Summer diving and Port Closures

[Jackie]

Been to CZM dozens of times but never in summer. What are the chances of port closures?

 

[Shawn C]

Which month? The later you go in the summer the higher the chances of running into a tropical storm or a hurricane. That said, we've visited six times in August and have only missed diving due to self inflicted reasons We do take cancel for any reason insurance during hurricane season.

 

[Dave Dillehay]

Been to CZM dozens of times but never in summer. What are the chances of port closures?

I know it is hurricane season after June 1, but after living in Coz for 30 years there are two reasons not to worry about that.

FIRST...THE HURRICANES ARE REALLY QUITE SMALL AND THE OCEAN IS QUITE BIG. I REMEMBER MANY INSTANCES WHERE A CAT FOUR EYE HAD A DIRECT HIT AT PUNTA SUR BUT NOTHING IN TOWN AND JUST TWO DAYS OF DIVING WERE LOST. On the other hand, many more diving days are lost from NORTES in the non hurricane seasons OF HIGH SEASON! I do not know the exact ratio but I amI sure it is way over 10-1 on average.

SECOND...if you were to be in Cozumel in a big direct hit YOU WOULD BE SAFE. In 2005 hurricane Wilma, at cat 5 sat on Cozumel for 32 hours. The buildings are all concrete and only one fool, doing guard duty on a pier, perished. We lost 8 days of diving but despite all the damage our VILLA ALDORA was ready for guests in 7 days.

So come on down.

Dave

 

[ggunn]

Been to CZM dozens of times but never in summer. What are the chances of port closures?

You pays yer money and you takes yer chances. We usually are on the island in April and/or May, but last year our plans got delayed and we were there for two weeks in mid June into early July. During that time there were three tropical systems that affected Cozumel; one was just leaving the area when we got there, another came through in the middle of our stay, and a third was approaching when we left. We were never in any danger, but it rained every day and we lost four days diving due to port closures. Also, when it wasn't raining it was HOT.

This year we were back to our normal stay - April 22 to May 6 - and the weather was lovely the whole time.

 

[Charred]

Is there a recommendation about dive insurance for missing days of diving? I don't mean DAN.

 

[AdivingBel]

Is there a recommendation about dive insurance for missing days of diving? I don't mean DAN.

Do you prepay for your diving in Coz? I settle up with my shop at the end of my trip. If the port is closed and they don't go out, I don't pay. If your diving is prepaid as part of a resort package, most trip insurance I've seen will cover lost activities.

 

[Dave Dillehay]

Well before I left direct control of ALDORA DIVERS I had instituted a policy of Hurricane insurance. That is because, as I posted in this thread earlier. It is still on the web page www.aldora.com and is in full effect.

That is, if you should miss a day of diving, even just the threat of a hurricane, you will of course not pay for the day--but you will be given a free day. If not consecutively, then on your return. We can do that BECAUSE WE KNOW, that many more days are lost to Nortes in so called high season. Those who only come once per year would not know that!

And of course that holds true for the Villa Aldora which I still control. If you can't dive because of the threat of hurricane, you might have to sit in a luxurious room. But you will not pay for it, and even the next day is free.

So if you are worried about lost days of diving in Hurricane season, Aldora Divers and the Villa Aldora should be considered.

Dave Dillehay

 

[Charred]

Last time I was in Coz, a gentleman I was diving with had dive insurance that paid him $150 per day he missed whether he paid or not. I cant recall the name of the insurance.

Not sure those Aldora polices are still in effect. I missed 4 consecutive days of diving on a 1 week trip last Oct for hurricane milton. I paid for my 2 days of diving with Aldora and paid full for the week at Aldora Villas.

 

[Dave Dillehay]

Last time I was in Coz, a gentleman I was diving with had dive insurance that paid him $150 per day he missed whether he paid or not. I cant recall the name of the insurance.

Not sure those Aldora polices are still in effect. I missed 4 consecutive days of diving on a 1 week trip last Oct for hurricane milton. I paid for my 2 days of diving with Aldora and paid full for the week at Aldora Villas.

DEAR CHARRED ,

I am so sorry, but who ever was cashing you out either did not know WHAT MY POLICY is or just forgot. WE have to change managers every few years and as you may know I must live in Texas for medical care. I am there frequently but if I had been, I could have taken care of this problem. For this mistake on our failure to support what is/was my clear policy. I want to offer you the following:

If you can give me your name, address and dates at the Villa I will send you a refund for 4 days, and a voucher for 4 free days when you can return. Just give me that information to dave@aldora.com.

Again please accept my apology for this event.

Dave Dillehay

 

[gopbroek]

Do you prepay for your diving in Coz? I settle up with my shop at the end of my trip. If the port is closed and they don't go out, I don't pay. If your diving is prepaid as part of a resort package, most trip insurance I've seen will cover lost activities.

To the best of my knowlage 'your' dive shop has never charged a customer for a dive trip canceled due to a port closure. I personaly have never seen a charge for any canceled trips.