After a 31 year hiatus I returned to Cozumel (this time with my family instead of college roommate). We arrived in Cozumel 7-24 and departed 7-31, staying in a great 3 bedroom, 4 bath El Cantil condo recommended by Christi (Owner of Blue XT Sea). It was a great fit for our requirements. The condo was beautiful by any standard and is very convenient to downtown. I could have easily tossed a tennis ball, underhanded, into the ocean from our balcony. While close to town, the complex was very secure and my wife and two daughters were always comfortable while my son and I were diving. We rented a convertible bug from Rentadora so we could visit the East side whenever we wanted (this was a blast!), but we were an easy walk to more restaurants than we could sample in 7 days.
My son and I dove 5 days with Blue XT Sea. Each morning they picked us up promptly at 8:00 at the complex pier. Throughout the week we dove on both the Shamu and Bandida 2, and I think we met most, if not all of the crew. Please believe me when I say they were all excellent! Both captains and dive masters were quick to assist with anything we may need. We took our gear to the boat on the first day, and never handled it again until the last. Each morning our gear was ready and waiting on the boat when we arrived. As a dad, I’m typically the one who ends up lugging gear around, but not this last week! That was the life!
Pedro, Martin, Arturo, and Adrian all were great divemasters! Each took the time to show us many creatures which I would have missed. They were great examples of effortless diving while staying off the reefs. My son and I dove air for our first dives and nitrox on our second. Prior to every nitrox dive, the divemaster made it a point to test our nitrox to verify the O2 percentage. This diligence did not go unnoticed. We had cold bottled water before and after all dives. As my daughters are always telling me “you gotta stay hydrated”! Each day we had nice, 1 hour surface intervals at Palancar beach. Snacks during S.I.’s were usually a few different types of sliced fruit + a little cake or something sweet.
Both Edwin and Nivo were right above us when we ascended. How the heck can they keep track of their divers when it’s pouring down rain (it only rained once, but boy did it rain that time!), or other divers cross our paths underwater? I know it’s their job, but I’m still impressed.
My only regret was I wish I had booked a 10+ day trip instead of 7. Even though we flew directly in to Cozumel airport, the travel days pretty much kill off an entire day. We’re already thinking about our next trip and diving with our new friends at Blue XT Sea.
I know we paid a little more for Blue XT Sea’s “boutique” service, but in my mind it’s a no brainer. By the end of the week we had made new friends with the crew, we got to know our dive buddies on the boat, and never had more than 6 divers (+ crew) in our group. And, poor ole dad’s back never had to strain to carry gear!
My son and I dove 5 days with Blue XT Sea. Each morning they picked us up promptly at 8:00 at the complex pier. Throughout the week we dove on both the Shamu and Bandida 2, and I think we met most, if not all of the crew. Please believe me when I say they were all excellent! Both captains and dive masters were quick to assist with anything we may need. We took our gear to the boat on the first day, and never handled it again until the last. Each morning our gear was ready and waiting on the boat when we arrived. As a dad, I’m typically the one who ends up lugging gear around, but not this last week! That was the life!
Pedro, Martin, Arturo, and Adrian all were great divemasters! Each took the time to show us many creatures which I would have missed. They were great examples of effortless diving while staying off the reefs. My son and I dove air for our first dives and nitrox on our second. Prior to every nitrox dive, the divemaster made it a point to test our nitrox to verify the O2 percentage. This diligence did not go unnoticed. We had cold bottled water before and after all dives. As my daughters are always telling me “you gotta stay hydrated”! Each day we had nice, 1 hour surface intervals at Palancar beach. Snacks during S.I.’s were usually a few different types of sliced fruit + a little cake or something sweet.
Both Edwin and Nivo were right above us when we ascended. How the heck can they keep track of their divers when it’s pouring down rain (it only rained once, but boy did it rain that time!), or other divers cross our paths underwater? I know it’s their job, but I’m still impressed.
My only regret was I wish I had booked a 10+ day trip instead of 7. Even though we flew directly in to Cozumel airport, the travel days pretty much kill off an entire day. We’re already thinking about our next trip and diving with our new friends at Blue XT Sea.
I know we paid a little more for Blue XT Sea’s “boutique” service, but in my mind it’s a no brainer. By the end of the week we had made new friends with the crew, we got to know our dive buddies on the boat, and never had more than 6 divers (+ crew) in our group. And, poor ole dad’s back never had to strain to carry gear!
