Should I check out other dive ops?

[ggunn]

already have my mask (went for DGX Frameless). Dive computer I will definitely get before I go, I don't want to rent one and have no idea what I am looking at or what buttons to press.

One day some years ago, a couple diving on a boat with us went deeper than we felt comfortable with on the second dive (so we stayed well above them), and when they got back in the boat both their (borrowed or rented) computer displays were flashing. They were clueless that it meant that they had blown a deco stop. Their biggest concern was when they found out that the flashing displays meant that the computers would not work for 24 hours; they had afternoon dives scheduled later that day. I hope they got through the day OK.

 

[rjmd]

One day some years ago, a couple diving on a boat with us went deeper than we felt comfortable with on the second dive (so we stayed well above them), and when they got back in the boat both their (borrowed or rented) computer displays were flashing. They were clueless that it meant that they had blown a deco stop. Their biggest concern was when they found out that the flashing displays meant that the computers would not work for 24 hours; they had afternoon dives scheduled later that day. I hope they got through the day OK.

Insanity. They must have paid no attention to the OW training to not recognize how big a deal that is for them.

I am currently on a Fenix 7 Pro. So I will be upgrading to the Fenix 8 or Descent Mk3i, as I need the watch for backpacking and marathons (thankfully I get 20% off through work). I love diving into the different functions of a new Garmin, so I will be doing plenty of testing with the Diving app before I touch water.

 

[lowwall]

Thanks all for the feedback, great info here!


Good to know. I will likely only have 10 dives by the time I go on the holiday so sticking with Scuba Du might be the best option so I have consistency. I am there for 8 days so I will likely get ~20 more dives in the log while I am there.

They only run a 2 tank morning boat in the package. They also throw in a night dive on a week package. Don't skip the night dive. It's the best thing in diving. They will take you somewhere close, shallow and easy.

In theory they will run an afternoon boat if they have enough divers, but I wouldn't count on it. This might be the time to try another dive op if you want more boat dives.

It does say they have complimentary tanks and weights for shore dives. I would take advantage of that in the afternoons. Stay shallow and stick close to their swimming area for safety, but you will be able to fine tune your bouyancy and just get comfortable underwater with no pressure to follow anybody or worries about running out of gas before other divers. There will be plenty of pretty fishes around and maybe some small eels and rays.

Make sure you are renting your gear for the week and not by the dive. If they won't do that, post about renting for a week on Coz. I seem to recall there are good options and you'll save a bunch of money and have more flexibility for shore dives and in case you want to do an afternoon dive with someone else.

Finally, since you are there for a full week I'd recommend buying a wetsuit instead of renting one. Get a cheap 3mm from scuba.com (they are good about exchanging sizes) and you'll be close to breaking even on the rental price.

 

[Matt B]

I am heading to Cozumel in June and am staying at the InterContinental Presidente. Wondering if there is any need to venture out any try other dive operators or should the hotel's dive shop cover all my needs? I purchased a package with the hotel, so most the diving is included, but if there is anything - must see - I might miss then let me know.

The big hotels love to keep you in their walled garden but I am more than happy to go out and explore.

Hi, Enjoy your trip! We just got back from Cozumel, very light currents all week and great dives. I would go with your on site operator. Ask lots of questions and keep your eyes open and learn. 2nd on getting a computer, it will teach you a ton about diving safely. Yes, as others have noted there can be stronger currents and there is definitely a learning curve for diving comfortably with them. Just stay calm and watch and learn. I personally don't think Cozumel is the easiest place to dive but it is definitely one of our favorites as we have over 200 dives there. It will make you a better diver. Enjoy the ride.

 

[cozcharlie]

Thanks all for the feedback, great info here!


Good to know. I will likely only have 10 dives by the time I go on the holiday so sticking with Scuba Du might be the best option so I have consistency. I am there for 8 days so I will likely get ~20 more dives in the log while I am there.

Good point on the conflicting schedule. I assumed the onsite Scuba Du would go everywhere, but wanted to make sure they didn't just stick close to the hotel or something and missed out on key spots to see. 100% correct on the package deal, I ideally don't want to have to shop around having paid for it.

Interesting, I hadn't considered that. I might call the dive shop and give them a background on my experience at a minimum to see what they think. I have been reading up allot on the current, but there's only so much you can gauge from theory.

I already have my mask (went for DGX Frameless). Dive computer I will definitely get before I go, I don't want to rent one and have no idea what I am looking at or what buttons to press.

I would be another vote for seeing if maybe you can get a private DM from Scuba Du for the first day. Given where you are staying I doubt private DM costs for one day will be a big percentage of your vacation budget. Will help start your diving vacation off on the right foot . Just knowing someone is specifically looking out for you will probably help your comfort level on the first day (whether you truly need them or not ).

