Different strokes for different folks! We don't stay at all inclusive resorts in Cozumel simply because San Miguel has so much to offer when not diving. We usually stay at Casa Mexicana for around $70 a night which includes an incredible breakfast buffet. We have several favorite restaurants for lunch and dinner and we usually hit The Thirsy Cougar for a beer and ceviche once a day. Money wise, you can eat cheap anytime.
For diving we have been using Aldora for the larger tanks at about $100 a day per diver for a 2 tank dive. Their dock and the shop is about 1/2 a block away. Breakfast is at 7 and I think the boats leave at 7:30 so you have about 20-25 minutes to eat. Coffee, juice, cereal and fruit is usually available about 6:50. We have nnever had a problem hitting the buffet a little early. I not a morning person but have never had an issue with the timing....just not time for a long breakfast until your last day. We have also dove with Blue Magic and Dive With Martin and both were fantastic. Blue Magic also has some sleep and dive packages that will save you some more on the cost. Both are cheaper than Aldora, I would dive with either of them anytime. We just like the extended dive times with Aldora.
There are hundreds of ways to save on a Cozumel trip. Lots of people stay at Suites Bahia, which includes the same breakfast buffet at CM, you just have to walk a block and a half or so, for around $45 a night. I believe Dive With Martin includes the rental equipment in their price. You can always hit Mega and stock up on drinks, snacks, and lunch items as well.
Tipping wise, I usually tip $20 a day to the boat. Restaurant tips are 10-20%. And a 20 for the maids when we leave.
While staying in town gives up on the on site beach, it seems like there is always something going on in town.
One last comment, you might consider getting Nitrox Certified if you are not already. It seems like the multi boat operations will put the nitrox divers on a boat that goes to better sites...at least for the first dive. Most second dives are at a 60 foot max so there is less to choose from. Frankly, the second dive is usually my favorite because of the more aquatic life on the shallower dives.
SCC did not work out for you, but I promise that there is a combination that will fit your every expectation. You just have to find it. The good news is that it may take some more Cozumel trips to figure out what it is. Thats a win in my book!
Good luck, safe travels,
Jay
For diving we have been using Aldora for the larger tanks at about $100 a day per diver for a 2 tank dive. Their dock and the shop is about 1/2 a block away. Breakfast is at 7 and I think the boats leave at 7:30 so you have about 20-25 minutes to eat. Coffee, juice, cereal and fruit is usually available about 6:50. We have nnever had a problem hitting the buffet a little early. I not a morning person but have never had an issue with the timing....just not time for a long breakfast until your last day. We have also dove with Blue Magic and Dive With Martin and both were fantastic. Blue Magic also has some sleep and dive packages that will save you some more on the cost. Both are cheaper than Aldora, I would dive with either of them anytime. We just like the extended dive times with Aldora.
There are hundreds of ways to save on a Cozumel trip. Lots of people stay at Suites Bahia, which includes the same breakfast buffet at CM, you just have to walk a block and a half or so, for around $45 a night. I believe Dive With Martin includes the rental equipment in their price. You can always hit Mega and stock up on drinks, snacks, and lunch items as well.
Tipping wise, I usually tip $20 a day to the boat. Restaurant tips are 10-20%. And a 20 for the maids when we leave.
While staying in town gives up on the on site beach, it seems like there is always something going on in town.
One last comment, you might consider getting Nitrox Certified if you are not already. It seems like the multi boat operations will put the nitrox divers on a boat that goes to better sites...at least for the first dive. Most second dives are at a 60 foot max so there is less to choose from. Frankly, the second dive is usually my favorite because of the more aquatic life on the shallower dives.
SCC did not work out for you, but I promise that there is a combination that will fit your every expectation. You just have to find it. The good news is that it may take some more Cozumel trips to figure out what it is. Thats a win in my book!
Good luck, safe travels,
Jay