Info Packing, Travel, Resort Info, and Diving Tips for the SB Invasion 2022 to Cozumel

[ROXANNE]

Packing, Travel, Resort Info, and Diving Tips
for the ScubaBoard Invasion 2022 to Cozumel

Well, we are getting closer to the ScubaBoard Invasion 2022 to Cozumel!!!!!
So, I thought I would touch base with the Crew sharing some of the great ideas and info
I have on preparing, packing, traveling, the resort, and dive-related tips.
For those who are seasoned travelers, please share your knowledge too.

Any new info that I update to these 4 initial posts along the way will be in GREEN
so you won't need to search for changing information!

General Travel Info​

Anytime you are traveling outside of your normal area, it's good to check
CDC Destinations/Travelers Health Info
If you have any concerns, always consult with your doctor prior to leaving the country.

Cozumel Travel Tips
Additional Maps of Cozumel
App Map for the Downtown Area

Travel Checklist
I have a travel checklist that I keep on file and printout for each trip. We'll send it out in the next email and you may use it if you like or make your own list. The list includes everything that might be needed. If there's something on the list that doesn't apply to this trip, I just cross it off. I also include things to do like stopping the mail, newspaper, contacting your cell provider if you want service there, and calling the credit card companies to inform them that I will be going out of the country so they don't cut you off in mid-trip.

It's also a good thing to start packing early, in case anything needs to be serviced or repaired before you go.
DON'T FORGET These Items when Packing!
Airline tickets/info for going and returning flights.
Bay Adventures Travel Vouchers for the Resort and Diving Reservations. (Bay Adventures will email them out to everyone a few weeks before travel.)
Passports (I also make a copy of it and put it in my carry on)
Driver’s License or if you don’t have one, some other form of picture ID.
Diving Certification Cards or E-Cards (I also make copies and put in my carry-on.)
DAN and Health Insurance Cards or E-Cards
ScubaBoard Waiver (Cardzard will email it out to everyone a few weeks before travel. Please print, fill out and bring with you to the welcome party on the 1st night.)
Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have cash. Small Bills (1’s, 5’s, 10’s, and 20’s go a long way) (Some of the restaurants or shops don't accept credit cards or $100 bills if you plan on venturing out on the island.) Visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com for current rates for those traveling other than from the US. I would also be leary of using ATMs to get cash. Check with your Credit card companies as to fees for international charges. Some charge extra and some do not, but it's good to be aware of those charges. Also, remember to let them know you will be traveling so you don't get a stop on your cards.
Prescription Medication (Keep it in the prescription bottle with your name on it and carry in your personal item. Not in your carry-on) And always bring a few days extra in case you have travel delays along the way.
Over-the-counter medications and first aid items that you may need.
Please keep in mind, that we are on a very small island and many items are not readily available.
Especially allergy medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction. I have a med pack for traveling with items such as band-aids, sports wraps, Benadryl, Imodium, Advil, bug bite cream, etc.
Sunscreen (Try to use products if possible for the coral reefs' health)
Sunscreen (my favorite Stream2Sea | EcoConscious & Biodegradable Sunscreen.) And also one of our Sponsors for the event. If you misplaced your discount code, let us know and we'll resend it to you.
Hats
Bug spray (Insect repellent is recommended and is also sold at the resort.) Near sunset and sunrise are the worst time for mosquitoes and no-see-ums.) Try to avoid being outdoors at those times.
Also, don't leave your door or sliding glass door open or you may invite them into your room.
FYI Did you know that if you put hand soap on a bite right away, leave it on, and don't scratch it, many times it will alleviate the itch and swelling.
Woolite or those all-in-one washer sheets if you plan on washing the funk off your clothes or dive wear in the sink/tub. Especially great when you're staying longer than a week.
Clothespins and lightweight rope. They help when hanging items up for drying and to keep them from blowing off the porches.
A light jacket, it goes on the plane with me as well. (Many of the airports and sometimes the planes can be very cold.)
Tennis Shoes or sneakers if you're planning on going on Island excursions, especially to the ruins.
Water shoes if shore diving, snorkeling, and swimming in the ocean.

 

[ROXANNE]

Airline Travel​

Due to current security measures, you'll need to allow more time for check-in, security screening, and boarding flights. Please check with your airline prior to departure for the latest recommended arrival times and security guidelines. It is also recommended that you have a government-issued picture ID available at all times, as well as a printed itinerary if you're using an electronic ticket.

