AbyssalPlains
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Friend of mine was diving in Cozumel about a couple months ago. He said it was disappointing, because the reefs were covered with sand in the aftermath of hurricane Wilma a few years ago.Bflem55:
Bahamas or Cozumel??
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bikinichick
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They're both nop-notch... it's like deciding between the prime rib and the lobster.
I think Cozumel is more affordable though, if you go all inclusive. Don't let drift diving put you off - it's easy.
They filmed Pirates of the Caribbean in Bahamas, so that's all that needs to be said about the beaches (amazing). However, they have very nice beaches in Cozumel too. Not much nightlife in Cozumel compared to Bahamas. Up to you to decide if that's a plus or a minus. Probably if you're a diver that's a plus! (I know for me, peace and quiet is good!)
Katy
I think Cozumel is more affordable though, if you go all inclusive. Don't let drift diving put you off - it's easy.
They filmed Pirates of the Caribbean in Bahamas, so that's all that needs to be said about the beaches (amazing). However, they have very nice beaches in Cozumel too. Not much nightlife in Cozumel compared to Bahamas. Up to you to decide if that's a plus or a minus. Probably if you're a diver that's a plus! (I know for me, peace and quiet is good!)
Katy
daniel f aleman
Contributor
Both are great! There are caverns on Cozumel, and there are caverns and caves in the Bahamas, but not near Nassau.
If you go to Nassau, diving with sharks and dolphins will be the highlight of your trip...
If you go to Nassau, diving with sharks and dolphins will be the highlight of your trip...
slingshot
Contributor
I don't know of any regular sightings of whalesharks off Cozumel, but in the summer (approximately July-August) there are opportunities to see whale sharks north of Cozumel at Isla Holbox. I don't think you can scuba dive with them, only snorkel.
parrotheaddiver
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I have been going to Cozumel since the 70's the diving is wonderful....the reefs are beautiful yes even after Wilma and sand does not cover ALL the reefs ....if you get a good dive op they will take you to the reefs that do not have sand on them....don't choose a cattleboat op.....I have been 3 times since Wilma...drift diving is easy.....if you want to see Whale Sharks summer is the season but you will need to go to Holbox which is north of Cancun....and will be a snorkel trip no diving with whale sharks....you can make arrangements for a day trip with your dive op..... and I recommend BlueXtsea....Christi runs a great dive op and you will not be dissapointed.....http://www.bluextseadiving.com/ one of the top 10 dive destinations IMO
diver 85
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Bflem55:
CZM........
raviepoo
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I got back from my 7th trip to the Bahamas last week and my husband and I just booked trip #6 to Cozumel for November. They are both great destinations. You can't go wrong with either.
Cozumel's reefs have a great reputation, but the biomass I saw while diving the Bimini chain last week was like nothing I've ever seen before. I have never seen sites so crowded with fish as the Hesperus and the Sapona. The healthiest reef I've ever seen in my life was in the Bimini chain a few years ago, but I hear that it has been damaged by fishermen since.
What do you want from the land portion of your vacation? Cozumel has a different vibe than Paradise Island which has a different vibe than Bimini, which has a different vibe than Freeport, etc. I love the restaurants in San Miguel. My husband loves the casinos on Nassau. I adore Bimini but my husband would be bored to tears there. What do you want to do when you aren't diving?
I know this probably isn't helpful if you're looking for criteria to make a decision. Just rest assured that you will have a great time wherever you go.
Cozumel's reefs have a great reputation, but the biomass I saw while diving the Bimini chain last week was like nothing I've ever seen before. I have never seen sites so crowded with fish as the Hesperus and the Sapona. The healthiest reef I've ever seen in my life was in the Bimini chain a few years ago, but I hear that it has been damaged by fishermen since.
What do you want from the land portion of your vacation? Cozumel has a different vibe than Paradise Island which has a different vibe than Bimini, which has a different vibe than Freeport, etc. I love the restaurants in San Miguel. My husband loves the casinos on Nassau. I adore Bimini but my husband would be bored to tears there. What do you want to do when you aren't diving?
I know this probably isn't helpful if you're looking for criteria to make a decision. Just rest assured that you will have a great time wherever you go.
Bahamas-- super expensive. $USD or higher.
Cozumel-- nice and cheap. All-inclusives especially rock.
Both have great friendly people. You'll get the experience of a different culture in both locales. Bahamas still has a lot of British influence mixed with Bahamian influence. Cozumel, well, is a lot of Mexican. You can have a good time in either place. As for the American invasion, well, both places are going to have it. Just comes with the territory, as both places are close to the US.
The diving in both places is nice. Daniel's analysis is spot-on. Perhaps decide 1. How much money you want to part with; 2. What you want to see.
Cozumel-- nice and cheap. All-inclusives especially rock.
Both have great friendly people. You'll get the experience of a different culture in both locales. Bahamas still has a lot of British influence mixed with Bahamian influence. Cozumel, well, is a lot of Mexican. You can have a good time in either place. As for the American invasion, well, both places are going to have it. Just comes with the territory, as both places are close to the US.
The diving in both places is nice. Daniel's analysis is spot-on. Perhaps decide 1. How much money you want to part with; 2. What you want to see.
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