Shore Diving at Caribe Blu ?

[MyPC8MyBrain]

We couldn't pass up the $99 arifare to Cozumel, so we're hooking up a last minute trip 3/16-3/23. We'll be staying at Caribe Blu for the last 5 nights. This is a budget trip, since it was pretty much unplaned for.

My question has to do with shore diving at Caribe Blu. Can you just buy full tanks at the resident dive shop and go for it with your buddy ? If yes, how much do tanks run? Same question for night shore dive, any issue holding tanks after dive shop closes for the day ?

We'll probably be able to afford a couple of days worth boat diving , but would really like to fill the gaps with cheap shore dives if possible.

Thanx !
Don & Elisa

 

[ggunn]

We couldn't pass up the $99 arifare to Cozumel, so we're hooking up a last minute trip 3/16-3/23. We'll be staying at Caribe Blu for the last 5 nights. This is a budget trip, since it was pretty much unplaned for.

My question has to do with shore diving at Caribe Blu. Can you just buy full tanks at the resident dive shop and go for it with your buddy ? If yes, how much do tanks run? Same question for night shore dive, any issue holding tanks after dive shop closes for the day ?

We'll probably be able to afford a couple of days worth boat diving , but would really like to fill the gaps with cheap shore dives if possible.

Thanx !
Don & Elisa

Tanks are free if you are diving with Blue Angel and staying at Caribe Blu. They have a place up near the dive shop to put your empties after you are done, whether the shop is open or not.

 

[dimitrik]

If you are not diving with them, you can still rent tanks and weights for $7/tank.

 

[underachiever]

I am no expert on this but thought I read that shore dives are free on the days you dive with them but may cost the $6-7 for the tanks on the days you do not boat dive with them.

 

[94GTStang]

I want to know where you got a $99 flight to Coz

 

[Hemlon]

I did some shore diving there a couple of years ago.

It was a decent dive...very shallow and lots to see. It was a couple of months after Hurricane Wilma and there were large pieces of the International Pier in that area which made a very nice artificial reef.

I saw a few rays and a scorpionfish, as well as the usual Cozumel favorites.

But be warned: There is a pretty heavy current which is typical for Cozumel. You will need to swim out south as soon as you enter in order to make a loop and be back at Caribe Blue. Otherwise, be ready for a surface swim.

 

[MyPC8MyBrain]

I want to know where you got a $99 flight to Coz

http://www.worryfreevacations.com/

Under the hot deals / Denver dropdown.

Of course it's gone now, but I believe they post again on Tuesdays. By they time they added the fees and such it was 397.00 for two tickets. Still.... can't beat that.

I believe that they even go down to $79 if you book a room, but I can usually beat out their hotel rates.

 

[ggunn]

I did some shore diving there a couple of years ago.

It was a decent dive...very shallow and lots to see. It was a couple of months after Hurricane Wilma and there were large pieces of the International Pier in that area which made a very nice artificial reef.

I saw a few rays and a scorpionfish, as well as the usual Cozumel favorites.

But be warned: There is a pretty heavy current which is typical for Cozumel. You will need to swim out south as soon as you enter in order to make a loop and be back at Caribe Blue. Otherwise, be ready for a surface swim.

That debris off Caribe Blu is actually mostly from Gilbert some years ago. The current is variable there; it's usually south to north, but its strength can vary quite a lot.

 

[ggunn]

I am no expert on this but thought I read that shore dives are free on the days you dive with them but may cost the $6-7 for the tanks on the days you do not boat dive with them.

That's not been my experience. I stay there at least once a year, diving about 2/3 of the days I am there, and I have always just gone and got a tank any time I needed it. The last time I was there was last May, though; their policy may have changed.

 

[sharky60]

as far as I know, the policy has always been if you are boat diving with them, shore dives are at no extra cost, anytime day or night.

You may have to let Victor at the dive shop know you're planning a night dive so tanks & weight are available, but I'm pretty sure there is no extra cost