New to Cozumel, drift diving and dive shop "Blue Project"

[Marty Bess]

My wife and I are going to Cozumel for the first time in May and I was hesitant to go with a large dive outfit with large boats, (I like) but with 12 divers in the water at once (don’t like). I was thinking we wouldn’t get the attention we needed while we get the hang of things since there are a few new things for us this trip. Small boat and drift diving. We have always dived Grand Cayman in large stable boats that take small groups. So…. I booked with a dive company called “Blue Project” after reading reviews on Tripadvisor.

My question: Any thoughts about "Blue Project" good or bad?? Cozumel Diving with Blue Project, a safe & personal experience


Thanks for the input,

Marty

 

[gr8jab]

Hi Marty,

I can't comment about Blue Project, but I do have a couple of thoughts and observations:

1. Don't assume a 'large dive outfit' means large boats. Could be a bunch of small boats.
2. Larger boats usually accommodate giant stride entry, but frequently smaller boats go with back entry. OK with U?
3. A large boat does not necessarily mean a large group (in the water). When I dove with Scuba Club Cozumel, while diving from their large or small boat, we had 6-to-1 diver to DM ratio (I think). In fact, I thought there was a marine park guideline or recommendation of 6-1 or 8-1. Anyone know if that is still true? Followed or enforced?

 

[Divegoose]

3. A large boat does not necessarily mean a large group (in the water). When I dove with Scuba Club Cozumel, while diving from their large or small boat, we had 6-to-1 diver to DM ratio (I think). In fact, I thought there was a marine park guideline or recommendation of 6-1 or 8-1. Anyone know if that is still true? Followed or enforced?

I believe Scuba Club still uses the 8:1 ratio of divers to divemaster. It may be a smaller ratio if the group are new and inexperienced divers. Not aware of any official guidelines - perhaps Christi or Dave can comment on that.

Divegoose

 

[Dogbowl]

Marty, seems like you already booked...and you’ve asked for comments on this shop in at least one other thread...but anyways...

I have never used Blue Project personally but I have heard that they are good. Small shop with dedicated owner/operators. I did dive with an instructor I liked that freelances and works with that shop.

I suspect that if you asked here for shop recommendations, the board would suggest another shop (one of the SB favourites) and it would also suggest a private DM. That’s just the collective trend on Scubaboard it seems for beginners. The reason why you’re not getting a lot of responses is because Blue Project is not one of the SB favourites, and not many here have used them, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not good. Now, if you asked about Tres Pelicanos, Aldora, Blue XTSea, or any one of the SB darling shops, you’ll get pages of responses!

Yeah, I don’t like large boats, usually means slower and cattle boat. Plus, I hate giant stride. I injured my groin on more than one occasion. But having said that, the preferred boat on Coz is the fast, small pangas with a covered top. I always choose small boats. Really like them.

Tripadvisor is probably not the place you wanna get honest reviews of dive shops, or any other shop for that matter. Many reviews there are fake. Probably also not a good idea to book before you’re comfortable with a shop but that’s another issue.

 

[gr8jab]

I believe Scuba Club still uses the 8:1 ratio of divers to divemaster. It may be a smaller ratio if the group are new and inexperienced divers. Not aware of any official guidelines - perhaps Christi or Dave can comment on that.

Divegoose

This was bugging me, since I remember reading something about it. Google provided the answer! There was a Marine Park rule/regulation post-WILMA for 6-1 ratio. Not sure how how long it was in place, but probably expired years ago. Sorry to mislead.

But, the point remains... ask the dive operator what they do. Don't assume a large boat has only one DM.

Cheers!

 

[jbjclj]

Blanca is wonderful. We have known her for years and dove with her when she was with another shop. Exceptionally good with new divers and a wonderful boat. You will enjoy diving with them

 

[ColoDale]

I hav not dived with Blue Project but have with Blanca before she started Blue Project. She is likeable, professional and been diving here for quite a long time. Let her know what you want or what may concern you..

 

[Dave Dillehay]

The official park rules are max 8 divers for 1 DM, it has always been that way…even before the park was formed, maybe a Port Capitan rule? We limit at 6.

Dave Dillehay
Aldora Divers

 

[npole]

For drift diving in Cozumel, I wouldn't do anything than small boats (6-8 divers max), anything larger is IMO a mess, but this is my personal preference. When I decided for the small boats, I believed they was less comfortable (and in fact they was) but the upsides: 1/3 of the time to reach the far reefs, much less people in the water (especially if you do videos!), much more attention by the dive master. Looking at the other boats with dozen of people I congratulated to myself for have chosen the right option!

 

[sefuchs]

I haven't dove with Blue Project but have been with Blanca a couple times. She was with our dive op a couple times when she didn't have a full boat. She is a nice gal and seems to be very professional, more importantly her clients loved her. We have dove with a couple of the SB favorites and they are all good but there are many fantastic dive ops in Coz. Our dive op is not an SB favorite but has become our favorite over the years.You will find that they almost become your best friends and look out for you.

Our last trip there I was diving heavily for 3 weeks then woke up in the morning with severe hip pain so was a little nervous about the bends (I am a bit older and not in the best shape). My dive master has an arrangement with the clinic so he arranged an appointment, picked me up at my hotel and drove me to the doc - hows that for service! BTW - I did not have the bends.