 

[Racer_X]

I see you're based out of NYC. Depending on your overall level of experience with blue water (snorkeling, swimming, etc.) - you may not need the additional safety net of a private DM. Have you done drift dives before, boat dives, or just shore dives? If you've done all three, you probably don't need a private DM. If you've done boat dives and shore dives, it's a tossup.

What I WOULD suggest is looking at the planned dives carefully. Usually the first dive is around 75-85 feet and the second is around 65 feet. Although the dive schedule may show different, shallower, depths like, say, 65 and 50 feet. For a brand new diver, that first morning dive can be a lot to manage if you don't have experience diving deep in a drift dive. You may want to skip the deep dive your first day or two to do the shallow dive to get a little confidence, dial in your weights with your planned gear, etc. Maybe if you want to up your dive count, go on the shallow afternoon dive if there is one. A DM supporting you for the deep ones may help, but it may also become a crutch too easily. YMMV.

Some may disagree with my depth numbers, but my computer from last week certainly doesn't - and I stayed with or above the DM all week.

I wouldn't add in shore dives as a new diver to Coz. Relax instead. Snorkel. Find your zen. At MOST use a shore dive to help you dial in your buoyancy and watch the current.

I'm mostly in rental gear (but fixing it for October). However, mask/fins/snorkel (YES SNORKEL DARNIT)/computer/DSMB should be the minimum you own and know how to use before you go. If you plan to do a night dive - buy a light. The Wurkkos DL08 is on sale RIGHT NOW (for the next 24 hours or so) on amazon and is better than the one the dive shop gives you for a night dive.

 

[ggunn]

I'm mostly in rental gear (but fixing it for October). However, mask/fins/snorkel (YES SNORKEL DARNIT)/computer/DSMB should be the minimum you own and know how to use before you go. If you plan to do a night dive - buy a light. The Wurkkos DL08 is on sale RIGHT NOW (for the next 24 hours or so) on amazon and is better than the one the dive shop gives you for a night dive.

I haven't been diving with a snorkel for many years; the only time I remember wishing I had one with me is the time the captain spotted a pod of dolphin between dives and took us around in front of them; we all jumped in with mask and fins while they swam all around us. It was cool but having to get my head up to breathe was a pain.

Once when I still dove with one I was first in the water, so I was looking around below us and breathing through the snorkel. When we were all in the water the DM signaled us to descend, so I did but I forgot to change to my reg. <choke!>

I take at least one light with me on every dive, day or night. Even in daytime there are critters back in holes and swimthroughs to go through. My wife and I have a routine for swimthroughs where she goes first and I shine my light out ahead of her so that she knows I am OK without having to turn around and look.

 

[Racer_X]

I know lots of people don't bother any more. However, I enjoy keeping an eye on the dive master when we're all diving our tanks and I pop first. A 5' eagle ray cruising the reef is almost as enjoyable from the surface as it is from 30 feet down, without having to pop my head out every few minutes. Plus I get air in a better position to drop down the 30 feet and watch closer for a bit. It's amazing how fast breathing a water/air mix becomes no big deal.

Then, when my day is breakfast, 2 tanks, 1 hour for lunch / gear rinse/etc, and a snorkel cruise with the wife - it's less hassle just to leave it on there. And yeah, I snorkel with a light, too.

I was taught snorkel at the surface, and that's ingrained, especially when coming in from a shore dive or having a boat dive turn INTO a shore dive. Too old to change now. I still insist a giant stride where folks go under is a failed giant stride. Keeping your head above water is the point of that entry. AND STAY OFF MY LAWN.

 

[ChuckP]

You don't know what you don't know and the grass certainly can be greener on the other side of the fence.

Scuba Du verses smaller fast boat ops is personalization and greater odds of having a greatly experienced DM.

Date around, be a dive whore - you'll find who you like to dance with.

Once you have dove with any average valet op, you'll probably never go back to the best large hotel op, just my opinion.

 

[lowwall]

I was taught snorkel at the surface, and that's ingrained, especially when coming in from a shore dive or having a boat dive turn INTO a shore dive. Too old to change now. I still insist a giant stride where folks go under is a failed giant stride. Keeping your head above water is the point of that entry. AND STAY OFF MY LAWN.

I prefer understanding and then making an informed decision to rigid adherence to rules.

Snorkels come with tradeoffs. Whether you have one on your mask, rolled up in a pocket, or left behind should be a matter of personal preference and the particulars of a dive.

Likewise, the only true "point" of a giant stride is that it keeps you from hitting the boat with your body or gear. Keeping your head above water is optional. You can use it as part of a negative entry if that's what the dive plan calls for.