Occidental Grand - Dive Shop?

[smartcar8]

We are leaning towards the Occidental Grand for our week in Cozumel - is there an in-house dive shop at the Occidental Grand? We would be using them for a Referral Course (my wife) and some diving (for me). Is it necessary to use the in-house or can you make arrangements with outside shops? If you are taking courses is it better to deal with the dive shop in person?

Thanks again to all for your help!

 

[Ron Lee]

You can use an outside dive op.

A little advance notice by email or phone is not a bad idea.

 

[KenGordon]

There is, it is part of Pro Dive Mexico. The people there were all very good when I was there in September. Do book ahead if you know what you will be doing as the walk up prices were considerably higher.

 

[rossandmaureen]

I have stayed at that property and you should enjoy this all-inclusive (although you miss out on some of the great restaurants in town). They do have the in-house operator but many guests (including myself) choose to use another dive operation who pick them up at the hotel's dock. People use other dive ops because of a variety of reasons...price, bottom time, valet service, etc. Just ask who to use on this board and the cheerleading will start! When we were there the hotel did not charge a fee to guests using their dock to meet outside operators...that may have changed. If you do use an outside operator you will have the advantage of being the last divers picked up and the first to be returned since that property is the furthest south. Most outside dive ops will be taking you on two tank dives with a surface interval on the boat or at a beach club or beach. Pro-Dive, I believe, will be taking you out on two separate dives.

 

[KenGordon]

We did the surface interval on the boat. There were 10 of us so we had the boat to ourselves. We choose the hotel and operator based on cost mostly but had no complaints about the diving. Eating got boring though.

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

We dove with Dive With Martin in October, Blue Magic 2 weeks ago. Very happy with both. I had arranged everything in advance via email and there were no surprises. The DWM trip took some special logistics and they were more than happy to accommodate. I had lots of equipment questions and all were answered very quickly. Whoever you decide to use, the diving is going to be great.

i second the missing out on some great eating thought. There is some amazing food to be found in Coz. The scallops at Guidos are simply incredible. My wife does not even like scallops and wanted to trade me plates....I love her, but I said heck no!! Shrimp and grouper ceviche at The Thirsty Cougar was very good too.

safe travels,
Jay

 

[mmerriman]

I highly recommend ECO DIVERS - Ecology Diving in Cozumel they'll pick you up at the dock at occidental. We dove with them last week. Very professional. Very Nice. Small groups. Cheaper than the competition. Speak to Kristin@ecodiverscozumel.com Tell her I sent you.

I did dive with Prodive on the mainland last year - they were very good, but a much larger operation than I was looking for.

also - visit Indio downtown for a great, cheap dinner - much better than what you'll have at the accidental.

 

[Sasha_RI]

I stayed in Occidental Grand for 2 weeks in January. Good hotel. We had great time.
Pro Dive Mexico looks good. I’ve talked to their DM’s and divers who were diving with them. They have a couple advantages:

1. Plenty of boats, so they can break groups by experience etc.
2. Free NITROX (however their prices are a little bit on the high side)
3. They do go to dive sites north from hotel as well. I mean the best diving is south, but if you want to dive north outside operators wouldn’t like to go there because they just past it in order to pick you up from the hotel’s pier.
4. Easy communication – just walk for 2 minutes to dive shop with your favorite mojito in your hand J

A lot of people are using outside operators. They pick you from the pier. Why did I use outside operator:
I wanted bigger tanks. Longer dive times (to dive my computer’s limits). Advanced dive sites.

 

[mark01]

I used ProMexico last trip in May of 2014 and they seem to be a good operation. The boats were a bit beat up, but no safety issues. If you're doing a referral for certification, make arrangements ahead of time. If you book diving on line you can save some money. The DM's are experienced and safety conscious. One of them had to confront an issue on the boat concerning safety and did so appropriately. Just my opinion here.