Cozumel in April

[scaldwell]

Hello I am going to Coz in April and have a question I would appreciate any opinions on.

I will be staying at the Presidente and obviously they have on site dive operations which is a plus, and are a very good outfit overall, but I have read a lot of good things about other companies, particularily Living Underwater.

So my question is whether it is worth changing the convenience of Scuba Du for something that might be a bit more specialist and interesting. Also, any other recommendations as to good shops would be appreciated.

As a point of protocol is it considered an insult to not use the in situ dive facilities?

Thankyou,
Stephen Caldwell

 

[scorpionfish]

Hi, SC!

Whilst I have never stayed at EP, I have had lunch and apres dive drinks in the wonderful bar/restaurant many times. I promise you that you will like it!

On Coz it is very common for divers to use shops not affiliated with the hotel that they are staying in. The dive boat will pull up to your dock at the appointed time (however, remember that this is Mexico AND they traveling on water AND they may have other divers to pick up!). So, do not worry.

I have never dived with Scuba Du, but, obviously have seen their boats. They tend to be a little larger than I like. Living Underwater has a great reputation and I suggest you look into the shop with the unlikely name of Papa Hog's. The latter run six-packs and are just great!

The restaurant at the EP is excellent, but consider the the following three:

La Cocay
Guido's
The French Quarter.

And, if you are looking for some Mexican food, there are many such places in town, but I like one that is a little off the beaten path: La Parilla.

Re diving: I like all the southern sites on Coz, but if you asked me to name a favorite, it would probably be La Francesa. If your DM ever asks where you would like to dive, give that one a try.

Have a great time,

Scorpionfish

 

[scaldwell]

Thanks- will try it!

 

[Depth Gauge]

Hey SC,

I have stayed at the Presidente on numerous occasions. GREAT HOTEL!!!!!!!!! When you arrive it will feel like heaven on earth. Once you go there it will be your only option on the island! Best room with a view is I believe, 1410?, it's the top corner room on the south island side, in the tallest structure. It's actually a bit larger than the others with wrap around views to die for!!!!!!! Well worth insisting for!!!!!

As for Scuba Du, very nice, helpful, professional group. Yes, it's very convenient to have everything there on site all week. They'll take care of your gear. But, they do have a schedule they like to stick to. Tues is Columbia Reef, Wed Devil's Throat, etc. If a small group wants to go somewhere else on a particular day they do try and make it possible but shy away from it a bit. I've often wondered about using another dive shop that would go where I wanted when I wanted it. I think either way you will come home feeling relaxed and well taken care of.

You are truly about to go to be swept away! GREAT HOTEL!!!!

Jason

 

[Clyderyde]

After diving Cozumel several times I will now always dive with a high preformance dive operator such as Living Underwater. These type operators started with Aldora several years ago. These operators offer 120cuft cylinders, fast small boats and very personalized service. The nature of Cozumel diving is such that having the extra air makes all the diffrence.
I could not fit on Jeremy's boat (Living Underwater) this time April 1-8th. So will be diving with Liquid Blue. My next choice if Liquid Blue could not take us would have been Aldora. But that is just my preference. All three of these operators are great and way above the rest.

Clyderyde

 

[divematt]

I would agree that Living Underwater, Liquid Blue, and Aldora do indeed all have steel high capacity tanks, and are excellent dive op's. But please don't say that they're way above the rest until you've dived with the rest. I've dived 6 different op's including one that you mentioned and believe me there are plenty of others that these 3 are not "WAY BETTER THAN"!

My opinion as well,
Matt

 

[Christi]

After diving Cozumel several times I will now always dive with a high preformance dive operator such as Living Underwater. These type operators started with Aldora several years ago. These operators offer 120cuft cylinders, fast small boats and very personalized service. The nature of Cozumel diving is such that having the extra air makes all the diffrence.
I could not fit on Jeremy's boat (Living Underwater) this time April 1-8th. So will be diving with Liquid Blue. My next choice if Liquid Blue could not take us would have been Aldora. But that is just my preference. All three of these operators are great and way above the rest.

Clyderyde

This thread is from 2003!

I would also point out that the only thing that "these operators" do differently than several other operations is offer the larger tanks. I would also point out that most truly experienced divers can still get more than adequate bottom time from an AL 80. By this I mean that they run out of NDL time before air...and that has nothing to do with tank size.

 

[humanphibian]

If I recall the hotel is trashed now anyway.........some threads are better left dead.

 

[Scuber]

Anybody dive with Deep Blue? We have in the past and they are great! We'll be on Coz in April, as well and plan on going w/ them again.

 

[Clyderyde]

This thread is from 2003!

I would also point out that the only thing that "these operators" do differently than several other operations is offer the larger tanks. I would also point out that most truly experienced divers can still get more than adequate bottom time from an AL 80. By this I mean that they run out of NDL time before air...and that has nothing to do with tank size.

Quite right about the date of the thread. I was not paying attention. SORRY.
I was wondering how they put Presidente back together so quickly.

As to the NDL issue you are right as well, but having more air allows for deco or extended depth dives. If that is not your cup of tea, then they allow for very liesurely stops in the shallows. Newer or rusty divers certainly benefit from the extra air as well. Steel cylinders also allow you to remove lead from your weight belt. My wife can cruise around all day on an al 80 but I'm a big guy and I gladly pay extra for the big tanks.

Christy,
I also grant that equipment is only a piece of the equation, and the quality of the dive guide means more than anything. From your postings I can sense your love for your work and am sure that diving with you would be a pleasure.

Clyderyde