I never do these intro post... (Mexico Trip)

[-M-]

First post so here’s my obligatory intro with a couple of questions about my upcoming trip to Mexico.

Then:
I’ve been certified since 2008, but it wasn’t until five years later I got to experience my first multi-dive vacation in Roatan. Scuba diving was always something I wanted to do. Kind of a bucket list item that I didn’t want to wait until I was older to start. My last multi-dive vacation was in 2016 in Dominica. I can say that most of my under 50 dives were in extremely beautiful, prime locations, but over the last few years, family/life priorities superseded diving. I’ve only been able to get a single dive in locations that the diving was just "ok". Mostly because I would rather spend my vacation time with my wife and kids. After all these are the moments I will never get back and diving will always be there.

Now:
I can’t put into enough words just how excited I am now that my son is old enough to get his Junior Padi certification and start diving with me! Even better, my wife may also be joining us as well! While I’m working on getting them certified stateside, the goal is to their 4 open water dives referrals in Mexico. We’re staying to be in the Puerto Aventuras area. I’m looking to do their 3 open water dives in one day. I understand there is a marine park nearby. The following day for their final 4th dive, I plan on joint them in a boat dive. The goal is to get them certified with their referral dives ASAP because if they end up enjoying it, I may be able to convince them to do additional dives!

Question 1
For the 4th dive, I was thinking about Pedregal based on a quick search here. Something shallow (60 feet or less) and with plenty of sea life unless there are better spots? The other options are Cuevitas, Angelitas, Paamul, Oasis or Diadlitos. Any opinions are welcome.

Question 2
Possible 5th or 6th dive. Cozumel is nearby, any recommendation on dive spots that are 60 feet or less that are definitely worthwhile?

So, I never do these intro posts until now. Either way, I'm super thrilled that I get to share this with my son and wife and in a few more years, hopefully, my daughter.

Thanks!
-M

 

[Lorenzoid]

Hi, M, and welcome to SB! You will get better responses to questions about Mexico if you post in the Mexico forum: Mexico

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

I don't know anything about mainland diving other than cenotes. I know lots about Cozumel. Unless you charter your own boat, the decision of the dive site is based on lots of factors. The overall skill level of the diverson the boat, currents, visibility, distance, surface conditions, where the divers want to go, and the unwritten rule of whoever is diving their last day gets to choose.

For checkout dives, I'm sure the operators have their preferred sites that are shallow and safe. We did our first dives after certifying on Paradise and maybe Cedral.

For Cozumel, we dive with Aldora. With new divers, I would ask for Jorgito or Lian.

Good luck, safe travels.
Jay

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

Good luck and tell your son congratulations.

Now go sell a kidney.

 

[NeilA.]

I noticed Aldora uses HP 100’s and 120’s.

What if new divers, small divers, or whatever, prefer 80’s? Is there any choice?

 

[Tripp]

Welcome to ScubaBoard! I would find a recommended instructor, and go where he thinks you should go for the instructional dives. After certification, consider taking a boat dive to reef that is not too deep to really let your family enjoy and become entranced by their new hobby.

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

I noticed Aldora uses HP 100’s and 120’s.

What if new divers, small divers, or whatever, prefer 80’s? Is there any choice?

I'm sure they can get what ever you want with a little notice. HP100's are possibly shorter than an Aluminum 80, depending on the brand. Either way, they are so similar in size, most divers wouldn't know a diffference other than less weight on their BCD.

My wife has no problems with the steel 100. We have a friend from Canada who may be 5 feet tall on her tallest days and she is fine with the 100's. Most aluminum 80's are going to be 7.25 inches by right at 26 inches tall.... HP100 steels are going to be 7.25 x 22 to 24 inches tall, but a few pounds heavier so less weight Is required and they do dive better.

Every dive op I have ever dove with has been more than willing to try and meet any reasonable request made by a client. If for whatever reason someone WANTED an aluminum 80 over a steel 100, I'm certain they could come up with one.

Here is a great list for tanks specs:
Updated SCUBA tank specifications list -- in PDF and spreadsheet

There are dozens of great dive shops on Cozumel. Only 3 use HP100 or 120 steel tanks. I enjoy long dives so the 120's are great for me. We love Aldora not only for the steel tanks and long dives, but Sharief, Rich, and Jorgito are three of the best dovemasters we have ever dove with anywhere at any price. Throw in the cash discount and pickup across from Casa Mexicana and Aldora just works best for us.

See you on the reefs!
Jay

 

[-M-]

I appreciate all the feedback. Thanks!

 

[Regulatrix]

First post so here’s my obligatory intro with a couple of questions about my upcoming trip to Mexico.

Then:
I’ve been certified since 2008, but it wasn’t until five years later I got to experience my first multi-dive vacation in Roatan. Scuba diving was always something I wanted to do. Kind of a bucket list item that I didn’t want to wait until I was older to start. My last multi-dive vacation was in 2016 in Dominica. I can say that most of my under 50 dives were in extremely beautiful, prime locations, but over the last few years, family/life priorities superseded diving. I’ve only been able to get a single dive in locations that the diving was just "ok". Mostly because I would rather spend my vacation time with my wife and kids. After all these are the moments I will never get back and diving will always be there.

Now:
I can’t put into enough words just how excited I am now that my son is old enough to get his Junior Padi certification and start diving with me! Even better, my wife may also be joining us as well! While I’m working on getting them certified stateside, the goal is to their 4 open water dives referrals in Mexico. We’re staying to be in the Puerto Aventuras area. I’m looking to do their 3 open water dives in one day. I understand there is a marine park nearby. The following day for their final 4th dive, I plan on joint them in a boat dive. The goal is to get them certified with their referral dives ASAP because if they end up enjoying it, I may be able to convince them to do additional dives!

Question 1
For the 4th dive, I was thinking about Pedregal based on a quick search here. Something shallow (60 feet or less) and with plenty of sea life unless there are better spots? The other options are Cuevitas, Angelitas, Paamul, Oasis or Diadlitos. Any opinions are welcome.

Question 2
Possible 5th or 6th dive. Cozumel is nearby, any recommendation on dive spots that are 60 feet or less that are definitely worthwhile?

So, I never do these intro posts until now. Either way, I'm super thrilled that I get to share this with my son and wife and in a few more years, hopefully, my daughter.

Thanks!
-M

 

[Regulatrix]

Hello, hello. I've been diving twice in Puerto Aventuras in the last three years, and really enjoyed it. We went with Dive Aventuras both times (I highly recommend their dive master "Alex"--great guy). We did some cenote diving the first year; enjoyed it but not enough to repeat. What can I say about cenotes? One: they are gorgeous and magnificent, and I recommend diving a sampling at least once if you have the opportunity. Two: after a couple of cenote dives, I would rather enjoy them as a swimmer/snorkeler than a diver. The best comparison I can make is this: I love to alpine hiking, but I don't have a ton of interest in peak ascents. The views from the peaks are often incredible, yes, but I honestly am most interested in the fauna, and as one ascends higher, the less fauna one tends to see. The same applies for cenotes. Once through the darkness, enjoying the geographic formations, is enough for me, because what I enjoy most is seeing the fauna. YMMV.

With Dive Aventuras, we our fave dives sites were Chanyumum(aka Pedregal). Did it twice because we enjoyed it so much. Good dive for nitrox.