U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport.

I can't stress this enough, CARRY ON ANY ITEMS THAT YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO LOSE.
Any items that you couldn't do without such as prescriptions, contacts/glasses, IDs, Credit Cards, Cash, etc., carry in your personal item or on your person, DO NOT PUT in your carry-on. Sometimes your carry-on will be forced and moved to check luggage if they run out of room. You don't want to be without those types of items if a carry-on is lost or sent on another flight.

Please check with YOUR AIRLINE for specific rules as to what's accepted concerning size and weight limits for luggage and procedures for checking in, as these seem to be changing constantly. For anything in question or in liquid form, check with your airline beforehand.

I recommend carrying on -
IDs, Credit Cards, Cash, etc.
Prescription Medication
Prescription Glasses/Contacts/Mask
Jewelry/watches
Any Cameras/Phones/Electronics/Housings
Rechargeable batteries in individual cases or bags
Your Regulators
Dive Computers
Dive lights (take batteries out or for rechargeable lights, put in locked mode.)

Making the most of the airline luggage weight restrictions when packing.
(Don't forget, Men and Women are allowed to have a personal item purse/backpack/briefcase/man purse in addition to their carry-on. Make the most of it!)
I have a large purse that I use just for flying. The personal item is not weighed, so it's great for a few heavier items. Just make sure the items you put in your personal item can be carried on and not needed to be placed in checked luggage. ( Again always check with your airline.)
Think about lightweight items when packing. Inexpensive t-shirts (like Hanes or fruit of the loom) are very lightweight, come in multiple colors, are great for diving cover-ups, and can be left behind if you shop too much in town. Lightweight dresses, skirts, shorts, and tops are great for the ladies. Lightweight shirts, khakis, or other lightweight fabrics over jeans.
Shoes can weigh a lot also. I wear my tennis shoes on the plane as they weigh the most.
A light jacket, it goes on the plane with me as well. (Many of the airports and sometimes the planes can be very cold.) A jacket also has pockets for extra storage.
A personal travel hand scale is an invaluable tool so you don't have surprises when getting to the airport on your flights. Things tend to get heavier on the return trip.
Put your name, address, and phone number inside all your bags including your carry-on, personal item, and even jacket in case they become lost or separated from you. You can also put a copy of your itinerary right on top. If they have to open your bag, they know who you are, what airline you’re flying, and where to send the bag.
If you're traveling with a partner, put some of each person's items in each checked bag. That way if one of the bags gets lost, you still have some of your things.
If a solo traveler, try to fit in at least 1 extra of your undergarments in your carry-on. Outerwear is easier to purchase if your bags arrive late or are lost, but trying to find undergarments for purchase can be more difficult.
Travel from Airport to Hotel
Most of you will have other crew members on your flight. The best way to get to the hotel is once everyone gets thru customs, walk past all those trying to sell timeshares to the outside of the airport, and locate the taxi/vans, they will be right outside the airport. You'll need to purchase a ticket at the window.
The airport shuttle to the hotel is currently around 96 pesos or about $8 per person.
The Taxi back to the airport is about $18 per taxi.

Weather Forecast to help you decide what to pack.
June Climate & Weather Averages in Cozumel
Low Temp: 75 °F, High Temp: 90 °F
Precipitation: 5.17", Humidity: 85%

I also want to remind everyone again of the importance of being
Hydrated before and staying hydrated while traveling.
The typical airplane cabin is exceptionally dry and dehydrating.
At around 12 percent humidity, it is drier than you will find in most deserts.
You do not want to start your vacation off dehydrated.​

 

[ROXANNE]

Wyndham Cozumel Hotel & Resort
Our hosts Wyndham Cozumel Hotel & Resort Website​

The all-inclusive program includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner -all buffet style.
Domestic alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
There are scheduled activities daily by the swimming pool, nighttime entertainment, an open-air gym, pool tables, bike tours, and non-motorized water sports activities such as; snorkeling, kayaking, and one free Scuba Dive introductory lesson per person.
All hotel taxes and gratuities included. (You may still tip if you chose to do so.)

The Guest Rooms are equipped with
A terrace or balcony
Flat-screen TV
Direct-dial telephone
Safety box
Toiletries
Hairdryer
A/C
iron and ironing board
Free WiFi available

Water - There are water coolers in all the halls to refill water bottles for your room. You should always be conscious of what you are eating and drinking when you are outside of your normal routine and country.

