Torontonian
Contributor
Finally typing up my belated review of the Cozumel dive trip.
We were on the Carnival Miracle cruise, and got to Cozumel on Wed., Aug. 30/06. Hurricane Ernesto had made the ship change its itininary but we got to Coz the same day as originally schedule. Our time in port was changed from 8am - 5pm (local time, or ship time 9am to 6pm), to arriving 1 hr early (i.e. arrive 7am local time), while losing 1 hr port time at Costa Maya the next day.
We had booked a private charter with Blue Angel, with myself as the only diver and my wife, in-laws and friends (6 of them) all as snorkelers. I had met someone on the ship who was interested in diving. Ken brought his gear to the trip, but did not have time before the trip to research and make bookings. I told him Blue Angel had a 10am dive/snorkel combo trip, and he would be welcomed to follow us to Blue Angel that morning.
We tendered to Puerta Maya. My group got a van taxi, while Ken and his brother followed in another taxi. The ride was 10min. or less, for $14 + tip. We got there shortly after 8am. Although I had emailed from the ship about our changed time, that well be in port 1 hr early, that did not get to the shop, because they were still expecting us for 10am. Anyway, my in-laws and friends wanted to rent wetsuits, and with their fitting and our filling out forms, it still took till almost 10am when we left. Ken and his brother were fortunately as there was another boat going out diving, so they didnt have to wait for the 10am combo dive/snorkel trip, but rather they went out with all divers. Later on Ken did say they enjoyed the dives.
We had a fairly big boat. My DM was Mateo who was originally from Chicago, and had English name Matthew, but I guess in Mexico he adopted the name Mateo. The DM/guide for the snorkelers was Alberto. I read about the dive sites and liked to dive at Columbia Deep (further to the south), with a surface interval rest at a beach possibly at Palancar Beach, and the second dive at Palancar Gardens (north of Columbia). I got good help from this board on the sites and relative distance beforehand. For the first dive, Mateo said we could be dropped off at Columbia Deep first, then the boat takes the snorkelers to Columbia Shallow. After that the boat can come back to pick us up. At Palancar Gardens we can both go down together. That sounded good, so we proceeded with that plan. I had also requested for 100cf tanks, to give more bottom. That was certainly worth the extra $5/tank.
I knew in Coz it was drift diving. Just before the cruise trip, we went to Rainbow River for drift diving/snorkelling and it was great. That was also a good prep trip for Coz diving, in open ocean water. But it was really nice to finally experience it in Coz. We went down to the first dive at Columbia Deep at about 10:40am. I wore 3mm full wetsuit with 14 lbs weight. Air temp was 85 and water temp was about 81, and 78 at bottom. The viz was excellent at 120.
I saw a lot of hard coral, much more color than in Belize (the previous day), and more sand. There were many canyons, caverns and swim throughs. We saw green turtles, queen angels, arrow crab, horse jack, baraccuda, sarjent major, etc. We saw a lot of barrel sponge, sea fan, tubes. When I saw on the rented computer that we were at 99 at one point, I wrote on my slate to show Mateo that Id like to go just below 99 for a bit then come right up. I wanted break 100 as my deepest dive. He nodded, and off I went. Of course he kept a close eye on me, and I was able to say I went below 100 (for a very short time
)
Before the trip I was concerned that in a dive/snorkel combo trip, especially with 6 snorkelers and just myself as the diver, the diving may be restrictive and I may not get as good diving. But with me at Columbia Deep and them at Columbia Shallow (supposedly to be shallow most of the way, and pretty), the diving for me was very good. We also came upon a big ship anchor. There was no ship wreck around, so I dont know where this may have come from, but it was big. The reef looked quite healthy here, lots of fish, lots of colourful growth and changing landscape with many caverns and swim throughs for a diver to enjoy. Even though I was using a 100cf tank, I still was going through air fast. I had signalled to Mateo when I had 800 psi left and he nodded, no problem. When I signaled to Mateo that I had 500 psi left, he gave his alternative octo to me to breath and told me to hang on to him. I hadnt expected that but it was very nice of him. We continue drifting that way for a while, including the 5 min. safety stop. While drifting, we continue to see the changing landscape and colors below. That was quite enjoyable. This dive lasted 43 min. This I would have to say, was my best dive ever.
After we surfaced, Mateo inflated his sausage. We didnt wait for too long before the boat came to get us. My wife and friends had very good snorkelling too. It was the first time for my sister-in-law and her husband. (I took them to the pool for practice 3 times before the trip) They were smart to use a long noodle together, and were able to float/drift together. We then head for the Palancar Beach. After the boat stopped at a small pier. We got out, and instead of walking maybe 200 yards to the main beach where they are lounge chairs and other facilities, we actually just hang around near the pier. We played with water a bit. There was quite a bit of small mosquitos. I actually immersed in the water most of the time, in a way to enjoy water, but also to not be bothered by the mosquitos.
