PDC vs COZ

[Mahidoodi]

The last time I dived in PDC was over a year ago in month of May. The water was rough and the boat rides were not pleasant to say the least. I get seasick easily and that's not fun. Now I am thinking about going back in late September, early October. Is the water normally rough in PDC or was it because the last time I was there it was at the tail end of a tropical storm?(I can't remember the name of the storm). My other choice is to go across the water to Coz. I’ve been to Coz many times and I enjoy the diving there. At PDC I dived with Scuba Caribbe, which was a nice outfit. But my concern is mainly with the weather and how rough the water is and not the dive operation. Any comment is appreciated.

 

[ibj40]

We like diving the mainland (primarily Puerto Aventuras) later in the year, as it seems that the winds starting shifting from out of the east during the spring and summer, to out of the north and west the later in the year you get. We usually go in December, and have never experienced what I would call "high" seas, even when there may be a Norte in the area.

 

[idahojoec]

Perhaps I should start a new thread but I have question regarding Coz and PDC dive shops. I know there are a lot of good shops out there and everyone has their favorite. But are there shops in Playa or Cozumel that should just be avoided for novice divers? Thanks

 

[Mahidoodi]

Joe;

I had written a trip report from my trip to PDC and another one from Coz the year before that. If you search for my postings you'll see my opinions on those dive shops. But be forewarned that these are just my opinions and we all know what they say about opinions. In general to judge a dive shop you have to know your expectations. For instance if the distance to the dive site is not important to you then the boat trip does not matter or if you don’t care about rinsing your gear in a 5 gallon tank then having a rinsing facility is not important. Since I am a recreational diver and dive when I am on vacation I don’t like it when my diving trip becomes an exercise in hauling my gear away to a dive operation and dealing with sub-standards operation. There are some general expectations from the dive shops that one likes to see. There are some mandatory requirements (safety) that any dive shop must have. Other than that it’s basically up to you. In fact I suggest that a new thread or sticky be posted under the title of ‘What do you expect from your dive operator?’ and it’s only then that we can judge an operator based on some common criterion.

 

[idahojoec]

Joe;

There are some mandatory requirements (safety) that any dive shop must have. Other than that it’s basically up to you. In fact I suggest that a new thread or sticky be posted under the title of ‘What do you expect from your dive operator?’ and it’s only then that we can judge an operator based on some common criterion.

Mahidoodi,
Good point, I agree. I guess I was considering safety and professionalism. Just looking to avoid an unsafe shop with questionable equipment or business practices.
Joe