Earliest operators in Cozumel

[ibnygator]

Have you ever done a dawn dive? Might be hard getting enough people who are on vacation to get up real early, but hear the dives early in the morning are nice.

That's a great idea, I think I'd like to do a dawn dive and see what that is like. My chances probably aren't good on this trip though, as I am going by myself and will have to take what I can get, I imagine...

 

[ColdH2OisNot4Me]

Earlier is not always better. Given the choice of an operator that will pick you up early but gives you 40-50 minutes of bottom time versus an operator that leaves later but lets you dive your own profile and 75-85 minutes of bottom time...I'll opt for the latter. Read my review of three operators on CZM here: http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=99952
There are zillions of operators; but it really boils down to what are you there for?
Lots of creatures? Do a night or dawn dive...
Lots of reefs? Do an extended bottom time dive...
Many options. Choose what fits your style best and will achieve your objectives.

 

[WAPADIDM]

Earlier is not always better. Given the choice of an operator that will pick you up early but gives you 40-50 minutes of bottom time versus an operator that leaves later but lets you dive your own profile and 75-85 minutes of bottom time...I'll opt for the latter. Read my review of three operators on CZM here: http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=99952
There are zillions of operators; but it really boils down to what are you there for?
Lots of creatures? Do a night or dawn dive...
Lots of reefs? Do an extended bottom time dive...
Many options. Choose what fits your style best and will achieve your objectives.

When you were diving down there, did most of the divers manage a 60 minute plus dive. At columbia shallows at 30 feet or less, most of the guides don't want to stay down 60 minutes. Are you diving with a set of divers equivelant to your skills, open boats don't usually have this level of skill.

 

[Christi]

When you were diving down there, did most of the divers manage a 60 minute plus dive. At columbia shallows at 30 feet or less, most of the guides don't want to stay down 60 minutes. Are you diving with a set of divers equivelant to your skills, open boats don't usually have this level of skill.

WAPADIDM,

I'm just curious, based on on of your questions and rave reviews of Dressel...have you dove with any other operators in Cozumel? If not, I encourage you to try some others out next time and you will see the difference so many people are talking about. I am not saying anything good or bad about Dressel, but if you don't have a frame of reference, you really wouldn't know that you have some other alternatives that I believe you would find more to your liking.

As far as your question above, this depends on the opertor. There are several shops that truly are dedicated to customer service, and along with this includes matching up divers of equal/similar abilities or making accommodations accordingly rather than just filling the boat with whomever comes along. These accommodations may include sending out more than one boat, sending an additional DM on the boat (even with a group of 6), or sending divers up in buddy pairs as they reach the designated psi with the DM's line.

 

[ColdH2OisNot4Me]

When you dive with Tony and Ricardo; they will work with you to ensure that you'll maximize your bottom time. Some of the people diving with us had as few as 50 or less dives, but they were able to get a good 60 minutes plus. In one instance, there was a woman that became proficient enough in the techniques they employ that she had 88 minutes on the day before I started diving with them. She was still aboard, but was averaging 75-85 minutes per dive that I observed. Here's the other key... if you burn through your air in 50 minutes and others last 80...nobody gets penalized and nobody will really care if you have 30 minutes less time because they are not forced to terminate early because of you. I'd mention that by the end of 4-6 days of diving with them your skills will be sharpened and you'll probably be diving with bottom times of 70-75 minutes or so regardless of what experience level you have. Consider them free advanced instruction on the fine tuning of your skills. Check out their website for more information http://www.advanceddivers.com

 

[getwet2]

I've only ever used DWM but I would recommend him.

 

[WAPADIDM]

WAPADIDM,

I'm just curious, based on on of your questions and rave reviews of Dressel...have you dove with any other operators in Cozumel? If not, I encourage you to try some others out next time and you will see the difference so many people are talking about. I am not saying anything good or bad about Dressel, but if you don't have a frame of reference, you really wouldn't know that you have some other alternatives that I believe you would find more to your liking.

As far as your question above, this depends on the opertor. There are several shops that truly are dedicated to customer service, and along with this includes matching up divers of equal/similar abilities or making accommodations accordingly rather than just filling the boat with whomever comes along. These accommodations may include sending out more than one boat, sending an additional DM on the boat (even with a group of 6), or sending divers up in buddy pairs as they reach the designated psi with the DM's line.

Hi Christi,

My point about Dressel wasn't to give them rave reviews even though I thought they were fine. Maybe someone can give me specifics about Dressel. H2O dismissed them, what was the experience that made him feel that way. You have to agree there is a lot of negativity on this board about them. When I read the reviews I was dreading an awful trip.

This was my first Coz trip so I haven't used other operators there. I have been diving at different spots in the Carrib and Pacific. So my point of reference was the service they provided.

I am sure I will try other operators down there. So maybe every other operator is more friendly or whatever.

Their boats were good, the guides were good, we are all diving the same reefs. I don't know what else to say. I know your issue about not having easy access to their dock. I tried to make a point of not taking issue with that. I said this could be a very real business issue.

Sorry I can't be another negative reference, but there are so many here, I'm sure my comments won't matter. But it was my experience and it was good, sorry.

 

[Christi]

Hi Christi,

My point about Dressel wasn't to give them rave reviews even though I thought they were fine. Maybe someone can give me specifics about Dressel. H2O dismissed them, what was the experience that made him feel that way. You have to agree there is a lot of negativity on this board about them. When I read the reviews I was dreading an awful trip.

This was my first Coz trip so I haven't used other operators there. I have been diving at different spots in the Carrib and Pacific. So my point of reference was the service they provided.

I am sure I will try other operators down there. So maybe every other operator is more friendly or whatever.

Their boats were good, the guides were good, we are all diving the same reefs. I don't know what else to say. I know your issue about not having easy access to their dock. I tried to make a point of not taking issue with that. I said this could be a very real business issue.

Sorry I can't be another negative reference, but there are so many here, I'm sure my comments won't matter. But it was my experience and it was good, sorry.

HI WAPADIDM,

Please don't get me wrong...I wasn't looking for a negative review of them...so no need to apologize. If they served your needs, that's absolutely great. I was just curious, as I said. Yes there are alot of negative reviews about them, and mostly by people who have dove with other operators...which was why I was curious to see if you had. I've not dove with them either, I only know what I read and hear form people who have or from people who have worked for them. I think it's great that you enjoyed your trip and I wasn't knocking your review at all...sorry if you thought so.

 

[ColdH2OisNot4Me]

Hi Christi,

My point about Dressel wasn't to give them rave reviews even though I thought they were fine. Maybe someone can give me specifics about Dressel. H2O dismissed them, what was the experience that made him feel that way.

Positive references are an asset and I'm very glad you had a good experience with Dressel. I had a very good experience with Dive Palancar at the then Diamond Resort (Now the Allegro next door to the Iberostar) about 10-11 years ago. I wouldn't recommend them now; but that is what experience in a particular area gives you...the ability to compare.

Keep diving....keep logging....keep writing