Help on where to dive and stay for Cozumel first timer!

[ScubaBackpacker]

deepsea21 makes good points about eating out, something I love to do in Coz. But to me, after long morning dives, nothing is better than lazily hitting the pool at the villa, going through pics from the dives, taking a long walk, or reading a book until dinner. I'm an early-to-bed type, so by having breakfast and lunch at the villa, I can go out at 6:30 or so for a great dinner and be in bed early. Otherwise lunch is at 2 or2:30pm and then I'm not hungry for dinner until way late.

I can happily get by with just a few ingredients that gives me a full breakfast and lunch. My list is 18 eggs, 1/2 kg bacon, some bananas, 2 bags bread, 2 sticks butter, 1 jar of preserves, an avocado per day, a few limes, a bag of frozen veggies, a bag of tortilla chips, some pastries, and a block of cheese. $25 or so at Mega. That gets me a full breakfast every day, plus a grilled cheese, veggies, and chips with avocado dip (I don't do onions but you could add one of those for guac), and dessert. If you plan ahead and enjoy the routine like I do, it's worth cooking at your own place!

Also you mentioned you get cold. The huge difference maker for me has been a neoprene beanie/cap. Have you tried one? I don't like hoods but a beanie gives full range of motion and has really helped me through many weeks of multi-dive days which I otherwise couldn't handle.

Thanks to all who have taken time to reply to this thread. I am going to use dive operator(s) you have recommended and also am going to stay where ya'll have suggested. If I wind up staying the whole month in Cozumel rather than wandering down the coast to Xcalak or northern coastal Belize, I'll post a comparison of a month in Cozumel vs. a month in Utila. Also, thanks to backdrop for the beanie suggestion -- I just got a hood and will be trying it for the first time on this trip, but I am thinking it may be too bulky/bothersome so I'll also try a beanie. As I remember, when I was doing a fair amount of Caribbean diving 1975-1995, almost none of the rec divers wore a beanie or a hood. I'll try both.

 

[craig1225]

Have you looked into IBEROSTAR COZUMEL ? IT is a true all inclusive, with DRESSEL DIVERS, an excellent dive op located right on the resort. I know, everyone on this board will sing and dance about staying in town. But, do you really want to take a half hour or more boat ride for every dive ? Oh yes, then there are the folks that want to penny pinch by shore diving. The diving in coz is terrific, and that is what we go for. The resort 5- 10 minutes to dive sites, and a ride to town is 15- 20 minutes away. The dive op, DRESSEL DIVERS, is top notch. They always have a boat dedicated to experienced divers. They know how to keep an eye on their divers without being overbearing. We just booked another 10 day trip in august for $1200, including insurance. We make at least 3 dive trips per year. We dove Bonaire ( 1st week may) , and are headed for LCBR for two weeks over the holidays.

 

[Brules]

deepsea21 makes good points about eating out, something I love to do in Coz. But to me, after long morning dives, nothing is better than lazily hitting the pool at the villa, going through pics from the dives, taking a long walk, or reading a book until dinner. I'm an early-to-bed type, so by having breakfast and lunch at the villa, I can go out at 6:30 or so for a great dinner and be in bed early. Otherwise lunch is at 2 or2:30pm and then I'm not hungry for dinner until way late.

I can happily get by with just a few ingredients that gives me a full breakfast and lunch. My list is 18 eggs, 1/2 kg bacon, some bananas, 2 bags bread, 2 sticks butter, 1 jar of preserves, an avocado per day, a few limes, a bag of frozen veggies, a bag of tortilla chips, some pastries, and a block of cheese. $25 or so at Mega. That gets me a full breakfast every day, plus a grilled cheese, veggies, and chips with avocado dip (I don't do onions but you could add one of those for guac), and dessert. If you plan ahead and enjoy the routine like I do, it's worth cooking at your own place!

Also you mentioned you get cold. The huge difference maker for me has been a neoprene beanie/cap. Have you tried one? I don't like hoods but a beanie gives full range of motion and has really helped me through many weeks of multi-dive days which I otherwise couldn't handle.

Links to neoprene beanies? I def need to start wearing one. Was getting cold on dives last week after doing days of 60 min dives!

