at Iberostar and dived with Dressel this past Oct. I have dived with them for the past 7 or 8 years. They are an outfit with their main office in Spain. In fact if you book with them and pay ahead of time you can get a 20% discount. They will allow you to carry your unused dives for up to 3-5 years. When making your reservation mention to them that you have not dived in salt water. They have a pool-check option but that doesn't help you much since it is not salt water. They operate big boats and have maximum of 8 divers to a dive master. They may carry as many as 3-4 groups in one boat. In my last trip they had 4 boats running with each boat carrying 16-24 divers. It can get a little hectic. They will give you your weight on the boat so ask the dive master for suggestion and the dive master always carries extra weight should you need it while under. The dive master will pair you up with someone but since he/she doesn't know your skill level the first couple of dives would be more to gauge your skill. Be sure to tell the dive master your skill level and discuss anything of concern, such as swim thru, descend concerns and so on. Cozumel is drift diving so be sure to listen to the dive master's planning as they will sometime give you tips on drift diving and staying with the group. Batista and Maddy are the shop managers and they are very helpful. Manuel, Julian and Scott are some of the dive masters who will help you too. Captain Miguel and mate Francisco are also very nice and helpful. There is a small area for storing your equipment, but be sure to bring your own lock. If you call/Email the main office in Spain ask for Marjon and tell her Mo sent you.
Have fun and enjoy your dives.

I can verify everything said here and add that they are constantly training new divers so let the DM know your comfort and experience level. Maybe start with some shallow dives.
Divers are sent to the surface in pairs as they hit accent pressure and they are usually good at grouping divers of similar skills and gas consumption.
They know me, so it's back of the boat every dive. First group in and last out, a big thanks to DMs Eddie, Gareth and Ryan if they are lurking here...
Boat captains are safe and professional and the crew do everything but touch your gear. Francisco and Choocho are always pleasant and helpful.
Baptiste is manager but it's Maddy that organizes the kaos. She is exceptional.
The resort's pretty isolated and gated with security personnel.

 

[Jackie Treehorn]

I've done about 90 dives with Cozumel Dressel. Everything said in this thread is accurate. I've never felt concerned for my safety at Iberostar.

They will be able to handle your son without issue. I have always felt the bigger operations have much more experience with novice divers which in this case I'd say is a benefit.

Maddy, Ryan, and Scotty are great. It is definitely chaotic but after a day or two you roll with it.... it actually becomes part of the fun!

You will surface interval always back at the resort. A nice way to go get a soda. Don't forget to bring some back to the crew! They like donuts and coffee too in the morning!!!

Biggest downside is that when these groups roll through the water they're noisy. Lots of people and lots of banging of noise makers to show the 500th lobster of the day. Anything remotely shy will be long gone. But you will still see tons of stuff!

I'll be returning to dive with them again in May. Will also be checking out some of the smaller op's too as I had a great time with DWM on my last trip.