solo diver in cozumel

[Dives2much]

My dive buddy just backed out on our cozumel trip June 14-21. What the *#@$%&, I am going ANYWAY. I noticed alot of Scuba Boarders will be out that way in June. Any recommendations as far as diving, hotels, entertainment etc. for those of us hoofing it single. I have been to Cozumel many times, but not in recent years.

Thanks for your comments, and happy diving.

 

[TheRedHead]

I think if I had to dive solo, Cozumel would be the place to do it. So many quality dive operators with excellent DMs who will buddy with you. When I stayed at Villa Aldora, there were 2 or 3 solo divers and the place was more like a liveaboard (without the food). It was small and we all hung out together after diving. www.aldora.com

 

[Cacia]

RH has been more than me, but I was happy with Dive with Martin! You might have more social opportunities on a bigger boat....or you could hang out at Guidos and pick out your own diver. (did I say that?)

 

[Charlie99]

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?p=1421991 is an older thread on this subject. My recommendation is Scuba Club Cozumel --- kind of like a liveaboard trip, but on a land-based hotel.

 

[cxg31s]

Well some options might be limited since it's not very far out, but here are some suggestions.

Hotel: Caribe Blu, Barracuda, Bahia, Vista del Mar, Casa Mexicana

Diving: I always use Blue XTSea but she might be booked. Others will have suggestions for shops they like....

Entertainment: Depends on what you like. There are the clubs like Carlos and Barfy's or Senior Drinks too Much that some people like. I am more laid back so I like to hang out in the square and grab a good people watching table at one of the many bar/restaurants--Casa Denis is one of my fave places.

Don't worry, you won't have a problem meeting people. It's amazing how many other solo travelers you'll find--and even if you don't, you almost invariably get "adopted" by a group. You'll have a blast!

 

[GPdiver]

I will also be going Solo.
I will be in Coz the 13th thru the 28th. staying at Hotel Aguilar, Diving with either Blue Bubble/Eco Divers or Bottom Time.

 

[Martha]

Diving: I always use Blue XTSea but she might be booked. Others will have suggestions for shops they like....

I just checked the Blue XT~Sea website and it looks like Christi still has openings for the dates you'll be there. The DMs are great! I'm sure you'd have a great time diving with them. If you're interested, her website is: www.bluextseadiving.com
Hope you have a great time, despite your friend backing out on you.

 

[MMM]

No problem going solo. I've done it a few times and liked it better than going with my husband! Most ops can find room for just one more diver, particularly if they have more than one boat. I'd say your dive op is the least of your concerns. The bigger issue is finding accommodation that won't set you back so far given you haven't got anyone to share costs with. As someone said higher up on this thread, your chances of adoption are high. I'd try Caribe Blu if you can swing the cost by yourself as it's pretty much all divers there and it's small enough that you can't help but get to know other people staying there. There are other good deals in town that you won't find at the larger hotels south and north of town. I think Las Anclas has put their prices up so aren't the deal they once were, although they are good for a lift in the a.m. to Blue Angel if you are diving with that op (you need to make your own way back). Costa Brava is a pretty good deal. Also La Marques, and it's just down the street from Liquid Blue, so you could probably save some cab fares to the caleta if you dived with them.

 

[jmps]

I second Caribe Blu. I went solo there in February and it worked well at a good price. There was a small group of SBers there and we went to dinner a few times. I made some good dive friends that trip. I used DivewithAlison for my NAUI AOW. She is out of the Caleta ($5 cab each way). Others used Blue Angel right on site, Blue XTC picks up at the pier, and BottomTime (Caleta). All got good reviews.

 

[nikyyo]

Coz is a great place to go solo. I've done it on two occasions and if you want to really do it on the cheap I recommend hotel Pepita. I'm always suprised that it's never mentioned on message boards. I'ts 30 bucks a night, clean, safe, extremely friendly staff and right in the middle of everything downtown: 15th ave I believe (around the corner from La Choza). Don't expect any ambiance though. The rooms are basic with AC, ceiling fan, and TV and Fridge. WHat more does a single diver need? I would hook that up with a dive op like Deep blue or any other dive op that can pick you up from the Aldora pier (2 block walk?). Meeting people, as you will see, will definitely not be an issue. Also be sure to eat at Tonitas and La Candela: two really good inexpensive restaurants in the area.