Liveaboards in Coz or PDC?

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I'm certainly not aware of any liveaboards in that area, and the location of the dive sites - all within very short distances from the shore, either of Cozumel or of the Yucatan mainland, and relatively short boat rides (meaning less fuel costs - and fuel is expensive in Mexico) - and the wide availability of facilities on shore, not only lodging like hotels, hostels, B&Bs, rental houses and condos, but also restaurants, means that the traits making liveaboards either necessary or economically viable simply are not present. For those who like the sole focus on diving - dive, eat, dive, eat, dive, sleep, then repeat - that liveaboards offer, you can get that on Cozumel from a shore-based location, with much more comfortable lodgings, much better quality and variety of food, and more economical diving. I doubt very much whether a liveaboard operation could ever make money in the Cozumel-Yucatan area.
 
DjDiverDan:
I'm certainly not aware of any liveaboards in that area, and the location of the dive sites - all within very short distances from the shore, either of Cozumel or of the Yucatan mainland, and relatively short boat rides (meaning less fuel costs - and fuel is expensive in Mexico) - and the wide availability of facilities on shore, not only lodging like hotels, hostels, B&Bs, rental houses and condos, but also restaurants, means that the traits making liveaboards either necessary or economically viable simply are not present. For those who like the sole focus on diving - dive, eat, dive, eat, dive, sleep, then repeat - that liveaboards offer, you can get that on Cozumel from a shore-based location, with much more comfortable lodgings, much better quality and variety of food, and more economical diving. I doubt very much whether a liveaboard operation could ever make money in the Cozumel-Yucatan area.
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This is a great explanation of why there are no liveaboards.

It was attempted many years ago by a man from Mexico City, but was shot down by some unknown powers that be and due diligence before it ever got out of the gate.
 
To me, the biggest benefit of a live aboard is the ease of good diving. You get modest accommodation, decent food, but quick easy access to good diving and 4-5 dives a day if you wish.

To get close to this on Cozumel, I recommend staying at a southern resort to be close to the reefs and 5-10 minute boat rides. 2 morning dives plus an afternoon or night dive. 3 dives a day instead of 4-5. You can stay at an AI for easy decent food or head into town for good food. Another option is staying at Blue Angel or Scuba Club. Much longer boat rides, but you can add shore dives.

For many years I stayed in town to be close to the great food, but had to accept 45-60 minute boat rides each direction. This year I did the opposite and stayed down south. VERY relaxing and much closer to the lazy relaxed vibe of a liveaboard.
 
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As far as I'm concerned, a liveaboard would only be viable if guests can order delivery from taquerias. Servicio al barco.
I can't imagine being so close to everything that's great about vacationing in Mexico and unable to take advantage of it.
 
If you really wanted to approximate a liveaboard experience, and could get 6-12 divers together in a group, you could: (1) rent a condo or two at someplace like the Residencias Reef; (2) have a designated shopper make a few trips to town, either the Mega or Chedruai, to stock up your kitchen, and cook most meals for yourself; and (3) charter your own Dive Op to do as many dives as you want during the day - Residencias Reef is far enough south that the boat trips to the reefs would be short, and you could probably arrange a 2-tank trip in the morning, another in the afternoon, and possibly a twi-light double-header at late evening for a night dive. AND I bet you could come in under the typical cost for a liveaboard. You better all be diving Nitrox, or the accumulated nitrogen load of that many dives every day for several days will get someone bent.

BTW, if you didn't want to do your own cooking, I bet that you could find someone on Cozumel to come in and cook for you, maybe even do the shopping, too.
 
``BTW, if you didn't want to do your own cooking, I bet that you could find someone on Cozumel to come in and cook for you, maybe even do the shopping, too.''

There are several condo managers that offer this service.

Sandras' Kitchen
 
Dive with an operator with large tanks like Aldora and you get 70-80 minute dives. You will have less dive quantity than a live aboard, but daily total bottom time will be closer. Three 50 minute dives is the same bottom time as two 75 minute dives.

Great thing about Cozumel is you have many choices. Stay downtown to be close to the food. Stay south to be close to the reefs. Stay someplace in between to split the difference.
 
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