We are renting Island House (link for details). It's more house than we need, but hubby is very excited about having tons of space, shopping at the Mega, eating at local restaurants, bars and cafes. We need to get a flavor for real living on the island in case we get serious about getting a place there someday. This will be Step One.
Trip Report May 17-31, Fiesta Am/Coz Palace, Scuba w/Alison/AquaSafari
- Thread starter Kimela
- Start date
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We are renting Island House (link for details). It's more house than we need, but hubby is very excited about having tons of space, shopping at the Mega, eating at local restaurants, bars and cafes. We need to get a flavor for real living on the island in case we get serious about getting a place there someday. This will be Step One.
I'll have to work on technique. Many years ago I had a hammock that had wooden crossbars at the head and foot of the hammock - I guess it was a bit of a 'cheater' hammock. We had it strung between two trees in our backyard and I loved it - but it was easy to snuggle into. 'Real' hammocks are more of a challenge!
I wrote a "Part 2" and thought I posted it ... but don't see it here ... so I'll try again. If I see the other one pop up I'll delete one of the two posts.
Part 2: Cozumel Palace
This stay we were in room 314. Not a great view, but otherwise exactly like every other room (except the suites). We've stayed in a variety of rooms - most with great views - this one provided a partial view of the horizon (disappointing). Comfy beds, jacuzzi that doubles as a final rinse tank before you leave! We had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay in the Presidential Suite, and it's pretty big. It has two separate bedrooms with bathrooms as well as a large living area between with a dining table, small stove, sink and fridge. The best part is that the huge terrace is on the top floor and we were served dinner there one night (I'll post a picture of the setting - but keep in mind, it's the Presidential Suite, not the norm).
Covid procedures - when you arrive you walk into a tray of disinfectant and then dry your feet, get your temperature taken and hands sanitized. You are required to wear a mask at all times while indoors and when going through the buffet lines at the indoor and outdoor restaurants. Please keep in mind that while most guests may have been vaccinated, most locals have not. Many of the employees fear taking the virus home to their families and choosing not to wear your mask may be perceived as disrespectful to the risks they are taking to provide for their families. This probably isn't a time to take a political stand. Currently Q Roo is in the orange zone and technically at 50% occupancy, but the hotel was at 80% for Memorial Day (too many people for us, after having experienced the lighter numbers during covid, but good for the staff to start making better tips).
AquaSafari dive boats: gotta wear your mask until you're under way. They take your temp when you check in to see what boat you're on. They have hand sanitizer on the boat. They no longer provide anything but water on the boats (used to have towels and snacks - stopped that for covid). The boats are big and slow, but right now are running at about 75% capacity due to covid. The boats have marine heads - a plus for me, as I have an unpredictable stomach and have difficulty peeing in the water. It takes 1.5 HOURS to get to Columbia - so that marine head comes in handy. We don't mind the long ride. It gives us time to get our gear dialed in, get to know other divers and maybe exchange contact into. I've seen people take naps! Bring snacks if you think you might get hungry. It's about a 20 minute ride back from Paradise, so that's a good second dive.
The boat crew are attentive and nice people. They will happily change over your gear if you want them to - they know I prefer to do mine so they stay out of my way but always double check my air. They assume everyone wants their masks cleaned (they use a toothbrush and soap and do a great job) but again, I do my own. The guides will show you small stuff if you indicate an interest. Otherwise they try to find things that are familiar and do a great job. I always take out my weight pouches and hand them up before getting on the boat, but if you want to take off your whole rig that's ok too. They're happy to accommodate whatever your needs may be. They have good, sturdy ladders.
Cozumel is rotating closing dive sites to help regenerate them. If you ask to go to a specific site and they say it's closed, that's why. While we were there the sites from Dalila to Palancar Caves(?) was closed.
The other post was longer, so I'm sure I'm forgetting something!