Electricity North American standard layout and voltage of 110 volts(60 cycles), so adapters or transformers are not required for U.S. and Canadian appliances. A plug strip is a great thing to bring if you need to recharge batteries and such.

Meals and beverages
Breakfast Daily from 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM at the main restaurant; Los Arcos
Lunch Daily from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Dinner Daily from 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
All resort packages include three meals daily and snacks from the snack bar.
For special dietary requests, please advise Bay Adventures prior to departure and remind the hotel when checking in.

Los Arcos
The main restaurant is located by the front desk and the lobby bar.
Serving the perfect morning start buffet breakfast and dinner.
Breakfast from 6:30 am – 10:30 am
Dinner from 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Snack Delfines
They serve snacks and beverages in a relaxing atmosphere by the largest pool of Cozumel.
Restaurant service: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Bar service: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm.

Los Girasoles,
Enjoy an extraordinary ocean view during lunch buffet style.
Buffet service: 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Bar service: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Lobby Bar
Offers a wide variety of domestic liquors and beer.
A perfect place to watch a favorite sport or to play some of our table games.
Open from 05:00 pm – 1:00 am

Monkey Bar
Outside by the pool.
Offers a wide variety of cocktail and mixology menus.
Open from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Room Service
Open from 6:30 am – 10:30 pm (Additional charge)

Pizza
Enjoy your favorite pizza from the comfort of your room. (Additional charge)
Call Ext. 2018

Beach Activities
Plenty of palm trees, beach lounge chairs, and a big “palapa” for those in search of shade.
The Beach Club area has a gorgeous stretch of sand and the shore has been blessed with a beautiful natural reef formation; therefore guests can enjoy a spectacular snorkeling ride or fantastic shore diving. Swimming and kayaking are also allowed. Please read the Beach Club’s regulations before doing any of these activities. Posters are insight.

Gym
Persons under 18, must be accompanied by an adult. Open from 06:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Kid´s Club provides daily supervised activities. It is open for children between 5 to 12 years old, and at least one adult must remain at the hotel while the child is having fun with us. The Kid´s Club is not a daycare center. Children under medication are not allowed to stay.
Baby sitter services are available at an additional charge. Contact the Guest Service Desk for information.

Excursions are available at the activities desk. Some of the Things to Do

Shopping, There is a gift shop on-site with a 15% discount (Restrictions Apply)
and The downtown shopping area is a 15 min. walk from the resort.

Taxis are readily available should you desire to leave the property.

Vehicle Rentals are available through the resort.

ScubaBoard Scheduled Non-Diving Activities
at the Resort for the Week
You don't want to miss any of them!

SB Welcome Party
PLEASE BRING YOUR SB WAIVER
Saturday, June 18th, 7:15 - 9:15
Convention Center

SB Group Photo
TBA

SB Farewell Party
Friday, June 24th, 8:00 - 10:00
Convention Center

​

 

[ROXANNE]

Diving and Snorkeling Tips ​

Invasion Crew Dive Teams and Boat Rotations TBA

Here are a few additional links you might be interested in.
Dive Paradise
Cozumel Dive Map
Dive Sites Info
Fish ID
Photography tips

All scuba divers must register with the dive shop by 7 pm after checking in.
Please fill out the Dive Paradise Waiver online by May 21st.
To check-in, Please bring your
Diving voucher from Bay Adventures
Certification cards or a digital version
A Credit Card
Cash for the MX National Marine Park fees. $97 MXN Pesos (approximately $5 USD) per day per person. Rate subject to change per the National Marine Park Authority. Dive Paradise collects this fee on behalf of the Marine Park during your check-in upon arrival. Must be paid in Cash. $MXN Pesos recommended.
Afterward, you can do a shore dive to check out your gear and weights. You simply get your gear ready, enter the water, and do your dive. The shallow area to the left side is the easiest entry.
If you do not get in early enough, you will need to check in on Sunday morning before getting on the boats. Please arrive early to do so.

Shore diving at Hotel Cozumel
(Tanks must be returned by 8 pm)

Boat Times
Sunday - Friday TBA

Lockers
Dive Paradise has dive lockers for each room. You may also take your gear to your room and use the outdoor patio that all rooms have to dry gear. The locks are key locks in the doors, so you DO Not need to bring a lock. Please note, that there is only one key per locker if you're sharing a room and locker.
Tanks, weights, and weight belts are included.
Tanks are yoke so bring a DIN adapter if diving DIN.

