Drift diving and passports in Cozumel

[scubajen]

Since this is the first time my husband and I will be doing a drift dive, we both have concerns... Are there enough "beginner" dive sites for us to dive in Cozumel? What
dive operators would you recommend for the in-experienced?
Also, is it true you can't get pulled downward at a very fast rate?

Do you recommend that we get passports, or is a driver's license
and birth certificate ok (even with me having my maiden name on my birth certificate and married name of my license).

Thank you everyone for your help!

 

[Otter]

First the easy answer, Passports will make everything easier, but probably NOT required. I know of a 19 year old male who didn't have a passport and had lost his wallet the week before going to Coz. He furnished his birth certificate and a c-card for photo id and was let in. Would I want to rely on that, no. But there are enough official postings indicating that a DL and Birth Cert is sufficient.

As for currents....much has been said about downdrafts etc..in Coz. While I have only about 20 dives there, I can't recall any situation where the current caused me any concerns. I am sure it happens and from what I have read it is more likely to happen during the summer months than when we go (Feb) so that may explain it. Our first time there, one of our divers had all of about 10 dives under his belt. He did absolutely fine and in fact, returned a better diver.

I think the bigger potential issue is going to deep. Without thermoclines and with Coz's famous viz, it is very easy to go deep without even knowing it. So, enjoy the dive, relax, but watch your depth.

YMMV

Otter

 

[Petra]

My wife and I went to Cozumel about 2 months after we completed our O/W certification, so we had 0 real dives under our belts. Had no problems. Currents can get moving but just try to stay with the group.

One note. As soon as we got on the boat, we told the divemaster exactly how inexperienced we were. We basically told him to assume we didn't know anything except what he told us. That why we were all on the same page. And if we already knew it, doesn't hurt to hear it again. He said no problem. Nothing to worry about. He would take care of us.

Divemaster was awesome. Made sure we were weighted properly. He made sure to keep an extra eye on us as did the rest of the group. Turns out 2 of the other divers were dive instructors and I believe one was a divemaster on vacation. Everyone was very helpful. Even came and tapped us on the shoulder to let us know we had gone a little too deep.

Relax, enjoy, and remember to tell us how things went.

Mark

 

[scubajen]

Just wanted to say thanks for all of the info. I have been gathering on going to Cozumel! Everyone has been so helpful.
I am getting ready to book my trip this week!!! Going in Aug., so
I promise to submit a trip report, so that I may help others as well.

 

[jbjclj]

Be sure to apply for your passport right away. If you wait til the last minute you are charged a "rush" fee.... at least $65 extra per applicant( I think that was what it was several years ago)

 

[Otter]

are you thinking about booking? I have dived with Aqua Safari, Dive Paradise and Living Underwater. All have pluses and minus. Stayed all three times in the same hotel ...currently called the Brisas Cozumel (fka Costa Club, fka Fiesta Inn).

PM me if you have any other questions.

Otter

 

[SueJ]

Me and my family make about 2 trips to Cozumel per year and have had first hand experience with the down currents there. Please don't assume they do not occur and be prepared in case it does happen. My daughter and I were at 65' on Palancar Caves when a current came out of nowhere. We went down to 107' in a matter of seconds. We knew what to do to get out of it but it was quite the experience- One that I hope to never experience again.
Please let the DM's on the boat know that you are a new diver; and talk it over with your buddy what you would do if this was to happen to you.
With my daughter being 14 yoa; she handled the situation the exact way we discussed in case something like this should happen.
Of course that experience happened last July and it does not stop us from going back- we'll be there again in 3 weeks!

SueJ

 

[scubajen]

I have narrowed it down to Fiesta Americana and Hotel Brisas.
Fiesta American seem to have great reviews, but my husband wants to be closer to downtown.
I take it that Brisas is a good place to stay since you keep coming back?

 

[Titletowndiver]

You may want to check out www.bayadventures.com I just booked
a trip to Coz (staying at Brisas) with them and the price was VERY good!

 

[z28pwr]

I'm going to CZM on the 07/07/03 and Haven't booked yet (hoping for a last minute hot deal) but if I don't find one I will probably go with the bayadventures las brisas plan, even though I heard the food at las brisas wasn't good .

Since i'm a novice diver with 0 real dives what should you do if you get a current pulling you down ?