The MSP<->CZM Flight was perfect. After arriving at CZM airport and while scanning for a taxi the blank look on my face telegraphed my secret name, Mark! I was quickly ushered to my new best friend at the "information" booth. He was exceedingly helpful and told us all about how much to pay for a taxi from various locations on the island. He also showed us a map with the best spots to dive and then offered to provide tours and charters. We realized what we had stepped into and politely declined, repeatedly. After he tired I was directed to where the ticket booth for the shuttle was located. I later learned the airport transportation was all union (I actually think all transportation is provided by the "family"). We probably could have walked to the left twenty meters and found the taxi stand for arriving passengers but that adventure is not necessary since the shuttle fare was only eight dollars each. I know the taxis can be used because after arriving for our outbound flight my wife needed to go back to the hotel for something. We also learned then that the fare for the quick round trip could be negotiated at the curb from twenty to fifteen dollars.
Villablanca is a tired but well kept hotel, about a mile south of town. It seemed typical of the place divers might stay when money for diving is more important than the accommodations. We kept our moola and passports in one of the lock boxes in the front lobby ($5 rental fee, $100 if you lose the key). The front door to the street was never locked and that security arrangement seemed disconcerting at first but the boxes were strong, the locks unique, traffic minimal, and staff close by most of the day and night. The room has a small refrigerator, the cleaning staff excellent, and the hot tub very welcome. During the busy seasons the courtyard may be too busy for lounging. Our standard room was well away from the La Hach so we were able to sleep at night. I would probably turn down the free upgrade to a suite if it was closer to the street.
Scuba Mau is a small but busy operation. Mau and Opal, with their many other staff, were professional and attentive. Never did I have the feeling of being herded. We were of course disoriented when we arrived but they made sure everything worked. They tracked us down when a sudden opportunity arose, like the port re-opening or when we forgot to sign up for the next morning. The DMs were competent but after the first couple dives rule number one was in effect: you are responsible for your own safety. Snorkels and SMBs were not required. The small fast boats they rent (or own) are well worn but perhaps one might look at the aesthetics the same way one looks at the sleeping accommodations. The outboard motors were more than adequate. The DMs were happy to show us Splendid Toadfish, nudi, eels, turtles, etc., but they might also get caught up in feeding lionfish to anything that is looking for a free meal (they have quite a few fish friends waiting). I see how an inattentive diver might drift past the preoccupied DM and miss when he turns into the swim through. If the divers know the sites they want to dive the captain/DM can take the group there, weather permitting, but good communication is required and that is the divers responsibility in my opinion. Cash is very much appreciated and using your own lights for the night dive saves you money. The entire week I had the impression that anything I wanted they would do their best to provide.
The port was closed a couple times and the wind made diving rough a couple days but we were able to get in five two-tank dives, one night dive, and three shore dives.
Many of the dives were stunning but one of the shore dives in front of the hotel (following the rubble zone from buoy to buoy) was almost as good as any of the others. On that dive we saw three types of eel, two types of flounder, a nine wide squidron, three types of puffer, two types of jawfish, two types of rays, and much more. I wasn't finished taking one picture and my wife was tapping my shoulder to direct me toward another subject. On another shore dive we found a scorpionfish but unfortunately didn't have the camera.
We walked from the hotel to town many times. It was a twenty minute walk to Hotel Cozumel, another ten minutes to the Mega, and another fifteen minutes to the square. From the hotel to the Blue Angel was just a few minute walk and the happy hour appetizers with drinks were effective (the hotel and dive operation were not our cup of tea). Next door there is an OXXO for liters of diet Coke, candy, etc. The one way taxi fare can easily be negotiated to six dollars total.
We had the hotel package that included a breakfast which was simple but adequate. We often had lunch at the Hog Town Cafe above Scuba Mau. Our Hog Town lunch was small but adequate and the one dollar beer was very refreshing. One day we walked to the No Name cafe at the Barracuda for overpriced food (never again, and that hotel is not appealing to us). We had dinner once at Kinta and once at the Kondessa (same owner). Both restaurants were exactly our style, very quiet, excellent food, and professional on a medium priced budget. We ate once at Casa Denis but even though the food and price were acceptable it was very noisy, too close to the gauntlet and frequented by too many ugly Americans.
This was our first trip to Cozumel and are eagerly looking to return. We had not been planning this trip but when we found the super deal on Orbitz (thanks DandyDon) we couldn't let it pass. The entire trip with air, hotel, diving, meals, and tips was under $2300 for the two of us.
