I am planning a vacation to Cozumel and someone posted that all the diving is drift diving is that true? I am a little leary of drift diving I do not want to get sucked down to deep to fast. I also want to know a good all inclusive resort to stay at that I can shore dive from. Thanks
Drift diving
- Thread starter mdjgirl7
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Shark Gal
Contributor
Personally, I find drift diving relaxing as there is not much swimming involved unless you are taking pictures. A lot will depend on your experience level. I recommend certifying before you take the trip if you are not certified. This will give you more confidence. If you stay with the group you will do fine. The Dive Masters in Cozumel are very friendly and you can let them know you are a bit anxious ahead of time and they will keep an eye on you. You will absolutely love Cozumel. Have fun!
Scuba Club Cozumel is a good AI. I don't think you have to worry about the drift diving. It is pretty relaxing. The DM's at SCC will take care of you. Just talk with them when you arrive and let them know your concerns.
Have fun!
Have fun!
We did six days of diving in Cozumel, and the currents varied from fairly strong to very mild. I don't like strong current much, but there was only one day where it was unpleasant. The rest of the time, you could easily stop and look at something if you wanted to, and there was little to no risk of being separated from your buddy.
Although there are shore diving sites described for Cozumel, I have a feeling that most of them would be disappointing. The terrain underwater seems to be a very shallow shelf that goes out to the walls. Close to shore, there isn't a lot to see (we did two dives off the place we were staying, and although there were a few critters on the seawall, there wasn't a whole lot else). If you get out toward the walls, you're into the current, and may have a great deal of trouble getting back to your entry point.
I think the vast majority of diving on Coz is boat diving. For shore diving, it seems as though Bonaire is more the place.
Although there are shore diving sites described for Cozumel, I have a feeling that most of them would be disappointing. The terrain underwater seems to be a very shallow shelf that goes out to the walls. Close to shore, there isn't a lot to see (we did two dives off the place we were staying, and although there were a few critters on the seawall, there wasn't a whole lot else). If you get out toward the walls, you're into the current, and may have a great deal of trouble getting back to your entry point.
I think the vast majority of diving on Coz is boat diving. For shore diving, it seems as though Bonaire is more the place.
donnad
Contributor
my first trip after certification was to cozumel. it was fine, in fact it was awesome. they're not gonna take you down into serious current situation. they'll send a divemaster down there to check conditions first, and if they don't like it, then they'll move to another site! you'll be fine. you'll have a great time!! we stayed at Hotel Cozumel and Resort, and the dive op there is Dive Paradise. we had a great time and i'd go back in a heartbeat!
Don' worry, be happy. You'll catch on to drift diving pretty quick and when you do, you'll miss the current on "normal" dives when it's not there. Just go with the flow. The current, BTW, is almost invariably horizontal, so it won't pull you down.
It is extremely important, however, that you be proactively straightforward with your DM and dive op as to your level of experience and any misgivings you have about any aspect of diving.
Pearldiver07
Contributor
Another tip - IF your ears clear slowly, just let the DM know that you'll take a bit longer to descend. Then as you start the dive, just stay above the group as you come down.
I suggest this, because as long as they know you take a bit to descend, they don't worry about it and don't try to get you to drop faster. And when they're doing a head count they just look up to ensure that you're still with the group.
Besides, the top of the wall is still pretty cool. While descending along the wall, the easiest way to follow the group as they go in between the various outcroppings is to stay with their bubble streams.
And although I also strongly suggest that you finish your certification before going, it is a great "first dive" trip. I only push certifying beforehand so that you don't spend that time doing skills instead of enjoying the scenery and fish life!!
I suggest this, because as long as they know you take a bit to descend, they don't worry about it and don't try to get you to drop faster. And when they're doing a head count they just look up to ensure that you're still with the group.
Besides, the top of the wall is still pretty cool. While descending along the wall, the easiest way to follow the group as they go in between the various outcroppings is to stay with their bubble streams.
And although I also strongly suggest that you finish your certification before going, it is a great "first dive" trip. I only push certifying beforehand so that you don't spend that time doing skills instead of enjoying the scenery and fish life!!
GradyDiver
Guest
I found drift diving to be very relaxing. You're all going the same place at the same rate and the dive boat is already where you're headed after your safety stop. BTW, the night diving there is great, I was surprised to see so many octopi, nurse sharks, and so much else.
That being said, I did learn one valuable (and slightly painful) lesson. If you're not in great control of your buoyancy (or if you get distracted as I did one night trying to take a picture), you should bring a full (though not thick) wetsuit. It turns out that some of that oral stings and leaves a mark for a while (nothing too bad, but a wake up call).
Other than that, enjoy (and don't fall for the time share sales pitches - there's 2 hours of my life I'd like to get back).
That being said, I did learn one valuable (and slightly painful) lesson. If you're not in great control of your buoyancy (or if you get distracted as I did one night trying to take a picture), you should bring a full (though not thick) wetsuit. It turns out that some of that oral stings and leaves a mark for a while (nothing too bad, but a wake up call).
Other than that, enjoy (and don't fall for the time share sales pitches - there's 2 hours of my life I'd like to get back).
driftin' by
Contributor
Ditto, ditto, ditto... there is nothing to worry about. I'll vouch for Fiesta Americana for being a good AI.... decent food, great staff, reasonably priced and conveniently located between town and reefs. I'll be happy to answer any specific questions you have about Fiesta Americana.
What everyone said about drift diving. It's easy and you'll love it. Here's a short video clip from a Coz drift dive I did last month.
YouTube - Drifting on Cedral Wall Cozumel
Shore diving at Scubaclub, if that's where you are staying, isn't totally boring. They have a nice little artificial reef out from their pier in about 20' that attracts fish. I saw a scorpionfish, an ocean trigger, lots of blue stripe and french grunts, and blue tangs out there. Fun, relaxing, and very easy entry and exit.
Definitely avoid the khaki-shirted "tourist advisory" people at the airport. They will not tell you where to get a van ticket but will try to lure you into hearing their time share pitch.
YouTube - Drifting on Cedral Wall Cozumel
Shore diving at Scubaclub, if that's where you are staying, isn't totally boring. They have a nice little artificial reef out from their pier in about 20' that attracts fish. I saw a scorpionfish, an ocean trigger, lots of blue stripe and french grunts, and blue tangs out there. Fun, relaxing, and very easy entry and exit.
Definitely avoid the khaki-shirted "tourist advisory" people at the airport. They will not tell you where to get a van ticket but will try to lure you into hearing their time share pitch.
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