Part 2: Cozumel Palace
This stay we were in room 314. Not a great view, but otherwise exactly like every other room (except the suites). We've stayed in a variety of rooms - most with great views - this one provided a partial view of the horizon (disappointing). Comfy beds, jacuzzi that doubles as a final rinse tank before you leave! We had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay in the Presidential Suite, and it's pretty big. It has two separate bedrooms with bathrooms as well as a large living area between with a dining table, small stove, sink and fridge. The best part is that the huge terrace is on the top floor and we were served dinner there one night (I'll post a picture of the setting - but keep in mind, it's the Presidential Suite, not the norm).
Covid procedures - when you arrive you walk into a tray of disinfectant and then dry your feet, get your temperature taken and hands sanitized. You are required to wear a mask at all times while indoors and when going through the buffet lines at the indoor and outdoor restaurants. Please keep in mind that while most guests may have been vaccinated, most locals have not. Many of the employees fear taking the virus home to their families and choosing not to wear your mask may be perceived as disrespectful to the risks they are taking to provide for their families. This probably isn't a time to take a political stand. Currently Q Roo is in the orange zone and technically at 50% occupancy, but the hotel was at 80% for Memorial Day (too many people for us, after having experienced the lighter numbers during covid, but good for the staff to start making better tips).
AquaSafari dive boats: gotta wear your mask until you're under way. They take your temp when you check in to see what boat you're on. They have hand sanitizer on the boat. They no longer provide anything but water on the boats (used to have towels and snacks - stopped that for covid). The boats are big and slow, but right now are running at about 75% capacity due to covid. The boats have marine heads - a plus for me, as I have an unpredictable stomach and have difficulty peeing in the water. It takes 1.5 HOURS to get to Columbia - so that marine head comes in handy. We don't mind the long ride. It gives us time to get our gear dialed in, get to know other divers and maybe exchange contact into. I've seen people take naps! Bring snacks if you think you might get hungry. It's about a 20 minute ride back from Paradise, so that's a good second dive.
The boat crew are attentive and nice people. They will happily change over your gear if you want them to - they know I prefer to do mine so they stay out of my way but always double check my air. They assume everyone wants their masks cleaned (they use a toothbrush and soap and do a great job) but again, I do my own. The guides will show you small stuff if you indicate an interest. Otherwise they try to find things that are familiar and do a great job. I always take out my weight pouches and hand them up before getting on the boat, but if you want to take off your whole rig that's ok too. They're happy to accommodate whatever your needs may be. They have good, sturdy ladders.
Cozumel is rotating closing dive sites to help regenerate them. If you ask to go to a specific site and they say it's closed, that's why. While we were there the sites from Dalila to Palancar Caves(?) was closed.
The other post was longer, so I'm sure I'm forgetting something!
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Redfoot
Contributor
Wow that presidential suite looks fancy, glad you got to experience that. Looks like a great trip.
Did you photoshop that cruise ship in the background?!?!?!
Did you photoshop that cruise ship in the background?!?!?!
Redfoot
Contributor
That makes more sense- I heard rumors of a some ships starting back, but I was surprised when I saw your picture- I also thought it might be at a permanent mooring or something (i.e empty boat)
Either that, or it was a ghost ship haunting your Coz photos
Either that, or it was a ghost ship haunting your Coz photos
markmud
Self Reliant Diver--On All Dives.
jonhall
Contributor
Glad you had a great trip. I'm getting antsy for our trip in late fall. Was wondering if you could fill in some gaps in my info about AS:
Do they only offer a daily rate ($90/day on website) and does that price include taxes?
Is the marine park fee extra?
What size tanks do they use?
Do they offer nitrox?
Do they store your gear?
Did you contact Scuba with Alison before your trip? Did they pick you up at Fiesta Am or did you meet them at the marina?
Do they only offer a daily rate ($90/day on website) and does that price include taxes?
Is the marine park fee extra?
What size tanks do they use?
Do they offer nitrox?
Do they store your gear?
Did you contact Scuba with Alison before your trip? Did they pick you up at Fiesta Am or did you meet them at the marina?
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