Recommendations for Novice? (Dec 10-14)

[TightLines]

I'll chime in for Aldora. They dive the big tanks (steel 120s) so a novice that may not have the best air consumption can still get long bottom times. The slightly higher price pays for itself by giving you more time underwater. They have a series of small boats that take out 6 people or so and they're a big enough operation that they will likely pair you with other novice divers. Great operation.

 

[Tipsy]

Great advice re the cenotes. Think I will definitely play it by ear on whether I dive them once I have a couple of days under my belt on Cozumel. Amazingly the larger tour companies encourage you to do the cenotes even if you have little experience, but the point is well taken that I may enjoy snorkeling more than if I am not ready for the diving the cenotes but try it anyway. Heard the beaches at Tulum are awesome so could definitely handle a snorkel at the cenotes, beer on the beach and another snorkel in the ocean as an alternative.

Friends have recommended Isla Mujeres (they snorkeled with whale sharks!), anyone been and have any recommendations? Once I leave Cozumel and Playa, I will focus on Isla Mujeres over good old Cancun.

Thanks for the recommendations.

 

[Ron Lee]

Whale sharks are in the mid Jun to Mid September timeframe.

 

[annlaur]

Yep, whale sharks only in the summer. While the diving is not half as good as Cozumel (and the infrastrutures can't be compared either), would definitely recommand spending a night or more on Isla Mujeres if you like the beach and partying. No big clubs like in Cancun, but fun and sometimes wild night life with locals, expats and tourists alike hanging out at the many bars, restaurants or just in the street. Staying in town will allow you to walk to the beach, bars, clubs, restaurants, ferry… No need for a car. If you want to tour the island, you can rent a golf cart ou just take a taxi, they are inexpensive (negociate the price, though). It's easy to go back to the Cancun airport from Isla Mujeres. Ferries run every half hour (schedule here under the "Puerto Juarez to Isla Mujeres" tab), a cab ride to the airport can be negociated at USD50 or less (paid 400 pesos the last time ; walk across the street from the terminal to flag one down if the "official" taxis inside the ferry terminal charge to much).