Is all Cozumel diving drift diving?

[k374]

I've been to Cozumel before in the past so I am familiar with the island but not with the diving there. I've been reading that all of the diving there is drift diving because of the Yucatan current. Does this mean that diving in Coz is only for experienced divers who have training and experience with drift diving? What are the options here for newer divers?

 

[firstdive2005]

Hi k374-great question. Most of the time there is current. Some site are more faster than others. There are sites with very little current. There are hundreds of new divers that quickly pick up the art to drift diving. Once here the dive masters will give great advice to keeping off the coral. Dont worry it's a lot of fun. For the most part you would be able to request site that dont rip so you can get used to this type of diving. Diving here will blow your mind. seeya kevin.

 

[DeltaWardog]

You've got nothing to worry about. As long as you have some buoyancy control you'll be fine. My wife and I did our very first open water dives here and everything went smoothly. You'll be amazed at how fast you pick it up.

 

[dperk15]

I did my first "post open water certification" dives there. My Brother got his open water cetification dives there. It is easy and very fun. Obviously bouyancy control is important to keep from hitting the reefs/coral. It was alot of fun to drift on some reefs and fly on others. We hit Cedral Pass with a swift current and it felt like flying.

 

[weaponeer]

Most of the drift diving in Coz is along the walls at medium depth. That's where you find the strongest currents. The shallower reef dives like the gardens and the deeper dives like Palancar and Punta Sur are not drift dives. Drift dives are actually the easiest dives to do. You get down to planned depth, hover by adjusting your trim, and let the currents pull you along. It's like flying!! Once you get the hang of it you can position yourself to do all sorts of neat maneuvers. You'll have a DM with you the entire time so just kick back, relax and enjoy the ride.

 

[robint]

Yes.... all dives are done as drifts. YOu get off boat, follow DM and glide with current, boat picks you up. This is regardless of how much current.

No....anybody can do it, at most sites. There are some dive sites that beginners should not dive because of depth and changing currents, down currents, etc.

 

[scubafanatic]

Let the dive op/boat know of your experience level/concerns, they can start you out 'under adult supervision' (newbie level dives) and you can see how it goes, and also the DM's will be watching you to see if you're a 'natural' or 'special ed', and then tailor your next dives appropriately, if you already comfortable/competent in the water you'll pick it up very fast, and don't worry, the DM's won't let you 'run with the big dogs' until they're convinced you're ready (deeper/higher currents)

 

[CZMDM]

With the exception of some diving very close to shore, ALL the dives on the island are drift dives, including Punta Sur and the Palancar. The current at Punta Sur can be incredibly strong. Some of the shallower sites can have the strongest currents. One site with regularly strong currents is Cedral which is shallow. The current at San Juan which is an average of less that 55 ft deep can be so strong that it feels like you have been shot out of a cannon. Paradise usually has less current than a lot of sites, but it is incorrect to say that there is no current there. As a matter of fact the current at Paradise can be tricky as it tends to change direction more than other reefs, especialy in the spring. There are some days when the current is ripping and other days when it is very gentle, but days without any current.....out of few hundred dives a year, maybe one or two dives where there is no current. During certain conditions the current can change direction at any reef. I have started at the end of Santa Rosa and went backwards all the way through the cave at Cedral and surfaced at the platform at Cedral.

As correctly pointed out, your buoyancy must be dialed in to keep you from bouncing off of the reef. Follow the DM. Do not allow yourself to become seperated from the group. You would be stunned how many straggler divers we pick up over the course of a year.

 

[Becca_007]

I loved the drift diving in Coz. On the plus side, you cover a lot of reef with minimal effort. Boat drops you off, follow the DM, boat picks you up. The negatives would be finning against the current to hold your place for a great picture, getting cold because you really don't kick much, and missing the smaller stuff if you don't have a quick eye.

 

[judydivescoz]

If you are concerned about drift diving, ask your Dive Op about hiring a private DM to dive with you. Its a great way to help minimize any anxiety you may have on your first day of drift diving. Should cost about $50us to hire one. It will be a great confidence builder!