Newbie heading to Cozumel in April

[robint]

I'm finishing up my classes this weekend and have my checkout dives shortly thereafter. My fiance is already certified, but hasn't actually done any dives since certification. We plan on hiring a DM to dive with us for the first 2 dives in Cozumel. How many dives should we do during the whole trip? We'll be there 8 days/7 nights. Should we dive everyday or is that a bit excess for new folks? Thanks so much!

Have you booked your hotel yet? April is around the corner and some hotels/resorts do fill up.

robin

 

[missyjane]

Have you booked your hotel yet? April is around the corner and some hotels/resorts do fill up.

robin

Yes! We are staying at the Occidental Grande. We are actually going for our honeymoon! How is their dive shop? Ok? Should I try another one instead?

My fiance' definitely has his c-card, he just hasn't done any dives. One of my instructors convinced him to do a refresher I think.

Thanks for all the advice! You guys are great. I'm so excited!!!

 

[Nitrox624]

There are two kinds of divers. The ones that pee in the ocean, and the ones that lie about it

 

[cduffey]

There are many things to do in the area. Ziplines. Mayan ruins. Cenotes.

Is there a zip line on Cozumel??

 

[suprane]

Is there a zip line on Cozumel??

Uhhh??? How about this one?
Cozumel Zip Lines Canopy Tour - Save Here!

 

[suprane]

Well do not dive on the last day so you can give your ears a chance to get back to the sad "dry" reality of normal life

1: There is no 24 hour rule. There is an 18 hour rule and I have always dived the day before I flew home with no problems.

2: You can ruin your trip if you don't take care of your ears, the most common newbie problem for sure. Equalize early, often, and gently - using the help from this video if needed. http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/
Rinse you ears often with a mix of white vinegar and alcohol, or a commercial swimmers ear product.

3: Don't dive without Dan Dive insurance, at least the middle plan! http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/insurance/dive/

 

[suprane]

Except of course for not diving the last day before flying home, there's no hard set rule.

See # 16​

 

[missyjane]

I have another question. What's the best insect repellent? I hear mosquitoes can be pretty bad.

 

[missyjane]

3: Don't dive without Dan Dive insurance, at least the middle plan! http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/insurance/dive/

The dive accident insurance or the travel insurance? Or both?

 

[suprane]

The dive accident insurance or the travel insurance? Or both?

I have had DAN insurance continually since 1994 and would not be without it! I also ALWAYS get travel insurance. Now, however, DAN also offers Travel Insurance! What a win-win deal!! You could get the whole package with one-stop shopping! They tend to cover different aspects of your trip and are very reasonably priced. Especially if you consider what a serious dive accident might cost you without it! DAN

DAN dive insurance covers recompression chamber therapy, emergency air evacuation if needed, and gives you immediate contact with a dive medical specialist at any time you need it. I don't know that many travel insurance policies will do that adequately. And, personally, I would not trust them to!

The other things I would suggest are:

1) If your fiance' has not been diving in a while he should definitely take a refresher course in the pool before ever getting into the ocean!

2) There are many good dive operators on the island, BUT, for your increased safety and peace of mind be sure you ask if they are a current member of ANNOAT (translates to: The Association of National Ocean and Aquatic Operators in Cozumel). This gives you at least some assurance that they adhere to a set of standards that other operators may or may not follow.

I have been going to Cozumel at least once a year and more often than not twice a year since the mid-80's. It has always been, and still remains my favorite place! You should have a great time! (And I will speculate you will want to return often!)