What to pack for a week in Cozumel?

[Rob9876]

I think I've ever only seen one diver inflate their's and it was discussed before the dive with the DM that it was for practice - most of the divers I've been on boats with, by my observation, either don't have one or carry it in their pocket where I couldn't see it. I sometimes carry a SMB (not as versatile as DMSB) to be used at the surface, but have only used it once (not in Cozumel.) Can you tell I'm just a vacation diver who takes risks?

That's interesting -- guess it depends on the dive operator. With my usual Cozumel dive op either my buddy or I shoot our DSMB almost every dive. Last trip I dove with a different dive op where the DM shoots his DSMB early and all of us eventually went up near his DSMB. In other places it also seems to vary by dive op.

It's good to have a DSMB in any event if you get separated from your group or need to go up early -- one could even need to inflate one on the surface if you get swept far from your boat to help your boat find you (and keep other boats from hitting you). Plus it can be an extra source of buoyancy in the unlikely event of BCD failure.

 

[Scared Silly]

After today ... make sure you leave room for some tequila.

 

[Snoweman]

Bring flashlights for night dives. I have a wide beam and a narrow beam. They're also great for signaling the boat if you come up separate from the group.

 

[wlecyt40]

We travel using Cotopaxi's. I have a 40L and my wife uses a 35L. It holds all of our gear and some clothing. Our travel fins attach to the outside via S hook snap locks. They fit perfectly in the overhead compartments on all flights. We also have a back pack for electronics and cameras. We stay mostly at Iberostar and sometime Allegro. If we need something, we take a taxi to the Megamart in town. They have EVERYTHING!!!!!! Like a Mexican Walmart. The nice thing about AI is that the toiletries are usually provided except for shaving cream, razors, tooth brushes and paste. I buy razors there and bring our own tooth past and brushes.

We have found that the drink cups are way too small. So we bring Bubba Cups. They will fill them with whatever your heart desires. Also, bring a metal water bottle like an Oowala bottle. They are great for on the boat. Our DO brings drinks and snacks but if you have a full boat, they won't last long.

 

[Wants2divemore]

Bring any prescription drugs or OTC stuff you regularly take in their original containers. The prescription bottles should have your name on them. It's highly unlikely your bag will be searched at the airport, but why invite trouble. Don't take real Sudafed (pseudophedrine), it's a controlled substance in Mexico.

Technically the requirements for bringing prescription medications into Mexico are actually more than just brining them in the pill bottle. Below are the requirements as per the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico. I understand almost no one does what's listed below, I just wanted to pass along the official Mexican requirements.

Passengers traveling with medications for personal use will be authorized to enter Mexican territory only if they have a medical prescription or a letter from their doctor that mentions the amount of substance necessary for the patient during their trip to Mexico, the amount that the patient will take to Mexico and the daily dose.

At the point of entry into Mexico, you must report to the customs authorities and present the medical prescription issued by the competent authority. Said document must bear the name of the doctor who authorizes the prescription, his/her signature, contact details (telephone, address) and professional registration. The amount of medication you carry during the trip should not exceed the amount needed for your stay in Mexico. The medical prescription must be translated into Spanish.

Medications must be placed in hand luggage, with their respective boxes and in transparent bags.
Consult the following websites for lists of controlled substances in Mexico: https://www.gob.mx/tramites/ficha/permiso-sanitario-de-importacion-de-medicamentos-destinados-a-uso-personal/COFEPRIS693 (check the “Lista Amarilla,” “Lista Verde,” and “Lista Roja) and http://www.aduanas-mexico.com.mx/cgi-bin/ctarnet/notas_ex/listas_cap29.html .

Here's the link to the US Embassy website
Bringing Items Into Mexico/U.S.