Trip Report Three diving days in Cozumel, July 21-25

[mcohen1021]

Once you've got the wreck clearly in view and have determined there's not enough current to create an issue you can let go of the line and free descend to it.

We moored to it and we used the mooring line to get down easily without burning our tanks. Once we were down, no issues. It was just a heavy wind / surface current.

In my video from the 1st dive (@ Yucab), the currents were so strong it looked like we were diving in a shaken snowglobe - so much sand!

 

[JediCheese]

That's a new one on me. I have been to Colombia Deep, Pinnacles, and Shallows, but not Cordillera. Where is it?

My Garmin watch didn't log the entry, but the exit was near Palancar Bricks.

I loved the C-53. The GF likes wrecks (she wanted to get her wreck dive cert) and I think she'd love it. When we go back, I'm going to see if we can run a line and really penetrate the ship.

The current was enough to want to go down the line and I wouldn't want to free descend it. I missed the eel on top of the bridge but found a decent sized lobster in one of the anchor holes. The submarine didn't stop by to say hello (you could hear the whine in the distance).

 

[cozcharlie]

Never heard of this one. I'll make a note of it for my next yearly visit.

Las Palmas is south of Paradise. I vaguely recall it is named for a few Palm trees that used to be on the shore (but some or all have died ). That conversation was 25 years ago so memory is a little hazy .

Basically a beginner/second dive close to the marina. Not particularly exciting topography, but I dive it every once in a while for convenience and sometimes see interesting things there

 

[mcohen1021]

Las Palmas is south of Paradise. I vaguely recall it is named for a few Palm trees that used to be on the shore (but some or all have died ). That conversation was 25 years ago so memory is a little hazy .

Basically a beginner/second dive close to the marina. Not particularly exciting topography, but I dive it every once in a while for convenience and sometimes see interesting things there

I have had the very good fortune to do a decent amount of diving over the last 14 yrs, and I was on one dive where I saw palm trees on the ocean floor - maybe it was there? I honestly do not remember wo looking at pics from the last 10 trips lol

 

[morecowbells]

So many trip reports(myself included) outlines stays at resorts or condos. It is rare to see one which details the stay in a hostel. Back in my 20's traveling in Europe, it was a fun adventure staying at the youth hostels. As I have become older, I cannot share a room anymore, and barely get by sharing a bathroom. It was fun reading your trip report and getting a different angle on lodgings.

 

[Shawn C]

I dug out my The Reefs of Cozumel map that Mapchick (Laura) put out pre-Wilma and this is what it has to say about Las Palmas (which is indeed south of Paradise, around where LandMark/Money Bar are located):

Las Palmas

This reef was named for a group of tall palm trees (Las Palmas) that dive masters use as a reference to locate the start of the reef. Although only one palm remains today, it is easy to spot from the dive boat, towering over all the other trees.

At 30 to 55 feet (most scenery is around 35 feet), this dive is best known for its abundance of very large spiny lobsters. Dozens of these old crustaceans have grown to lengths of up to 4 feet. Other highlights of this reef are a little more difficult to see. There are lots of seahorses, baby drum fish, and-if you have the eye to find them-tiny pea pod trunk fish. They look like peas or small marbles floating in the water, with fins and tails so small they are almost invisible.

This is a great night dive. The giant lobsters will be out, and you'll also see slipper lobsters; it's almost impossible to find them during the day, when they hide among the rocks and coral.

The current is typically mild, but it's unpredictable here, so your dive master may get into the water first and check the direction. The current has been known to switch direction mid-dive.

 

[ggunn]

...this dive is best known for its abundance of very large spiny lobsters. Dozens of these old crustaceans have grown to lengths of up to 4 feet. .

I am not saying that I know for a fact that this is not accurate, but I have seen a lot of lobsters around Cozumel and I do not believe that any of them was four feet long.

 

[Shawn C]

I am not saying that I know for a fact that this is not accurate, but I have seen a lot of lobsters around Cozumel and I do not believe that any of them was four feet long.

I thought the same thing. Then I thought... I"ll bet they are counting the antennas.