help--Cancun Diving and Whale Sharks 9/12-9/18

[mako781]

Hello All,

I was hoping to get some tips from you all, since it seems as if there are some very experienced Mexican divers here.

Basically, I will be going to cancun with a small photo/video crew in September and we are looking for good spots for shots, maybe in 30-60 feet of water. Are the reefs there dead? Never dove in Cancun.

What are some good spots to dive in Cancun that will provide rich reefs and friendly helpful staff?

Also, I am aware that the whale shark season officially ends on september 15 2009. We were going to try to get a day of shark diving in, hopefully the sharks will still be around.

Questions:
What dive operation is best?

How far from cancun would we have to drive to get to isla mujeres or contoy...which is best?

Would we be allowed to use our own cameras?

Will the sharks still be around??

Thank you so much!!! Any help is appreciated!

 

[cxdivers]

Hello Mako,
I'm sure I can help; I have a small dive operation focussing on divers with specific needs very much like yours. I can suggest some reefs and wreck in Cancun, also off of Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen, just 40 minutes away from Cancun. We'll help you get the pics you need.

Also, the Whale Shark season ends on the 15th of september due to permits, the whale sharks will most likely still be here. We have been going out these last days and have spotted up to 100 whale sharks, definately an impressive sight. I can set this up for you as well.

Send me an email so we can discuss the specifics of your trip.

sales@cxdivers.com
Darik

 

[Spratman]

Since you'll be in Cancun, I would recommend Mayan Aqua Dive. Tremendous customer service and attention. Drop Ben a line at benrmooney@yahoo.co.uk and tell him your plans. He can work with you on a dive plan for your trip.

We'll be down the first week of Sept and that's getting dicey for whale sharks. If you are talking about bull sharks, they are earlier in the year. Ben has had some very good luck with eagle rays, mantas and even an instance of sailfish.

You will not be disappointed with your experience.

 

[docmartin]

i have also nothing but praise for Ben at Mayan Aqua Dive. As far as the whale sharks you'll have to see when you get there if they still have had sightings. Things can change between now and then. I went 3 yrs ago in the 2nd week of Sep and saw no whale sharks at all. However, that was a few weeks after hurricane dean passed through and it may have messed up the currents that carry the plankton.

 

[chicken197]

I have been diving with Solo Buceo for 10 years and they have always taken care of me. Professional staff and great dive locations all over the Yucatan.

 

[mako781]

hey guys

thanks for all the info. this may sound wierd, but we are also looking for dead reefs. We are filming a show about the collapse of society, and would like to photograph some dead reefs as well.

Best,
mako

 

[Spratman]

Chitales Reef just off the north shore is deader than a hammer. Last time I dove it was probably 2004, and some sections were held together by zip-ties. It was really damaged by Hurricane Charles, I think and never recovered. A lot of dive ops take touristas there and dump them. So, everyone who has dove there think Cancun sucks for diving.

 

[islanddream]

Definitely talk to Ben at Maya Aqua Dive. He's very knowledgeable about whale shark season and is willing to work with you on where you want to dive. He's the best!

 

[robinh00d]

On the web i found:
mayanaquadive.com
aquamayadivers.com

which one is the 'correct' ?!

 

[Spratman]

Mayan Aqua Dive offers Cancun Diving, Snorkeling, Cavern Diving, Cozumel Dives&PADI Courses

contact Ben directly at benrmooney@yahoo.co.uk.

Good luck!