Likely Port Closure

[Dave Dillehay]

WE gave up on shore dives during the great Nortes of 2001. Afterwards we worked really hard to figure out how to launch and support boats over there, especially for 20 divers per day. It does work now but puts a big load on all of us. Brought a couple of 4x4 trucks from the Texas Hill Country with big tires, found big pipe rollers, and lots of manpower. Worst part is that much of our crew has to overnight there and we run provisions in addition to gas, tanks, gear etc.

This event we dove Saturday till Tuesday. Now that the port is open we are heading back.

Dave

 

[blue steal]

Thanks Gary for the report on shore diving on the east side. Quite an adventure.

 

[Christi]

All in all the shore diving on the east side was interesting but I wouldn't try it without an experienced guide. The entries and exists are scares and there really is no plan B if you get in trouble.

Thank you for adding this Gary. It is NOT advisable for the average vacation diver or even experienced divers to try this. There actually ARE reasons the diving is done on the west side of the island. The East side works in times of "desperation" so to speak, but the reefs aren't close to shore and they aren't as vast like on the West side - not to mention the dangerous currents, entries, logistics, etc etc.

 

[nwflyboy]

not to mention the dangerous currents, entries, logistics, etc etc.

...and crocodiles in the puddles.

 

[danalovesscuba]

My hotel room at Casa Del Mar had stinky moldy mildewy throw pillows which permeated the room my entire ten days and with the high winds and the rash from that smelly room I went home early. TraveOUCHcity did not give me a refund because the hotel would not approve it. It used to be such a quaint hotel. Beware divers! A lady fell on the floor there and was on crutches and could not swim. Aging divers need some throw rugs! The east side is above my abilities and it is better to under estimate than over estimate my skills at this point. But I am very sorry about the winds and sad for those of us who came to dive. Cozumel is still special in my heart.

 

[flyboy08]

^^ says the one who called the worst norte I've ever seen a "mild front"^^

Lol....check out windguru....who's laughing now? It never ever rains on my parade

 

[DandyDon]

A lady fell on the floor there and was on crutches and could not swim. Aging divers need some throw rugs!

Falls are a common threat. I'm always cautious about such hiking in the wilds. I don't know if I'd trust cheap-bid throw rugs as some would make the risk worse.

So, why didn't you remove the throw pillows on arrival?

Lol....check out windguru....who's laughing now? It never ever rains on my parade

What? Not many will see after 6 pages of posts, but say it. It was not a hard front, but it's past for now. Winds look nice at the moment, but there is another norther coming with a front that currently stretches from Boston to Arizona. It's still winter.

 

[flyboy08]

I really couldn't care what the weather is in Arizona or Boston! What I do care about and know is my trip to CZM next week will be pleasant with an easterly flow and temps in the low 80's.

 

[gopbroek]

I really couldn't care what the weather is in Arizona or Boston! What I do care about and know is my trip to CZM next week will be pleasant with an easterly flow and temps in the low 80's.

Windguru or Windfinder, the only thing that normally matters concerning port clousures is the wind.

Windguru

A good leading indicator for an El Norte is the wind forcast for Galveston. Currently Galveston is showing a strong North wind on the 22nd / 23rd, which is a loooong way out.

Windguru

 

[DandyDon]

I really couldn't care what the weather is in Arizona or Boston! What I do care about and know is my trip to CZM next week will be pleasant with an easterly flow and temps in the low 80's.

We should get you your own personal forum.

We have been discussing the north fronts of late.