Newcomer needs advice in Cozumel

[tangfish]

I've always had good luck with Deep Blue, I did my Rescue Diver with them years ago. They have small, fast boats (I think max 6 divers). You'll want to check on the rental gear there before booking to make sure it's what you're looking for. Have a great time and it's wonderful to hear that it's a family affair!

 

[firstdive2005]

I dive Coz about six times a year and nearly every time I'm there someone from the cruise ship is getting looked after by the gang at scubamau. I see a lot of the ship crew also. They are very close to the dock and travel is easy, they will really make sure you have a blast. Can't miss. give opal an email at Scuba Mau Cozumel

 

[Liztoybiz]

You guys are wonderful! Thanks so much for all the advice. I'm sorry I didn't check back sooner, we're hosting 17 for prom after-party this weekend and I'm dealing with parents...
Anyway, I have emailed Alison and depending on her availability, will contact another of your suggested operators if she cannot take us out.
Now I'm off to read more posts and learn more about the wonderful world of scuba.
But first, just a few more odd questions:
Why are people spearing lionfish?
Also, while diving the BVIs we had a barracuda follow us all week, which is apparently typical, should we have been nervous?
And finally, any truth to the rumor that grouper like to trap divers against rocks? We had one that kept following us, but that would then hide when we noticed him. Reminded me of a scared puppy...
Ok, enough weirdness! lol

Thanks again,
Liz

 

[Diver Kat]

Liz -

hope you get the chance to dive with Alison! If not, you'll find someone good with the various suggestions here!

As for your questions - Lionfish are not native to Coz, but to the Indo-Pacific region. They were accidentally introduced into the Atlantic and then spread to the Caribbean. Without a natural predator to keep them in check, they've reproduced rapidly. They are highly poisonous - which isn't great for divers, and they apparently aren't very selective eaters so they are a risk to many of the other reef fish. Having Lionfish hunts, or DM's spearing them on dives is a just a way to try and reduce the population explosion.

We've seen a number of barracuda following dive groups on & off, but other than watching a barracuda take out an injured fish, I've never seen them do anything to a diver.

Same goes for grouper .... we've seen quite a few over the years - from small guys to the Goliath variety - but mostly they don't like you getting too close and will move away. We've never seen them go after anyone. But that's not to say they haven't! I would just guess it would be very rare.

Good luck with the Prom Party!!! I bet you'll need a nice relaxing cruise and some underwater time after all that!