Our strong inclination would be to stay and dive at the same place. Hotel Cozumel is very nice, the tunnel under the road to the beach is convenient, and there would be activities if we were rained/blown out of diving. Hotel Cozumel may be our choice if returning during the rainy season or if traveling with non-diving friends. If we were looking for an upscale operation we would try Living Underwater or if flush with cash the top shelf Aldora. I cannot see us diving with Dive Paradise due to the large size of boats and type of clientele. I like being recognized by the staff and called by name.
And, when approached by the Churro Man, dont blow him off. He is NOT just an opportunistic street vendor. The warm Churros are very good.
Villablanca is a tired but well kept hotel, about a mile south of town. It seemed typical of the place divers might stay when money for diving is more important than the accommodations. We kept our moola and passports in one of the lock boxes in the front lobby ($5 rental fee, $100 if you lose the key). The front door to the street was never locked and that security arrangement seemed disconcerting at first but the boxes were strong, the locks unique, traffic minimal, and staff close by most of the day and night. The room has a small refrigerator, the cleaning staff excellent, and the hot tub very welcome. During the busy seasons the courtyard may be too busy for lounging. Our standard room was well away from the La Hach so we were able to sleep at night. I would probably turn down the free upgrade to a suite if it was closer to the street.
Scuba Mau is a small but busy operation. Mau and Opal, with their many other staff, were professional and attentive. Never did I have the feeling of being herded. We were of course disoriented when we arrived but they made sure everything worked. They tracked us down when a sudden opportunity arose, like the port re-opening or when we forgot to sign up for the next morning. The DMs were competent but after the first couple dives rule number one was in effect: you are responsible for your own safety. Snorkels and SMBs were not required. The small fast boats they rent (or own) are well worn but perhaps one might look at the aesthetics the same way one looks at the sleeping accommodations. The outboard motors were more than adequate. The DMs were happy to show us Splendid Toadfish, nudi, eels, turtles, etc., but they might also get caught up in feeding lionfish to anything that is looking for a free meal (they have quite a few fish friends waiting). I see how an inattentive diver might drift past the preoccupied DM and miss when he turns into the swim through. If the divers know the sites they want to dive the captain/DM can take the group there, weather permitting, but good communication is required and that is the divers responsibility in my opinion. Cash is very much appreciated and using your own lights for the night dive saves you money. The entire week I had the impression that anything I wanted they would do their best to provide.
The port was closed a couple times and the wind made diving rough a couple days but we were able to get in five two-tank dives, one night dive, and three shore dives.
Many of the dives were stunning but one of the shore dives in front of the hotel (following the rubble zone from buoy to buoy) was almost as good as any of the others. On that dive we saw three types of eel, two types of flounder, a nine wide squidron, three types of puffer, two types of jawfish, two types of rays, and much more. I wasn't finished taking one picture and my wife was tapping my shoulder to direct me toward another subject. On another shore dive we found a scorpionfish but unfortunately didn't have the camera.
We walked from the hotel to town many times. It was a twenty minute walk to Hotel Cozumel, another ten minutes to the Mega, and another fifteen minutes to the square. From the hotel to the Blue Angel was just a few minute walk and the happy hour appetizers with drinks were effective (the hotel and dive operation were not our cup of tea). Next door there is an OXXO for liters of diet Coke, candy, etc. The one way taxi fare can easily be negotiated to six dollars total.
We had the hotel package that included a breakfast which was simple but adequate. We often had lunch at the Hog Town Cafe above Scuba Mau. Our Hog Town lunch was small but adequate and the one dollar beer was very refreshing. One day we walked to the No Name cafe at the Barracuda for overpriced food (never again, and that hotel is not appealing to us). We had dinner once at Kinta and once at the Kondessa (same owner). Both restaurants were exactly our style, very quiet, excellent food, and professional on a medium priced budget. We ate once at Casa Denis but even though the food and price were acceptable it was very noisy, too close to the gauntlet and frequented by too many ugly Americans.
This was our first trip to Cozumel and are eagerly looking to return. We had not been planning this trip but when we found the super deal on Orbitz (thanks DandyDon) we couldn't let it pass. The entire trip with air, hotel, diving, meals, and tips was under $2300 for the two of us.
Our strong inclination would be to stay and dive at the same place. Hotel Cozumel is very nice, the tunnel under the road to the beach is convenient, and there would be activities if we were rained/blown out of diving. Hotel Cozumel may be our choice if returning during the rainy season or if traveling with non-diving friends. If we were looking for an upscale operation we would try Living Underwater or if flush with cash the top shelf Aldora. I cannot see us diving with Dive Paradise due to the large size of boats and type of clientele. I like being recognized by the staff and called by name.
And, when approached by the Churro Man, dont blow him off. He is NOT just an opportunistic street vendor. The warm Churros are very good.
