To dive or not to dive in cozumel

[avenlay]

Hi guys,

I planned a dive trip to cozumel in december 05. However, recent reports in my country(southeast asia) are warning about hurricane season in the area around cozumel as well as the high incidence of hurricanes this year. Although I am looking forward to going to Cozumel, this trip will cost me almost all my savings (about 5 years worth) which is alot to me because I am still a student studying and it means I have to sacrifice alot of cheaper dive trips.

Because of this, any advice on the conditions in Cozumel would be deeply appreciated. Would it be more advisable to delay the trip to next year(either june or december) or would it be okay to continue as planned.

I guess I am worried about a number of things. That my diving will be cancelled because of bad weather or be a disappointment because of poor water conditions are a result of bad weather. That and that if my diving is cancelled, money would have gone to waste and this trip is meant to be a once in a lifetime thing.

So tell me what you guys think! Am I being paranoid about the hurricanes?



Thanks.

 

[drdiver1952]

It would be unusual to get a hurricane in December, but with the weird season we're having--who knows. Official season runs from June to November. Why are you traveling so far when you have great diving right around you?

 

[Dave Zimmerly]

Have been to Coz three times in two years. It is now a yearly mecca. Been there in March, May and September and every time it has been great. Go for it. Chances are slight for hurricanes in December. The only problem you might have is choppy seas, then the harbormaster won't let the dive boats out. Also, you are going there during a "High Season"... everything goes up in price. Think about bringing a 2-3mm wet suit. The water can be chilly after a couple of dives. We are you thinking of staying?

 

[Damselfish]

agreed with drdiver - December is past the end of hurricane season in the Carribean, though you never know in such a wierd year. I also don't understand spending so much of your money to get to Coz (or anyplace in the Carribean) and sacrificing multiple other trips, when you've got so much great diving closer.

It's true Coz is very popular for many in the US, but that's partly because it's a short cheap trip from some places in the US. If the same people lived in Singapore I imagine they'd be heading to Thailand or other places closer, I know I would! Maybe save the Coz idea for when you are out of school and have the money to hit more than one place in the region once you get here, and also won't feel quite as bad if part of the trip isn't perfect for some reason.

 

[Fin59]

1. Go to Cozumel
2. Don't worry about the weather
3. Dive
4. Dive
5. Dive....

P.S. You are going to have great weather, great diving and a great time

 

[Doc]

1. Go to Cozumel
2. Don't worry about the weather
3. Dive
4. Dive
5. Dive....

P.S. You are going to have great weather, great diving and a great time

What he said.

 

[avenlay]

Heyas,

wow I didn't expect that many replies!

Heh I am thinking of staying in Barracuda hotel because I heard that Dive Paradise is a good company to dive with. Planned to dive from Playa Del Carmen too with Tank-Ha as well as add a cenote dive package. Altogether, that should be 18 dives. I won't be staying in other hotels...just student hostels because...yes, student=limited budget.

Hmm it would bother me if some of the dive trips are cancelled due to choppy waves because...well going for this trip means that I wouldn't be able to afford a 'graduation trip' of sorts and I wouldn't want to head down to mexico and not getting to dive! Over here, it seems that everyone goes backpacking in the states or Uk for a month, after they graduate!

The reason why I am thinking of Cozumel, because I read in articles and such, that it's really a good place to dive...in fact one of the best. And if it's the Mecca of divers...I thought that I should experience it once.....but with sucky weather comes indecision. When is the best time to dive in Cozumel? Taking into account the 'peak' period heh.

If I do not head down to Cozumel to dive, I have a few options.
1) Dive in Manado, Lembeh Straits
2) Dive in Bali
3) Dive in Similans, Phi Phi
4)Stay at home.
5)Buy my own regs, bcd, dive comp.

Of course, the asian options would be alot cheaper. In fact, chances are the total cost of these three places would still be cheaper than the cost of heading to Cozumel.

 

[Fin59]

Ok, I see option 4/5 is to stay home and buy your gear. One thing you might consider is using Dive With Martin. http://www.cozumel-diving.net/martin/ This is who we have used for several years. They run small, fast boats with usually 8 people or less. They will furnish the gear free, just let them know ahead of time. If you stay at Barracuda, they should be able to pick you up at the dock. Email them any questions you have. They will need to know your dates and hotel. Also, make sure you are upfront about experience. Have fun and dive safe whoever you use!

 

[PerroneFord]

If I lived in Singapore, there are a LOT of places I'd be looking to go before heading to Cozumel... Palau, Truk, Guam, Great Barrier Reef, Okinawa, etc. All of which would be a LOT cheaper. Why not stay closer to home, and use some money to buy your own things?

 

[djanni]

Avenlay...... I would ask you the same questions PerroneFord did below but if you're determined to go to Cozumel (I was there for 8 days 3 weeks ago and it is great) I'd like to suggest dive operators like Blue~XT Sea, Diving with Allison or Deep Blue just to name a few of the small boat operators. Most operators on the island will pick you up at your hotels dock.

Regarding Dive Paradise....... I've heard very bad things. Personally, I would never dive with them. No facts to base this on but the word on the street about them not good. They also operate cattle boats.

If I lived in Singapore, there are a LOT of places I'd be looking to go before heading to Cozumel... Palau, Truk, Guam, Great Barrier Reef, Okinawa, etc. All of which would be a LOT cheaper. Why not stay closer to home, and use some money to buy your own things?