Night Diving - There are no scheduled night dives, but they will be available for 1-2 nights.

TIPPING GUIDELINES - DM's will rotate with each Crew so you can tip them at the end of the week. Tip the boat captains as you are finished diving with them during the week as you will be moving around. *
We always feel tipping is a personal matter. A general guideline is a starting point of $5 per tank for DM's. Please tip what you feel is appropriate for the service that Dive Paradise has provided during the week. They will be working hard to take care of us, so please take care of them.

Gloves, shears, and knives are not allowed while diving in Cozumel or on the Excursions.

Pointer sticks are allowed only for pointing out critters and as tank bangers, please do not use them to touch coral or animals.

Camera care, A lightweight cooler bag is a great way to carry those bigger underwater cameras and the smaller ones too on the boats! They give the camera some protection and are easy to fold up for packing, lightweight, and rinse out easily. I have also found that the little neoprene drawstrings bags with clips are great for protecting your Go Pros on poles or trays.

Haircare, I use a Do Rags to keep my long hair under control. I braid it and put some biodegradable conditioner in it while it's dry before covering it. I use Stream2Sea | EcoConscious & Biodegradable Sunscreen leave-in conditioner. It helps to keep the saltwater from penetrating my hair. Some kind of head covering is great for gals with shorter hair and guys to keep their heads from getting sunburned too. Unless you're bald, it is very hard to put sunscreen on your scalp.

Skin or Wetsuits? Warm tropical weather is the norm.
Water temperatures are around 84 - 87° F, and the underwater visibility typically exceeds 150 feet. So if you're one of those divers that are on the cold side or planning on doing a lot of diving, you might want to bring your shorty or 3- 5 ml. wetsuit. You know if you tend to be on the cold side or not.

Dressing for the Excursions,
Also, keep in mind, if you signed up for the Whale Shark excursion, you'll need to bring along a 3mil or shorty, if not they will make you wear a full life jacket or rent a wetsuit.
You'll also want your 3mil for the Cenotes.

Other tips
Bring a thumb drive to share photos with others or us.

This is a good time to get your gear serviced and make sure everything is in working order! If it's new or has been recently serviced, you might want to get a pool session or dive in to make sure it works.

We like to use baby shampoo for mask defog.

My feet get blisters and take a beating while diving for multiple days, so I wear thin socks to prevent blisters and abrasions. They also help your feet slip into your wetsuit!

A waterproof bag for the boat comes in handy for keeping things dry. A lightweight gear bag (one with wheels would be great) to help you transport your gear back and forth from your room to the dive shop.

Found this article and thought it might have some helpful tips for your ears and diving.
Ear Clearing 101

Save a Dive Kit (Spare Parts) We have a full-service dive shop available from our hosts. You'll find they really go out of their way to be very helpful there. I would just bring some basics for the boat, O rings, mask strap, tie wraps and elastic bungee, etc. I would also include a spare battery for your computer. You may not find your type of batteries there so I prefer to have one handy. Please keep in mind, that we are on a very small island and many items are not readily available.

I also want to remind everyone again of
the importance of being Hydrated before
and
staying Hydrated during the Invasion.
(beer and cocktails don't count)
It will be very hot and humid down in Cozumel, especially for the northern folks.
Drinking small amounts continually during the day
instead of downing 1-2 glasses a day will help your body retain the liquids better.
And remember if you're planning on drinking after diving,
drink some water in between drinks
to help with the adverse effects of drinking and dehydration.
Have fun, but play it smart and safe.
​

 

[ROXANNE]

Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions or
add any additional info that you feel might be helpful to the group!

Any new info or changes that I update to these 4 initial posts above along the way
will be in GREEN
so you won't need to search for changing information!
​

 

[Tchau]

Farewell party is Friday, right? June 24th is Friday not Thursday.

 

[ROXANNE]

Farewell party is Friday, right? June 24th is Friday not Thursday.

Thanks, made the correction.

 

[-JD-]

@ROXANNE Thank you for this!

May I suggest that you re-examine some of the text-colors in light of the "Dark-Mode" forum setting. Much of the text that you are highlighting ends up black on charcoal or dark-gray on charcoal which is extremely hard to see.

 

[ROXANNE]

Hmm, I'll take a look at what I can do this evening.

 

[ROXANNE]

Okay, all modes are visible now.