This surface break was close to an hour, then we headed north to Palancar. Palancar is a famous name in Coz for diving. For snorkelling/diving combo location, Palancar Gardens was recommended by many. For this dive, I tried with 12lbs of weight, thinking the last dive I may have a bit much. We went down at around 12:30pm for the dive, with the snorkelers followed right behind. This also turned out to be an excellent dive. We drift by walls, swam through caverns. Under one cavern overhang we saw a nurse shark. We kneel or lay on the sand and I tried to take a picture (too bad didnt quite turn out). That nurse shark was about 8 long. It was the first time I saw a nurse shark so I was quite happy. A bit later, in another cavern, we saw some small fish, and a very big black fish. Later on Mateo said it was a grouper. I didnt know a black grouper can be that big, it was about 6 long.
In the beginning I looked up and saw the snorkelers, but later on didnt see them again. Later my mother-in-law said she saw me going into a cave (must be a swim through cavern), and had wondered hey what if he doesnt come out. I told her I got lots of insurance, so dont worry, her daughter will be happy When I got low on air, Mateo again gave his alternate air to me. I then hang on to the hose again and we drifted more by some walls, and the safety stop. While drifting in our safety stop, he pointed out a spotted eagle ray to me. The eagle ray was swimming away, elegantly. I thought the first dive at Columbia Deep was very good, but this dive at Palancar Gardens was again excellent. This dive lasted 56 min., with max depth at 75.
The snorkelers also had a good time. I was happy for that, especially since I was the one arranging this private charter dive/snorkel combo. We headed for Paradise Beach to be dropped off. We thanked Mateo and Alberto and the captain (with a good tip). Paradise Beach was quite busy, with lots of people. We went to the restaurant, and ordered lunch there. The owner Tom Jensen was there and we said hi to him. He said there are 5 ships in port today, one probably got re-routed due to hurricane Ernesto (before the trip I remember seeing that 4 ships were supposed to be in port that day), and thats why they were busy. Most of the lounge chairs were occupied, but we also saw people leaving.
Lunch was half decent. At the end of lunch, many people had left, and about half of the lounge chairs were empty. We could buy a $8 arm band and be able to use kayaks and other things, but we were all feeling a bit tired. My wife and I just lay on lounge chairs and rested for a while. A bit after 3pm, we got together and got two taxis to head back to the cruise terminal.
I felt these were the two best dives Ive ever had. This is a place Id like to come back for more diving in the future. Blue Angel was good to us, and we would recommend them without hesitation.
We were on the Carnival Miracle cruise, and got to Cozumel on Wed., Aug. 30/06. Hurricane Ernesto had made the ship change its itininary but we got to Coz the same day as originally schedule. Our time in port was changed from 8am - 5pm (local time, or ship time 9am to 6pm), to arriving 1 hr early (i.e. arrive 7am local time), while losing 1 hr port time at Costa Maya the next day.
We had booked a private charter with Blue Angel, with myself as the only diver and my wife, in-laws and friends (6 of them) all as snorkelers. I had met someone on the ship who was interested in diving. Ken brought his gear to the trip, but did not have time before the trip to research and make bookings. I told him Blue Angel had a 10am dive/snorkel combo trip, and he would be welcomed to follow us to Blue Angel that morning.
We tendered to Puerta Maya. My group got a van taxi, while Ken and his brother followed in another taxi. The ride was 10min. or less, for $14 + tip. We got there shortly after 8am. Although I had emailed from the ship about our changed time, that well be in port 1 hr early, that did not get to the shop, because they were still expecting us for 10am. Anyway, my in-laws and friends wanted to rent wetsuits, and with their fitting and our filling out forms, it still took till almost 10am when we left. Ken and his brother were fortunately as there was another boat going out diving, so they didnt have to wait for the 10am combo dive/snorkel trip, but rather they went out with all divers. Later on Ken did say they enjoyed the dives.
We had a fairly big boat. My DM was Mateo who was originally from Chicago, and had English name Matthew, but I guess in Mexico he adopted the name Mateo. The DM/guide for the snorkelers was Alberto. I read about the dive sites and liked to dive at Columbia Deep (further to the south), with a surface interval rest at a beach possibly at Palancar Beach, and the second dive at Palancar Gardens (north of Columbia). I got good help from this board on the sites and relative distance beforehand. For the first dive, Mateo said we could be dropped off at Columbia Deep first, then the boat takes the snorkelers to Columbia Shallow. After that the boat can come back to pick us up. At Palancar Gardens we can both go down together. That sounded good, so we proceeded with that plan. I had also requested for 100cf tanks, to give more bottom. That was certainly worth the extra $5/tank.
I knew in Coz it was drift diving. Just before the cruise trip, we went to Rainbow River for drift diving/snorkelling and it was great. That was also a good prep trip for Coz diving, in open ocean water. But it was really nice to finally experience it in Coz. We went down to the first dive at Columbia Deep at about 10:40am. I wore 3mm full wetsuit with 14 lbs weight. Air temp was 85 and water temp was about 81, and 78 at bottom. The viz was excellent at 120.
