Question February 2023 Cozumel Roll Call

[Billg68bg]

We're going to Cozumel Feb 12-19. PADI package, staying at Occidental and diving with the onsite dive shop, ProDive. We're advanced open water with Nitrox and are very active divers (we live in South Florida), however we are new to travel dive trips.

Seeking advice:
1. Can we pack all the dive gear in a mesh duffle bag and check the bag? or should I pack our regulators in our carry-on?
2. Does the dive operator keep your gear for you for the week, having it set up for you on the boat?
3. I know not to drink the tap water.... but are alcoholic drinks on ice safe? Thinking the alcohol kills everything?
4. I've heard not to eat the salads because its rinsed in tap water?
5. What other food/drink precautions should I take?
6. Is diving a Cenote worth it? Does it require a special certification?
7. Do I need to pack bug spray ? Are the no-see-ums and mosquitoes bad?
8. I've been told the water temp is around 78-80 degrees, we're packing 3mm shorties, is that enough?
9. Do I need to bring lots of cash or is a credit card usually good?
10. It's all inclusive, but we may go into town, any recommendations for restaurants and things to do on a non-diving day?
11. We are DAN members
12. Anyone else staying at Occidental Feb 12-19?

Thanks!

Stayed there in ‘19. Food was fine. No issues with the alcohol or the water. Bees were out of control at pool bar. First place I ever dove. Dive shop staff all seemed knowledgeable and attentive. Nice taco bar down the beach. Think it’s called Alberto’s. Rentadora Isis, if still operating has some pretty cool dune buggies to rent and your the island. Will meet you right at the entrance to the resort. We brought cash but most places took credit cards.
Can’t answer your other questions.

 

[ggunn]

We're going to Cozumel Feb 12-19. PADI package, staying at Occidental and diving with the onsite dive shop, ProDive. We're advanced open water with Nitrox and are very active divers (we live in South Florida), however we are new to travel dive trips.

Seeking advice:
1. Can we pack all the dive gear in a mesh duffle bag and check the bag? or should I pack our regulators in our carry-on?
2. Does the dive operator keep your gear for you for the week, having it set up for you on the boat?
3. I know not to drink the tap water.... but are alcoholic drinks on ice safe? Thinking the alcohol kills everything?
4. I've heard not to eat the salads because its rinsed in tap water?
5. What other food/drink precautions should I take?
6. Is diving a Cenote worth it? Does it require a special certification?
7. Do I need to pack bug spray ? Are the no-see-ums and mosquitoes bad?
8. I've been told the water temp is around 78-80 degrees, we're packing 3mm shorties, is that enough?
9. Do I need to bring lots of cash or is a credit card usually good?
10. It's all inclusive, but we may go into town, any recommendations for restaurants and things to do on a non-diving day?
11. We are DAN members
12. Anyone else staying at Occidental Feb 12-19?

Thanks!

I wouldn't pack dive gear in a mesh bag for checking on a flight. I pack mine in something with rigid sides that doesn't broadcast what is in it.

Ice is safe.

Mosquitoes may or may not be bad, depending on if it has rained recently.

Cold tolerance is different for everyone. I would bring too much neoprene and use what you need.

Credit cards work fine most places, but taxis require cash. Get pesos from a bank owned ATM, not the free standing ones on the sidewalk; do not pay taxis with US$.

Restaurants - there are many great ones to choose from. Here are a few I really like: 'Ohana, La Choza, El Moro, La Perlita, Pancho's Backyard, Kondesa, Especias, Casa Cuzamil, Casa Mission, Blue Angel

We always dedicate a day for an excursion around the island; there are funky little beach clubs every couple of miles over on the east side. There is a golf course on the island if you are so inclined. There are some ruins at San Gervasio if that interests you. Chankanaab Park has some stuff like ziplining. There are a couple of sunset cruise operations with drinks and food. Blue Angel runs a day cruise down to Cielo with snorkeling, drinks, and food. When I am not diving I can just sit or lie in a hammock and stare at the water for hours.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[bilboinsa]

we have been here since Jan. 14 and staying through Feb. 13.
Staying at Peninsula Grand.
Diving w ScubaPepe, located in Coral Princess Hotel (north side)

Also dove with Ocean Nomads (Pepe Suarez) out of Marina Fonatur. Highly recommend them, as they did a fantastic DSD with our son’s gf.

 

[bilboinsa]

We're going to Cozumel Feb 12-19. PADI package, staying at Occidental and diving with the onsite dive shop, ProDive. We're advanced open water with Nitrox and are very active divers (we live in South Florida), however we are new to travel dive trips.

