Going on a trip alone

[EricAdvin]

Hi All,
I was thinking of going to a Cancun with my family for vacation and none of them dive. I was wondering if i sign up for dive trips there will they partner you up with others or are you left alone to figure it out? This would be my first time diving outside of california and i've always had a buddy to go diving with. Is it common for single divers to go on trips and just pair up with others at the dive locations. Are there any concerns about doing this? Seems like their are seasoned travellers here so hope someone has experienced this before.


Thanks All

 

[covediver]

I was in Cozumel three years ago and met an MD intern on the boat who was a solo traveller. One afternoon we had lunch and I asked him the very question you bring up about if he had any problems being paired up as a solo traveller. He indicated in the years that he had been diving, he had been a solo traveller because of his screwy schedule which made it impossible to ever arrange a trip with a buddy with any certainty. He related that he never had any problem pairing up on dive boats. He just let them know the circumstances. The only problems was for the few hotels that charge exhorbitant rates if you want to book a room as a single rather than a double occupant.

 

[nivla80]

Yeah.. You'll be fine. Just be sure to let the DM know, and also, make sure u and ur insta-buddy are REAL buddies, instead of doing solo-diving with company.. Also, as wat cove said, hotels charge insane rates for single occupancy..

 

[JAMIE MCG]

Eric, my suggestion is to sign up an go dive. When you get to your meeting place, dive shop, introduce yourself to some of the others and ask whats thier dive level, experience, so forth and try to buddy up before you get on the boat. If that fails I always stay close to the guide on the dive.

 

[EricAdvin]

Wow, thats a relief. Now i can actually plan a trip. How exciting, i'm tired of everyone else here having the fun.

Thanks everyone

 

[jfcl01]

Most of my dive trips, I go solo, and those usually are my favorite trips. It has never been difficult at all to get buddies. Also, more than anywhere I've gone, there is an abundance of single divers in Coz...can't speak regarding Cancun, but I would guess there are even more singles there.

 

[C Chris]

Alot of good advice on the previous replies. On my very first trip out of country in 1989, I met three people who let me join them on the first morning dive - we had dinner together and stayed buddied up for the balance of the stay at the resort. The best part was to follow - for the next 10 years we got together annually and travelled the Carribean from dive resort to dive resort - one of the best friendships I've ever had. I wish you well!

Regards, Chris

 

[EricAdvin]

wow, thats great. I dont know why but it seems that divers make the best type of people. So friendly and eager to help out.

Again, thanks all for the information. I wont feel so concerned now about planning a trip.

 

[DeputyDan]

Alot of good advice on the previous replies. On my very first trip out of country in 1989, I met three people who let me join them on the first morning dive - we had dinner together and stayed buddied up for the balance of the stay at the resort. The best part was to follow - for the next 10 years we got together annually and travelled the Carribean from dive resort to dive resort - one of the best friendships I've ever had. I wish you well!

Regards, Chris

This is a hidden perk that you just can't explain to most people!

I doing the Nekton alone in July - can't wait!

 

[EvaL]

I agree with the replies above.
I've travelled alone to dive destinations, including Cozumel thrice, for the past 3 years (my regular buddies couldn't make the trips).
Let the dive op/DM know beforehand (they usually try to pair you up with divers of similar experience). Just be a little wary each time you are paired up with someone new to you as you don't know his/her buddy skills/safety awareness etc. Occasionally you may be put with a buddy pair - 3 person buddy teams in my opinion are less safe (especially if they are a couple/buddy divers and may not pay as much attention to you) and require more effort by all to watch out for the other 2 divers.
In any case, it's a great way to meet divers/friends (I found my dive buddy this way).Enjoy your trip.
Dive safely.