Greetings! Thoughts on 11 yr old beginner diver in Cancun/Riviera Maya/Playa del Carm

[bluthchery]

Hello everyone!

Thanks in advance for responding to my post. I apologize if my question has been asked before, but I was overwhelmed when researching all the previous threads.

Our family is trying to book a diving trip during spring break. Our daughter, 13 is certified, and our 11 yr. old son is taking the course next month. The only feasible option (logistics and cost-wise) is Cancun. But I'm concerned that the dive conditions aren't optimal for my son's first dives (he'll do the referral certification there).

I really hope someone can provide insight into the specific dive conditions for a beginner (current, rough waters, long boat rides). We had a bad experience when my daughter got certified in Hawaii. Fortunately, she bounced back on the next trip with easy diving in Bonaire. I just dont want to repeat the traumatic experience the second time around!

If you don't recommend the dive sites around Cancun, we'll just wait until June to take a trip to Bonaire or Grand Cayman.

Thanks again!

 

[Froid]

bluthchery,

We use Ben Mooney@ Scorpio divers. If you do a search, you will see that most of us swear by him that dive in Cancun. He has a very loyal fan base here on scubaboard.

Ben took my son on his first ocean dive when he was 14. I would not consider anyone else to dive with my family in Cancun. (Yeah I am a bit over protective)

There are dive sites within a short trip that would be perfect for a first ocean dive.

Contact Ben and he will answer your questions about dive sites and conditions in the area.

His website is Scorpio Divers // Scuba Diving // Diving the way it should be.// Scuba Diving Cancun Puerto Morelos Cozumel Cenotes or PM him here on scubaboard ScubaBoard - View Profile: ben@scorpiodivers.com

 

[Dirty-Dog]

ScorpioDivers are awesome. But another to consider is Alvaro from AlwaysDiving. He did OW and AOW for my wife an I, and I know he's experienced with kids (his 13 yo daughter is a very skilled diver).

The conditions around Cancun are pretty much ideal for a new diver. The boat rides are not very long (the reef begins about 1 mile off shore), and generally smooth since you're between the reef and shore. Currents, when they exist, are mild. Reefs are healthy, and you'll see everything from damselfish to rays to eels to barracuda to sharks.

We love the diving in the Cancun area. Enough so that we'll be there for our 4th May in a row.