Red Sea vs. Cozumel?

[tangfish]

I've got my advanced and I'm interested in going abroad to get my Rescue and Divemaster. I'm interested in going to a place that is a great value for dving, archaeology and culture. What are your thoughts as far as choosing between Red Sea and Cozumel. What are the prices like for diving and getting around in general? Recommendations for sites/dive operators and lodging would be greatly appreciated!

~Calvin

 

[Michael Schlink]

If besides diving, you are interested in archeology then Red Sea. There isn't much in the way of archeology on Cozumel. Although there is a small Mayan ruin it certainly isn't going to compare with Egypt or other parts of the Mid East.

 

[tangfish]

I'm willing to travel by land to most of the Mayan and Olmec ruinas in the region, I was just thinking of Cozumel as a starting point, and a diving destination. Of course, you're right about the splendors of Egypt. Also another question: what time of year is best to visit either place?

 

[Virgil]

Depends where you are going in Egypt.

If, like the majority of people, you go to Sharm El Sheikh to dive, then don't think the treasures of the Pharos will be on your doorstep. Apart from St Catherine's monastery, which is a good two hours drive from Sharm and is only open till just after lunch time, all the other archeological points of interest like pyramids etc are a good five plus hours drive away and really only lend themselves to staying overnight.

The Sinai region, which is where Sharm el Sheik is located, is simply desert - although the nomad tribes that still live there are quite interesting. Also, make sure you get the right visa as some only allow you to move around in the Sinai region and not the rest of Egypt.

In addition to the town of Sharm el Sheikh itself, the coastline is divided into resorts which, because of the lack of facilities outside are pretty much all inclusive.

Diving is spectacular with good wrecks, spectacular wildlife and pristine coral.

I've not been to Cozumel but I went to Cancun and whilst I didn't like the town, mainly just a collection of big hotels, there are some interesting places like Mayan ruins and Eco Centres that are within easy reach.

Diving is also good but I felt the topography was not as interesting or in such good condition as in the Red Sea.

I'm sure you'll have a great time wherever you choose.

 

[Michael Schlink]

Cozumel has good weather year 'round. The diving doesn't change much but it's hotter in the summer. There are better Mayan ruins on the coast. Tulum and the bigger one is Chicheniza(sic) check spelling I'm drawing a blank! To get from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen you can take a ferry that takes an hour or so depending on the boat, then your an about an hour to Tulum, Chiken N' pizza (Chicheniza) is probably 3-4 hours from Playa del Carmen. The marine life in the Red Sea is going to be better than Coz. and Coz has become a huge tourist trap. Last time we were there we counted 12 cruise ships at once. Go to the Red Sea

 

[gj62]

If this is a "once in a great while" trip - from where you are located the Red Sea seems to beckon. But as other folks have pointed out, you'll be an airplane ride away from archaeology of any significance or ease of visit (many sites still require permission to access). However, for diving it is great.

From Seattle, you can get to Coz whenever you want. It's a tourist trap, but a diver's tourist trap, which makes it a bit more palatable. A friend just finished up 10 day - 4 on Coz and 6 touring the Mayan sites inland.

How long are you going for? What's your budget? Another possible is to go to Belize. You can dive on Ambergris or Turneffe (or Lighthouse & the Blue Hole), then go inland and stay near the Guatemalan border. Many interesting sites, and Tikal is only 2 hrs away from the inland sites - easy for a day trip.

 

[tangfish]

Thanks for the info, I guess I'm leaning more towards either a shorter (2 week) trip to Cozumel and the ruins there, or a longer (1 month+) trip to Egypt and the Red Sea. What are prices like for diving in those locations? If I go to Egypt it is surely no problem to travel a bit futher to see all the wonderful archaeology so that's not an issue. What about Saudi Arabia or Jordan, or any other countries in the region, anywhere worth visiting?

 

[mania]

I would advice Red Sea. You can go to Hurghada instead of Synai - and then you are much closer to some of the treasures of Egypt. Hurghada is close to Luxor and the dives also are great. From your point of view and the place you are from - going to Cozumel is certainly easier than to Egypt. So if you can go to Egypt - don't miss it!!!!
Mania

 

[tangfish]

What time of year is best to go to Egypt, as a compromise between the best weather to see the archaeology and the best time of year to dive?

 

[Cudabait]

Funkyspelunker,

Two weeks is not enough time for you to travel to the Red Sea, do all that is required for Rescue and Divemaster, and, then see all the things you want to see. Even with a month, and doing a DM internship, you'll be strapped in a month.

If archeology (Red Sea area) is not an imperative, the Carribean offers options that are far less expensive. Just an example....Utila, Bay Islands Honduras, very inexpensive diving and training. Get the training out of the way and do the ruins in Guatemala and Yucatan. You could do a similar thing in Cozumel or at Sealife divers at Playa del Carmen. I, personally, although I enjoy the easy drift diving in Coz, would look elsewhere to do what you are considering. Mainly, because as stated elsewhere in this thread, Coz has become a tourist trap and is rapidly approaching the time that underwater traffic cops will be needed to manage the number of divers on some spots at the same time. This is compounded by the throngs of tourists off the cruise ships. Plus, it ain't all that cheap. Take your time and pick the best for yourself. Wish you the best whereever you go.

Regards,