xcalak or cozumel- diving?

[lthomas132]

Spent a week in Mahahual September 2016. Did 13 dives with 2 of them being Banco Chinchorro (bucket list). I won't go back. It's too far of a drive, the diving was sub par (even though the reefs are healthy, there aren't very many fish); even Banco Chinchorro was a let down. The boat trip out there was the most exciting part (squall). It's a quaint little place. Just not much to do, and not very many good restaurants. Cozumel is top 5 dive destination in the world. Love it there!

Who did you dive with in Mahahual? If you had a dive guide as I did that knows their way around Banco Chinchorro you can dive some great walls without having other boats & divers all around you.I found the village a huge relief from the hubbub of other tourist/dive locations. But if you like the finer things, ie big resorts, rowdy bars, and McDonalds, don't go down there. It's what San Miguel on Cozumel used to be, a small village but still has a few of the westernized things, AC, restaurants, cold beer, etc.

 

[mikeycanuk]

Has anyone else been to the Chinchoro atoll? That place is a trip!!!! When we went there was a granddaddy lizard around 6 feet long including 3' tail. He wasn't going ANYWHERE and we had to walk around him. It's prehistoric with lizards and crabs everywhere. The guide went to a lagoon and splashed a paddle to attract the salty nearby. Probably not the smartest thing but we enjoyed it. And I forgot my camera!!!!!

 

[horn34]

I drove down to Xcalak in May 2016 from Merida. That is not a fun drive. Still worth it.

• I love Xcalak. Yeah, the diving isn't as great as Coz, but the atmosphere and people at XTC are awesome. They have a cool little restaurant too.
• First dive with XTC (of course I was in a hurry and left my camera) we had two dolphins swim with us about 50 feet down. Most of the crew said they'd never had that happen before.
• The tarpon dive is really, really cool
• Xcalak is seriously getting away from it all. Coz is NYC compared to Xcalak. Some people enjoy that experience (and the quiet).
  
• Cabana hut/bungalows at Costa de Cocos can generally be had for $50-60 a night in the low season. Very chill and cool place with a restaurant, wifi and their own homemade beer/hooch.
• There are cheaper options in "town" and much pricier B&B options on the road towards Mahahual.
  
• The drive from PDC to Xcalak is more like 4 hours, not 5. They paved the road from Mahahual to Xcalak a couple of years ago, which was a major PITA and probably took an hour. Now it's less than 30.

 

[BRT]

I drove down to Xcalak in May 2016 from Merida. That is not a fun drive. Still worth it.

• I love Xcalak. Yeah, the diving isn't as great as Coz, but the atmosphere and people at XTC are awesome. They have a cool little restaurant too.
• First dive with XTC (of course I was in a hurry and left my camera) we had two dolphins swim with us about 50 feet down. Most of the crew said they'd never had that happen before.
• The tarpon dive is really, really cool
• Xcalak is seriously getting away from it all. Coz is NYC compared to Xcalak. Some people enjoy that experience (and the quiet).
  
• Cabana hut/bungalows at Costa de Cocos can generally be had for $50-60 a night in the low season. Very chill and cool place with a restaurant, wifi and their own homemade beer/hooch.
• There are cheaper options in "town" and much pricier B&B options on the road towards Mahahual.
  
• The drive from PDC to Xcalak is more like 4 hours, not 5. They paved the road from Mahahual to Xcalak a couple of years ago, which was a major PITA and probably took an hour. Now it's less than 30.

I love the drive, love to see what is along the way and we often pull into at least one out of the way village just to see what is there.

I drive way too fast but I don't drive Mahajual to Xcalak in 30 minutes. It is 40 miles on a very narrow tree lined road with corners. You never know what may jump in front of you. I've seen herds of big swine on the road.