On my own (poor me) - Pepe Scuba

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I dive with Pepe and they have taken us North to those dive sites

Good to know. Looks like they also need a minimum of 4 divers to go out, so likely, if someone were to suggest it, all 4 (or more) would have to be willing and able to dive those sites (?).
 
It has been years, but I have stayed at the Coral Princess many times. In my first years as a diver, Cozumel was where I dived almost exclusively, the Coral Princess was where I stayed, and Pepe's was the dive operator I used. That changed over time, and the reasons may or may not pertain to you in your situation.

For the first years, I had no complaints about Pepe's at all. I had time for a leisurely breakfast before the two boats arrived right in front of the place to take us diving. The trips did not seem that long, and we got back in time for a nice lunch before I spent the rest of the day with my non-diving wife. I enjoyed it immensely.

As I got more experience, though, I started to be less satisfied. As the boats traveled south, the DM would ask where people wanted to dive, and it seemed as if that was the time on most trips that someone in the group would say, "Well, this is our first time since we were certified, so...." I would ask for a boat dedicated to more advanced sites, and sometimes it would happen, but once it became clear to me that the customer base for Pepe's tended to be on the beginner end of the spectrum, I shifted to other operators. I learned it was just a quick taxi ride to a pier in town that would give me access to any site in Cozumel.

As I said, it has been years since I was there. Assuming things are the same as they were then, I would happily stay at the Coral Princess and either take a taxi into town or have my wife drop me off in a rental car. The happy hour margaritas at the Coral Princess were outstanding, especially if they knew you are a good tipper.
I have dove with Pepe numerous times over the last six years. If they have enough divers to warrant more than one boat going out, they do separate the beginners from the more experienced folks.
 
As some of you may know, I prepared a chart of the “best ops” in Coz, located in another thread, mainly with the idea of letting my traveling/dive buddy pick the dive op(s) for our trip at the end of the month. A few weeks ago in a non-moving motorcycle accident, he broke his ankle, had a plate and screws inserted, and will not be able to dive (but can at least travel.) A few years back, he left me hanging on another trip, when he went and suffered a heart attack a couple of weeks before a trip. Since my wife had to give up diving several years ago, I’ll be on my own - except for the group and insta-buddy I may have.

Okay my real question is: Week 1, we’re staying at Coral Princess on the north end which has Pepe Scuba as the resort op. If I choose to dive with them, I know there will be 50 min boat rides to the dive sites (last time I stayed north, I took a taxi to the south.) Thinking of doing a few more shore dives - anyone with any knowledge of the area by the Coral Princess as to whether or not a shore dive is worth it?

Week 2, we’re at El Cid la Ceiba. I believe there are a few areas shore dives can be done in this area, but if anyone has knowledge of something decent, I’ll take it. I’m just looking for something to maybe get wet and not spend a ½ day, so I don’t feel too guilty being away from wife and friends!. Their on their own when I’m on a boat!!
@jonhall Thanks for your op info matrix. Have a great trip. I’m looking forward to hearing your trip report! I’m
 
Good to know. Looks like they also need a minimum of 4 divers to go out, so likely, if someone were to suggest it, all 4 (or more) would have to be willing and able to dive those sites (?).
I was there in July and saw them go north with just two divers.
 
I miss the Del Mar airplane wreck :(
 
As some of you may know, I prepared a chart of the “best ops” in Coz, located in another thread, mainly with the idea of letting my traveling/dive buddy pick the dive op(s) for our trip at the end of the month. A few weeks ago in a non-moving motorcycle accident, he broke his ankle, had a plate and screws inserted, and will not be able to dive (but can at least travel.) A few years back, he left me hanging on another trip, when he went and suffered a heart attack a couple of weeks before a trip.
Sounds like your buddy may think twice before planning a vacation with you. Kidding! Hope you find great dives.
 
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