Pro Dive CZM

[flyboy08]

i like what I read on their web site and free Nitrox is an added bonus.

We'll be staying at the Occidental this December and are on site. Any first hand experience with this dive operator one can share?

TIA,

 

[redacted]

I dove with them twice. It was disappointing both times. If you are new to Cozumel it may be OK, but customers get no input to site selection. You will need to use one of the small boat ops for better dives and better dive sites.

 

[gopbroek]

The standard AI in house dive op usually caters to the folks that dive while on vacation, as opposed to those that go on vacation to dive. Not saying there is anything wrong with that since many folks have a wonderful time doing so but I think you will find it more structured and regimented to the occasional diver as opposed to an active diver. There are many fine valet ops that can pick you up at your resort and you are not limited to the house op. I dive with Tres Pelicanos and will diving with them from early to mid month. If not 3P there are many other very fine top notch ops available, just look at the many threads in this forum.

 

[cmrangel]

Stayed at the Allegro (just north of the Occidental) where they are also the house dive shop. I dove with them for 6 days / 17 dives and thought they were great. They were very professional and I got to dive with most of their DM's, liked them all pretty well, so were their captains and crew. Boats were pretty good as well. They even helped get me get a reg serviced that was free flowing. It is true that they have a set dive schedule and it is fixed, they go to specific sites on specific days. That was not really a problem for me but could see how it would be for others. The free Nitrox was great and I took advantage of it on every dive.

I fully plan on diving with them in the future.

 

[uncfnp]

This is not first hand experience so may not be worth much but I met a very nice couple staying at the Occidental with past experience with Pro Dive but chose to dive with another dive op. As I recall boat size, experience of fellow divers, site selection and times all were factors.

 

[flyboy08]

Thanks for your relplies. There are 7 divers in our group, maybe they'll allow us to dictate the sites? I'll ask and do a bit more research.

Two years ago we had a private DM and dedicated boat for three.....I may have to search out Juan again :$

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

I have never dove with Pro Dive but we go to Coz at least twice a year to dive. There are lots of excellent dive ops that with 7 divers will give you your own boat. In fact with 7 it may be much cheaper to just charter your own. Dive with Martin used to charge 400 for a 2 dive charter and include the rental gear if needed. I would imagine other ops would be in the same range. Tres Pelicanos continually gets great reviews on this site, I have not dove with them but no reason not to check them out. My favorites are Aldora(for the huge tanks) Dive With Martin, Blue Magic, and Christy with Blue XTSea is a huge supporter of this forum and appears to run a top notch valet operation.

Most ops are excellent with email replies. Contact several and find the one that is right for you. Make sure they know you have 7 divers and where you are staying.

Main Differences will be cost (60 to 100 depending on # of dives) # of people on a boat, departure point, # of boats available, tank size, site selection procedure, cash discount, surface interval location, ascent protocol (set time, as a group based on lowest air, with a buddy) and "valet" service where the op handles, rinses, stores, and transports your gear. Ask the questions, include your expectations, and you will find the right dive op that fits your needs. Anything with more than 8 divers on a boat would be a no-go for me.

The biggest factor I see will be that all 7 divers are at the same level of ability. The op will have to choose dives for the lowest level of skill or split the group by ability unless everyone agrees to dive at that level. Keep in mind there are no bad dives in Coz. The shallower drifts are actually my favorites. Except for deep swim throughs at Columbia Pinnacles, I'd rather stay at 40 feet for an hour and a half.

Good luck,,safe travels.

Jay

 

[flyboy08]

Blue Sea doesn't pickup at Iberostar? I sent them an email. I prefer to use an operator that supports this site.

ProDive got a lot of excellent ratings from trip advisor.....decisions decisions......

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

Dave with Aldora and Christy with Blue XTSea are the two most active dive operators in the Cozumel Forum. They frequently will offer up to the minute updates on local conditions, events, or situations effecting divers and vacationers headed to Coz. Christy's restaurant guide on her website is a great resource as well. I suspect that resorts may limit the use of their docks to outside dive ops to try and promote their own, or those that pay for the use. Work with the operators of your choice and I'm sure they can work something out, even if it is a cab to either of the marinas....which are close. Maybe a dock use fee can be arranged with the resort.

You will find a mix of departure points used by operators. Either from their actual shop in town, from the Marinas, to a specific dock, your hotel in town, or pick up at your resort if they have a dock available.

There are so many top flight operators, with so many options, it's just a matter of finding who meets your needs the best. With 7 divers, I imagine you will find operators are willing to make a deal to get that business.

Good luck,
Jay

 

[Charles2]

Suggest that you direct your questions to ProDive directly. From this link - A Paradise for Divers - Pro Dive Mexico - you will probably get a little chat window that you can enter your questions. I usually chat with Marika, a really pleasant person and quite familiar with the operation. I would have to imagine that if you are a group of seven, they would be willing to take you where ever you would like as long as it is within your ability.