Papa Hogs - Cozumel

[Sham_ba_la]

Has anyone dove with or stayed at Papa's Hogs in Cozumel? If so, what was your experience or would you recommend them? I'm looking into doing a trip in January, but I don't want to spend alot... BTW this will be my 3rd trip out there in Jan.

Thanks!

 

[ronrosa]

Has anyone dove with or stayed at Papa's Hogs in Cozumel? If so, what was your experience or would you recommend them? I'm looking into doing a trip in January, but I don't want to spend alot... BTW this will be my 3rd trip out there in Jan.

Thanks!

We all have different dive experience levels and expectations of dive operators.

What dive operator did you dive with on your 3 previous trips ? What did you like and dislike about them ?

Papa Hogs has received good reviews, but depending on what you are looking for they may or may not be a good operator for you.

 

[nwdiver2]

It is a motel type place, cheap and close to town. I like it. You get a room, diving and breakfast for a good price.

 

[transman]

i have dove with them for 5-6 years never a problem. Cant wait to go back.

 

[scubadobadoo]

I dove with them once a few years ago. Small boats, no cattle diving, peronal service and flexible.

 

[Ron Brandt]

I did a trip on one of Mikes big boats last Christmas as my dive op's boats were too small due to the weather conditions.

The DM's are attentive,funny,and will place you in a group of your level. As for the small boats and diving I can't tell you. The owners Mike and Margrett are very nice people.

I usually dive with another Canadian/Cozumel dive opp. Pelagic Ventures.

The Hotel Villa Blanca is right accross the street from Papa Hogs so......if you are staying there it's extreamly convenient.

Ron

 

[Sham_ba_la]

Thanks for all the information so far, I've never used Papa Hogs before and I noticed they have mostly six packs which I've never dove off of before... The last two times I've been to Cozumel I stayed at Casa Del Mar and used Del Mar Aquatics and stayed at Hotel Cozumel and used their dive shop.. Just checking out the different options avaliable.

I've mostly gone with groups in the past, but looking to go with only a few others this next time.

BTW, on six packs how do you get back on the boat after the dive? I realize you do back rolls off the boat, but not sure on getting back on. :14:

 

[Brules]

Thanks for all the information so far, I've never used Papa Hogs before and I noticed they have mostly six packs which I've never dove off of before... The last two times I've been to Cozumel I stayed at Casa Del Mar and used Del Mar Aquatics and stayed at Hotel Cozumel and used their dive shop.. Just checking out the different options avaliable.

I've mostly gone with groups in the past, but looking to go with only a few others this next time.

BTW, on six packs how do you get back on the boat after the dive? I realize you do back rolls off the boat, but not sure on getting back on. :14:

When geting back into PH's boats I:

- Hand in my weight pouches

- Take off my BC and steady it as the boat captain hauls it in

- Lastly take off my flippers and toss them in myself

- Climb up ladder

Now some of the above may pertain to me and other big fellas......If I tried to climb up the ladder on the side of the boat, it causes stress on the fiberglass hull (might crack after repeates of big guys climbing in with all their gear on). But I see them do this with just about everyone unless you are a girl that ways 100 lbs.

It sounds difficult, but I prefer the above to climbing up a ladder with EVERYTHING on. Makes it easier on the knees for sure.

Oh and I have used PH's the last 5 trips and thoroughly enjoy them. Their small fast boats get you out and back as fast as anyone. They group you by skill level, so usually you will dive with people of equal skill/experience. The DM's are good guys, and the Hog Town Cafe across the street is one of the BEST places on the island for a good lunch. Oh, they also have their own pier and shop on the water, so you can shore dive from there EASILY. Great place to do your checkout dive the day you arrive. There is a beach for your non diving friends/wifes/husbands/kids to hang at while you do a quick weight/gear checkout dive.

One thing to note.....they don't pamper you a whole lot. You leave the dock, and gear up and hit the water as soon as you are on site. Do your dive, come up, SI for 45min - 1 hour, gear up do 2nd dive and back to the shop. Pretty much no nonsense diving, which alot of people like.

 

[diveborg]

BTW, on six packs how do you get back on the boat after the dive? I realize you do back rolls off the boat, but not sure on getting back on. :14:

They usually have a "portable" ladder they put over the side for divers to climb to get back on the boat. If you look carefully at this
Photo you will see the ladder stored upright right next to the outboard. This is main boat from www.bluextseadiving.com, a fine operation. In fact, I'll be going out with them again in December.

 

[WOODMAN]

Papa Hoggs is a decent operation, and they try to take care of your needs as much as possible. They have a couple of larger tanks that they will reserve for you if you ask. By the way, be sure to get the finances clear before you go down there. If you pay them by credit card down there, you will get hit with a nasty Mexican tax. :icon10: This applies to a lot of others also, but Papa Hoggs didn't tell me about this beforehand. If you prepay by card (UP HERE!) or else bring cash or travelers checks, you can avoid this tax. No complaints, otherwise.