 

[ronscuba]

Maybe a hooded vest ? I find it warmer than a full 3mm because water is not flushing through the neck, back and chest.

 

[ggunn]

Have you looked into IBEROSTAR COZUMEL ? IT is a true all inclusive, with DRESSEL DIVERS, an excellent dive op located right on the resort. I know, everyone on this board will sing and dance about staying in town. But, do you really want to take a half hour or more boat ride for every dive ? Oh yes, then there are the folks that want to penny pinch by shore diving.

No need to get insulting; there are reasons for everyone's choices. I enjoy the boat rides, and shore diving is an adjunct to boat diving for me, not a "penny pinching" replacement. I like the large variety of eateries in town, and I enjoy being closer to the Mexican/Mayan culture. I have been staying at Blue Angel since the mid 80's and it's perfect for my wants and needs.

DSFDF. There is no absolute "better".

 

[deepsea21]

Links to neoprene beanies? I def need to start wearing one. Was getting cold on dives last week after doing days of 60 min dives!

For years I HATED the idea of wearing a hood as they all seemed to squeeze my head way too tight or (God forbid) one of those sissy beanies! Well, fast forward to one December dive trip when the humidity was low, the winds were blowing, and the water was a freezing 78 degrees or something and it was after that I learned of the power of the beanie. Found this little gem on Leisurepro and I'll never take a dive trip without it. I'll take a tropic 2MM beanie any day over 2 more mils on a full wet suit with an exposed head. Here's the link to what I got...

XS Scuba 2mm Tropic Beanie

As soon as you get it take a hot nail and poke a vent hole in the area that represents the highest point given your dive profile as mine tended to trapped bubbles which annoyed me beyond belief until I melted a tiny vent hole in the top. Also, buy it here because you can scour the island not find one there - only hoods on the island is what my search revealed.

 

[backprop]

That's the one I got too. In fact, I take two of them because I've almost lost it a few times (usually by leaving it behind on a boat or something stupid) and there aren't any to be had on the island.

 

[JimJam2]

Thanks for posting this MariGrow. I'll be a newbie to Coz in September and after initial research I am leaning towards staying at Hotel Barracuda and diving Dive Paradise. My reasoning is:
- I want an ocean view and a balcony
- 5 blocks from the main plaza (downtown I take it). Wouldn't mind an AI's down south but am trouble finding a reasonable / good one.
- Dive trips depart from hotel pier
- Mid priced via dive and hotel package
Interested in any of your thoughts please! Thanks.

 

[nodakdive]

Thanks for posting this MariGrow. I'll be a newbie to Coz in September and after initial research I am leaning towards staying at Hotel Barracuda and diving Dive Paradise. My reasoning is:
- I want an ocean view and a balcony
- 5 blocks from the main plaza (downtown I take it). Wouldn't mind an AI's down south but am trouble finding a reasonable / good one.
- Dive trips depart from hotel pier
- Mid priced via dive and hotel package
Interested in any of your thoughts please! Thanks.

Just another opinion, but for the record the Barracuda doesn't have phones in the rooms or in-room safes if that matters. Also, any dive op that leaves from downtown can pick you up at your hotel dock. BlueXTC, Deep Blue, Aldora, and some others I can't remember. Of those 3, Deep Blue is probably a little closer in price to Dive Paradise. I'm not sure, but I think you might be on a big boat with Dive Paradise unless you pay a little extra to be on a small boat.

Your strategy appears sound. I have a friend that stays at the Barracuda for several of the reasons you mention. If you're wanting to be close to downtown for food, the Barracuda works just fine.

 

[craig1225]

No need to get insulting; there are reasons for everyone's choices. I enjoy the boat rides, and shore diving is an adjunct to boat diving for me, not a "penny pinching" replacement. I like the large variety of eateries in town, and I enjoy being closer to the Mexican/Mayan culture. I have been staying at Blue Angel since the mid 80's and it's perfect for my wants and needs.

DSFDF. There is no absolute "better".

So sorry if you felt I was insulting you. I just remembered when I was a newbie asking for suggestions. I have spoken to several people in cozumel that were disappointed with the long boat rides . Especially if you are planning 3 or more dives per day. Likewise, in bonaire. I have seen plenty of people get tired of driving around looking for shore diving. Then they end up on the boat.