Riviera Maya, Mexico

[bloofish]

Hi folks

New to the site and diving(just completed Padi ow and dup)

Anyway apologies if this is a repeated thread.

I'm staying at Excellence Riviera which I believe is near Peurto Morelos on Riviera Maya. I'm looking at doing some open water diving, mainly reef diving with a strong interest in photography.

I would appreciate any recommendations on who to dive with or any advice if anyone has actually stayed at this location.

Thanks

 

[jd950]

I have not ever stayed at that place, and it may not be close enough to you, but I like Dennis Weeks and his folks at Aquanauts in Puerto Aventuras. I am sure there are several other dive ops around the area, but that is who I have used before.

 

[Beyond_Diving]

The dive operation there is run by aquaworld. If you don't want to dive with them, then I would suggest going to puerto morelos (there are a couple of dive ops there), or playa (a bit further, but more options).
here's a list of shops in pto. morelos I just copied from a website.. don't tell anybody.

Almost Heaven Adventures - Dive Shop in Puerto Morelos
Scuba diving, snorkel trips, fishing trips and jungle tours. Tel: 998 871 0230
Location: North side of Puerto Morelos on the main street, Rojo Gomez and La Ceiba del Mar Hotel and Spa Open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, open daily

Aquanauts Dive Adventures Aquanauts Dive Adventures - Dive Shop in Puerto Morelos A
Guided coral reef dives, cenote explorations, excursions to Cozumel, PADI certifications classes, snorkeling tours and fishing expeditions
Location: Hotel Hacienda Morelos Suite # 107. Av. Rafael E. Melgar
Aquanauts Dive Adventures accepts credit cards Accepts credit cards. Open 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Open daily

Dive In Puerto Morelos Dive In Puerto Morelos - Dive Shop in Puerto Morelos
Scuba diving, snorkelling, reef/fresh water, English/Spanish speaking, experienced high service level crew - wreck dives, reef dives, PADI certifications
Location: Ave Rojo Gomez #14 sm2 mz 5 lo 15, N of the park square on left

Dive In Puerto Morelos accepts credit cards Accepts credit cards. Open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, open daily
Marina Dive Center Marina Dive Center - Dive Shop in Puerto Morelos
To teach and guide divers in a relaxed and personal atmosphere... It is just our way of working. After all diving is all about fun!
Location: Marina El Cid, in front of the protected marine park of Puerto Morelos
Marina Dive Center accepts credit cards Accepts credit cards.

Mystic Diving - Dive Shop in Puerto Morelos
Mystic diving offers a professional and qualified staff. Certified guides, fast and comfortable boats. Flexible dive times. PADI and NAUI instructors. For reservations call country code 52, 998-871-0634
Location: Ave Rafael E Melgar #2, Sm. 1
Mystic Diving accepts credit cards Accepts credit cards. Open 8:00 am - 6:00 pm , daily.

Wet Set Diving Adventure Wet Set Diving Adventure - Dive Shop in Puerto Morelos
Wet Set Water Adventures of Mexico offers scuba diving and PADI scuba instruction,snorkeling and fishing.
Location: Ojo de Agua Hotel
Wet Set Diving Adventure accepts credit cards Accepts credit cards.

 

[jpassov]

Last July I stayed up in that area at the Iberostar complex. I think it is worth the drive down to Playa.
I would highly recommend Jason at Fantasea Dive. You can read my review on Trip Advisor.

Fantasea Dive is how service should be! - Review of Fantasea Dive, Playa del Carmen, Mexico - TripAdvisor

 

[bloofish]

Thanks for the replies so far. Food for thought.

 

[ImUrPropofol]

I stayed there in August and dove with the Aquaworld group that is there in the hotel. I contemplated going to Playa or taking the trip to Cozumel, but my wife is not a diver and the trips leaving from the hotel were more convenient in terms of scheduling. I did the 2 tank wreck dive. First dive is on a wreck at about 90', and then the next one is a shallow reef dive. The boat left right from the hotel and there were only 3 of us on the dive. We were back by 11AM, so my wife "made" me go again 2 days later. I was the only diver that day. You can check out my pictures posted from those dives on the site.

Depending on what you are looking for, I would recommend them. As I said, perfect for me for that vacation. Decent time in the water, home by lunch, good price.

Having said that, I'm planning our next vacation for a resort in Playa so I don't have to make the trip down there from Excellence!

 

[Pez de Diablo]

I have not ever stayed at that place, and it may not be close enough to you, but I like Dennis Weeks and his folks at Aquanauts in Puerto Aventuras. I am sure there are several other dive ops around the area, but that is who I have used before.

Thanks for the nice words. However I am located about 1 hour south of Puerto Morelos.

Keep in mind that Aquanauts in Puerto Morelos is NOT the same as my dive shop.

Dive In Puerto Morelos - Dive Shop in Puerto Morelos is a nice shop, I like Bret and have only heard good things about him.

Cheers,

Dennis

 

[bloofish]

I stayed there in August and dove with the Aquaworld group that is there in the hotel. I contemplated going to Playa or taking the trip to Cozumel, but my wife is not a diver and the trips leaving from the hotel were more convenient in terms of scheduling. I did the 2 tank wreck dive. First dive is on a wreck at about 90', and then the next one is a shallow reef dive. The boat left right from the hotel and there were only 3 of us on the dive. We were back by 11AM, so my wife "made" me go again 2 days later. I was the only diver that day. You can check out my pictures posted from those dives on the site.

Depending on what you are looking for, I would recommend them. As I said, perfect for me for that vacation. Decent time in the water, home by lunch, good price.

Having said that, I'm planning our next vacation for a resort in Playa so I don't have to make the trip down there from Excellence!

This sounds exactly what i'm after. My girlfriend doesn't dive either so diving from the hotel would definately suit me better rather than having to travel and then dive. I did get an email from Aquaworld and their prices weren't as expensive as i thought they might be considering they are associated with the hotel. Can i ask you though about the wreck dive? I assume that you are not going into the wreck? I'm only Open Water diver.

 

[bloofish]

Just had a look at you pics from the wreck dive. Looks good. Think I may have found my holiday diving. Thanks a lot Imurpropofol

 

[Jang]

I'm going to Pto Morelos for Nov 11-18. I inquired with most of the local shops and even contacted Dennis's outfit in Pto Aventuras. I would have loved to gone with him, but it's quite the taxi ride. (he comes highly recommended from Instructors in Calgary as he used to be one of them). In the end, I'm planning on going with Ben Mooney (aka MAD) who is running an independent outfit called Scorpio. Custom tailored trips.

BTW, I'm told the wreck at Pto Morelos is in 90ft of water. I'm sure the upper decks are within OW limits, but you are the best judge of your own limits.