I saw a lot of hard coral, much more color than in Belize (the previous day), and more sand. There were many canyons, caverns and swim throughs. We saw green turtles, queen angels, arrow crab, horse jack, baraccuda, sarjent major, etc. We saw a lot of barrel sponge, sea fan, tubes. When I saw on the rented computer that we were at 99 at one point, I wrote on my slate to show Mateo that Id like to go just below 99 for a bit then come right up. I wanted break 100 as my deepest dive. He nodded, and off I went. Of course he kept a close eye on me, and I was able to say I went below 100 (for a very short time
)Before the trip I was concerned that in a dive/snorkel combo trip, especially with 6 snorkelers and just myself as the diver, the diving may be restrictive and I may not get as good diving. But with me at Columbia Deep and them at Columbia Shallow (supposedly to be shallow most of the way, and pretty), the diving for me was very good. We also came upon a big ship anchor. There was no ship wreck around, so I dont know where this may have come from, but it was big. The reef looked quite healthy here, lots of fish, lots of colourful growth and changing landscape with many caverns and swim throughs for a diver to enjoy. Even though I was using a 100cf tank, I still was going through air fast. I had signalled to Mateo when I had 800 psi left and he nodded, no problem. When I signaled to Mateo that I had 500 psi left, he gave his alternative octo to me to breath and told me to hang on to him. I hadnt expected that but it was very nice of him. We continue drifting that way for a while, including the 5 min. safety stop. While drifting, we continue to see the changing landscape and colors below. That was quite enjoyable. This dive lasted 43 min. This I would have to say, was my best dive ever.
After we surfaced, Mateo inflated his sausage. We didnt wait for too long before the boat came to get us. My wife and friends had very good snorkelling too. It was the first time for my sister-in-law and her husband. (I took them to the pool for practice 3 times before the trip) They were smart to use a long noodle together, and were able to float/drift together. We then head for the Palancar Beach. After the boat stopped at a small pier. We got out, and instead of walking maybe 200 yards to the main beach where they are lounge chairs and other facilities, we actually just hang around near the pier. We played with water a bit. There was quite a bit of small mosquitos. I actually immersed in the water most of the time, in a way to enjoy water, but also to not be bothered by the mosquitos.
This surface break was close to an hour, then we headed north to Palancar. Palancar is a famous name in Coz for diving. For snorkelling/diving combo location, Palancar Gardens was recommended by many. For this dive, I tried with 12lbs of weight, thinking the last dive I may have a bit much. We went down at around 12:30pm for the dive, with the snorkelers followed right behind. This also turned out to be an excellent dive. We drift by walls, swam through caverns. Under one cavern overhang we saw a nurse shark. We kneel or lay on the sand and I tried to take a picture (too bad didnt quite turn out). That nurse shark was about 8 long. It was the first time I saw a nurse shark so I was quite happy. A bit later, in another cavern, we saw some small fish, and a very big black fish. Later on Mateo said it was a grouper. I didnt know a black grouper can be that big, it was about 6 long.
In the beginning I looked up and saw the snorkelers, but later on didnt see them again. Later my mother-in-law said she saw me going into a cave (must be a swim through cavern), and had wondered hey what if he doesnt come out. I told her I got lots of insurance, so dont worry, her daughter will be happy
When I got low on air, Mateo again gave his alternate air to me. I then hang on to the hose again and we drifted more by some walls, and the safety stop. While drifting in our safety stop, he pointed out a spotted eagle ray to me. The eagle ray was swimming away, elegantly. I thought the first dive at Columbia Deep was very good, but this dive at Palancar Gardens was again excellent. This dive lasted 56 min., with max depth at 75. The snorkelers also had a good time. I was happy for that, especially since I was the one arranging this private charter dive/snorkel combo. We headed for Paradise Beach to be dropped off. We thanked Mateo and Alberto and the captain (with a good tip). Paradise Beach was quite busy, with lots of people. We went to the restaurant, and ordered lunch there. The owner Tom Jensen was there and we said hi to him. He said there are 5 ships in port today, one probably got re-routed due to hurricane Ernesto (before the trip I remember seeing that 4 ships were supposed to be in port that day), and thats why they were busy. Most of the lounge chairs were occupied, but we also saw people leaving.
Lunch was half decent. At the end of lunch, many people had left, and about half of the lounge chairs were empty. We could buy a $8 arm band and be able to use kayaks and other things, but we were all feeling a bit tired. My wife and I just lay on lounge chairs and rested for a while. A bit after 3pm, we got together and got two taxis to head back to the cruise terminal.
I felt these were the two best dives Ive ever had. This is a place Id like to come back for more diving in the future. Blue Angel was good to us, and we would recommend them without hesitation.
