kcwdad
Registered
My wife and I (Coz newbies going June 18-23) would appreciate any advice on right combo of Cozumel resort and dive operator. With 2 small kids we only get dive vacations every 3 years (and this is our 10 yr anniversary), so while utilitarian dive-oriented hotels are normally great, this time we're looking for a little pampering on land.
Must haves = convenient boat access, very quiet room, reasonably quiet grounds (relaxing vs. "party" atmosphere), ocean view room with somewhat private balcony, decent air conditioning, breakfast buffet, place to read book and be served drinks on beach in shade Nice-to-haves = on premises or short walk to good restaurants, American movies in room (some gel time), massage. AI is fine but not a must.
Should I avoid north side (longer rides to best sites?)
Seems best choices within short taxi to downtown are El Cid or Scuba Club--any thoughts on which is better, or did I miss any options that meet criteria above?
Occidental hotels (Grand, Allegro) sound nice but do best dive ops pick up from there, and are they enough nicer to be worth the longer taxi or getting a car?
Also want a great dive op that picks up at or very near our resort/hotel. Wish list includes fast cattle-less boats, AL100's, reliable, good briefings, friendly DMs, allow us to dive our computers, gear rinse/store, etc. Blue XT Sea sounds great, as does Aquasafari.
And finally, any particular must-see dive sites, or just totally dependent on what fish we haven't seen yet or who is seeing what where that week? Any recommended online resource (other than posted trip reports) to read up on site options? Or best to just let dive op do the choosing for us?
Gracias!
Must haves = convenient boat access, very quiet room, reasonably quiet grounds (relaxing vs. "party" atmosphere), ocean view room with somewhat private balcony, decent air conditioning, breakfast buffet, place to read book and be served drinks on beach in shade Nice-to-haves = on premises or short walk to good restaurants, American movies in room (some gel time), massage. AI is fine but not a must.
Should I avoid north side (longer rides to best sites?)
Seems best choices within short taxi to downtown are El Cid or Scuba Club--any thoughts on which is better, or did I miss any options that meet criteria above?
Occidental hotels (Grand, Allegro) sound nice but do best dive ops pick up from there, and are they enough nicer to be worth the longer taxi or getting a car?
Also want a great dive op that picks up at or very near our resort/hotel. Wish list includes fast cattle-less boats, AL100's, reliable, good briefings, friendly DMs, allow us to dive our computers, gear rinse/store, etc. Blue XT Sea sounds great, as does Aquasafari.
And finally, any particular must-see dive sites, or just totally dependent on what fish we haven't seen yet or who is seeing what where that week? Any recommended online resource (other than posted trip reports) to read up on site options? Or best to just let dive op do the choosing for us?
Gracias!