Seeking advice:
1. Can we pack all the dive gear in a mesh duffle bag and check the bag? or should I pack our regulators in our carry-on?
2. Does the dive operator keep your gear for you for the week, having it set up for you on the boat?
3. I know not to drink the tap water.... but are alcoholic drinks on ice safe? Thinking the alcohol kills everything?
4. I've heard not to eat the salads because its rinsed in tap water?
5. What other food/drink precautions should I take?
6. Is diving a Cenote worth it? Does it require a special certification?
7. Do I need to pack bug spray ? Are the no-see-ums and mosquitoes bad?
8. I've been told the water temp is around 78-80 degrees, we're packing 3mm shorties, is that enough?
9. Do I need to bring lots of cash or is a credit card usually good?
10. It's all inclusive, but we may go into town, any recommendations for restaurants and things to do on a non-diving day?
11. We are DAN members
12. Anyone else staying at Occidental Feb 12-19?

Thanks!

1. Packing and checking a mesh bag is asking for issues, IMHO.
10. Ananda’s, Money Bar, El Rincon Caribeno are all great beachfront restaurants. Off the water is Guido’s (a staple in fine Coz dining), La Choza (Mexican), Kondessa (funky Caribbean spot back on 5th Av., and Benitos Pizza and Italian is a great little spot away from tourists, back on 50thAv.

also, don’t forget eating on the east side! Senor Iguana’s —not to be confused with Senor Frog’s. Locals swear by Iguana’s fare, why Frog is mostly for the cruisers. Also, El Pescador in Chen Rio.

 

[aquacpl]

I wouldn't pack dive gear in a mesh bag for checking on a flight. I pack mine in something with rigid sides that doesn't broadcast what is in it.

Ice is safe.

Mosquitoes may or may not be bad, depending on if it has rained recently.

Cold tolerance is different for everyone. I would bring too much neoprene and use what you need.

Credit cards work fine most places, but taxis require cash. Get pesos from a bank owned ATM, not the free standing ones on the sidewalk; do not pay taxis with US$.

Restaurants - there are many great ones to choose from. Here are a few I really like: 'Ohana, La Choza, El Moro, La Perlita, Pancho's Backyard, Kondesa, Especias, Casa Cuzamil, Casa Mission, Blue Angel

We always dedicate a day for an excursion around the island; there are funky little beach clubs every couple of miles over on the east side. There is a golf course on the island if you are so inclined. There are some ruins at San Gervasio if that interests you. Chankanaab Park has some stuff like ziplining. There are a couple of sunset cruise operations with drinks and food. Blue Angel runs a day cruise down to Cielo with snorkeling, drinks, and food. When I am not diving I can just sit or lie in a hammock and stare at the water for hours.

Enjoy your trip!

Thanks! Will the Airport ATM work with my bank card? and why not pay taxis in US dollars?

 

[Bob T]

All the answers to your questions are realistic and helpful. If this is your first dive trip to Coz. be prepared for a great diving experience. The reef is very long so you will dive a different spot each day. The variety of seascape is tremendous. The variety of animals is mind blowing. A good dive master may show you creatures not commonly seen in others dive locations. The swim-thrus are awesome. Enjoy!
Bob T

 

[ggunn]

Thanks! Will the Airport ATM work with my bank card? and why not pay taxis in US dollars?

Your card will almost certainly work in the airport ATM. Pay taxis in pesos because they will charge you more if you pay them in US$.

 

[mediumone]

and why not pay taxis in US dollars?

The legal tender in Mexico is the Mexican Peso.

 

[Catito]

We're going to Cozumel Feb 12-19. PADI package, staying at Occidental and diving with the onsite dive shop, ProDive. We're advanced open water with Nitrox and are very active divers (we live in South Florida), however we are new to travel dive trips.

Seeking advice:
1. Can we pack all the dive gear in a mesh duffle bag and check the bag? or should I pack our regulators in our carry-on?
2. Does the dive operator keep your gear for you for the week, having it set up for you on the boat?
3. I know not to drink the tap water.... but are alcoholic drinks on ice safe? Thinking the alcohol kills everything?
4. I've heard not to eat the salads because its rinsed in tap water?
5. What other food/drink precautions should I take?
6. Is diving a Cenote worth it? Does it require a special certification?
7. Do I need to pack bug spray ? Are the no-see-ums and mosquitoes bad?
8. I've been told the water temp is around 78-80 degrees, we're packing 3mm shorties, is that enough?
9. Do I need to bring lots of cash or is a credit card usually good?
10. It's all inclusive, but we may go into town, any recommendations for restaurants and things to do on a non-diving day?
11. We are DAN members
12. Anyone else staying at Occidental Feb 12-19?

Thanks!

Ha! Live close to you. Going with a PADI package to Presidente Feb 18-23. Have fun.

 

[matthewjen]

We are headed back on Friday 17th-26th. Family of 4 diving(Dive with Martin) staying at Hotel Cozumel and resort. looking forward seeing the parades. First time after many trips.