Question Tell Me About Shore Diving at El Cozumeleño

[Rob9876]

Later this month I'll be staying with a group of non-divers at Melia, and for convenience will be diving with Pepe Scuba next door at El Cozumeleño for the first time. I'd also like to do at least one check out shore dive from El Coz, likely solo if possible since I won't have a buddy with me (I'm SDI Solo certified and will have a redundant air source, DSMB, Nautilus, etc.). I've snorkeled at El Coz about 10 years ago, but have never done a shore dive there.

As far north as it is, I'm planning to not go too far out, and I know not to expect too much scenery. I was wondering if anyone had any additional info that might be useful about shore diving there -- about any structures to look for, whether Pepe's allows solo shore dives, entry/exit points, etc.?

 

[ColoDale]

Have you dived Cozumel before? And the north end? The currents do occasionally run out towards the channel and though you can stay close to shore it can be a workout. If the currents do take you and being that far north, you could run out of north south island and be in for a healthy swim if it doesn't take you too far to the NW and you can't swim in for whatever reason. Then you are in open ocean and we will read about you in the news.

I have dived in the area quite a bit from boats and close to shore and there are no big coral structures but there are coral heads and a bit of life. Lots of sand and rock. Honestly we dive these close in sites in the north when we get bored. And these are not where we go to look for eagle rays.

There is a lot more boat (of all kinds) and jet ski traffic there than 10 years ago. The shore dive you propose I think is in the boat lanes though there is less traffic the further north you go.

I would definitely talk to Pepe Scuba about it.

 

[Rob9876]

As far north as it is, I'm planning to not go too far out, and I know not to expect too much scenery.

Have you dived Cozumel before? And the north end?

Yes, I've been diving in Cozumel a good bit. I've done a little boat diving up north, and a lot of snorkeling (at Melia/Paradisus, El Coz, Peninsula, Buccanos, etc.), and understand that I should not go too far out because of currents. That's part of the reason I asked -- off-hand I'd guess to start the dive swimming south and not go much more than 100 yards or so from the shore being mindful of depth to avoid boats.

Again, I'm viewing this as more of a check-out dive not much more than "enhanced snorkeling", so if it just means swimming south hugging the iron shore that is fine -- I was just wondering if anyone had any site-specific insight.

 

[caotoole]

Rent a car and go down towards Tekela bar or in front of Grand Park Royal (both down by the cruise ships)- great shore dives

 

[Rob9876]

Rent a car and go down towards Tekela bar or in front of Grand Park Royal (both down by the cruise ships)- great shore dives

Thanks, but that's not what I'm looking for with my question. I've already done shore dives in the past at Tikila, Hotel Cozumel, Chankanaab, and Hotel Barracuda -- I'm just looking for any specific insights anyone has on shore diving at El Cozumeleno.

 

[NDL_Diver]

Email Scuba Pepe and ask them . They should know especially if they offer shore diving as an option. If you really want a backup locator get a PLB such as a RescueME PLB1 rescueME PLB1 and put it in a large DRYFOB-XL DRYFOB - DRYFOB