First timer to Cozumel and First time Diver

[robertarak]

You have the time to train and certify here in California before your trip, so there is no reason to wait. I have this conversation with many of my new students. All the points above are valid. There are some other things to consider. No everyone certifies on the first attempt, for a variety of reasons. Some new students need some additional time to master a particular skill, or need to give their ears a rest before getting back in the water, or whatever. Take the time you need here at home. One of the added bonuses is having time to dive here and become better/safer divers. It will make your time in Cozumel much more enjoyable. Lastly, if you learn here, in our cooler water with more thermal protection (and weight to sink it), it makes diving in the warm, clear water of Coz seem SO easy!

 

[ggunn]

A couple of very small quibbles with some earlier posts...

The coming up all together when the first diver gets low on air is not universal, possibly not even the norm. Buddy pairs ascending when one of the pair gets low is a very common practice.

Getting horizontal to present a smaller cross section to the current will not by itself slow you down if you are already moving at the same speed as the current. Find a coral head to duck behind; otherwise you'll have to kick against the current and the current always wins.

Consider renting a car for the day or better yet hire a taxi to explore the "wild side" of the island. Alcohol and inexperience in piloting two-wheelers team up to make scooter crashes by a big margin the leading cause of medical emergencies for visitors to the island. My dentist was killed in a moped accident on the mainland a few years ago, and two other friends of mine have been badly injured. My brother was lucky; he got out of his second scooter crash (he is a slow learner) with a few stitches and having to pay for the damage to the 'cycle. Also, a DWI in Mexico is more of a hassle than you want in your life. Cab drivers are very familiar with the around the island tour and in my experience have been very reasonable with both the cost and the patience to wait for you as long as you like at Mescalito's, Punta Morena, Coconuts, Playa Bonita, Andele, El Mirador, Rasta's, Paradise Bar, etc. We usually find some other folks who want to go, too (it's never hard), and hire a taxi van for the best bang for buckage.

And I can't believe I forgot about DAN (Diver's Alert Network) insurance and a dive light. Most medical insurance will duck out of covering you for DCS on a dive vacation, and treatment is WAY expensive, so sign up for DAN. A dive light is an important piece of kit for me on every dive, day or night. Even on daylight dives I use my light virtually every time for lighting in swimthroughs and looking into crooks and nannies.

I was there in May for the thirty-somethingth time and I'm ready to go back NOW!

 

[diver 85]

IMO---(1)each of you get certified ASAP(by end of this summer), looks like it'll be a year before 'the blessed event'???.....Then get some dives 'under your belt' before THE occasion......You don't want to have to be concentrating on learning scuba stuff while you can be spending your time 'on more important things', while on CZM..........(2)As far as equipment is concerned, accomplishing #1 will take care of that 'problem'......(3)I've only used Aldora since getting back to CZM a few years ago---IMO, a great outfit........PS, good luck in ya'lls bright future, UW can be fun & exciting--& my wife just said create a lifetime of memories...........

 

[ThePetiteRunner]

Thank you so much for so many thoughtful replies!! I really, really appreciate it.

I definitely appreciate all the insights regarding getting certified before we go. I'm probably a bit more nervous than my fiance who has a far larger adventurous streak than I. I'll do some research into some local dive shops. If we do get certified this summer, I don't know how much diving we may get in the months between, with the wedding and normal life going on. Would it be better to wait until closer to the vacation or just do it now and if needed, take a refresher course later?

Also, we are not really the honeymooning-resort type couple We've decided to rent a beautiful home in the center of town, in the "Independencia" neighborhood. We wanted a more authentic experience away from the other travelers coming from cruise ships or staying at the resorts. I don't think we'll be disappointed!

As far as how often to dive, are there any guidelines or limitations (besides our wallets, that is)? I know you shouldn't dive too close to flying in or out, but other than that, does it matter if you dive everyday for a week? Or two? Is it better to break up dives with a day of non-diving inbetween? And what are your thoughts about night dives? I've heard about the bioluminesence of the waters in Cozumel, but maybe that's too advanced for a beginner?

Thanks again for all of your replies!

 

[ggunn]

Thank you so much for so many thoughtful replies!! I really, really appreciate it.

I definitely appreciate all the insights regarding getting certified before we go. I'm probably a bit more nervous than my fiance who has a far larger adventurous streak than I. I'll do some research into some local dive shops. If we do get certified this summer, I don't know how much diving we may get in the months between, with the wedding and normal life going on. Would it be better to wait until closer to the vacation or just do it now and if needed, take a refresher course later?

Also, we are not really the honeymooning-resort type couple We've decided to rent a beautiful home in the center of town, in the "Independencia" neighborhood. We wanted a more authentic experience away from the other travelers coming from cruise ships or staying at the resorts. I don't think we'll be disappointed!

As far as how often to dive, are there any guidelines or limitations (besides our wallets, that is)? I know you shouldn't dive too close to flying in or out, but other than that, does it matter if you dive everyday for a week? Or two? Is it better to break up dives with a day of non-diving inbetween? And what are your thoughts about night dives? I've heard about the bioluminesence of the waters in Cozumel, but maybe that's too advanced for a beginner?

Thanks again for all of your replies!

Diving right after flying is not a problem as long as you are well hydrated, it's the reverse that is a problem. But you'll learn all about that in your cert classes. Lots of folks dive every day, even multiple times, though one advantage of getting a computer is that it will keep you informed of your nitrogen loading.

Night dives are very cool and not that challenging for a beginner; I'd say get a few daylight dives under your belt and go for it.

I'd say that the sooner you get certified the better. A refresher on Cozumel might be good if you don't dive much after certifying, but it would just be one dive with a private divemaster - no big deal.

 

[DandyDon]

So where are you in California anyway? Big state, and your location might affect answers. I spent last week in and around Owens Valley and didn't see many scuba possibilities anywhere.

As far as how often to dive, are there any guidelines or limitations (besides our wallets, that is)? I know you shouldn't dive too close to flying in or out, but other than that, does it matter if you dive everyday for a week? Or two? Is it better to break up dives with a day of non-diving inbetween? And what are your thoughts about night dives? I've heard about the bioluminesence of the waters in Cozumel, but maybe that's too advanced for a beginner?

Thanks again for all of your replies!

There is really not need to wait after arrival if you're rested enough. DAN (Divers Alert Network is a dive safety organization as well as dive insurance provide, and you'll get their excellent magazine when you sign up) suggest at least 18 hours of non-diving before flying. Some suggest skipping a day of diving every few days, but that's not a popular idea; as long as your computer stays happy, you should be okay.

Night dives are great and generally not problem for newbies. You may have to turn your lights off briefly to see the bioluminescence. I remember one diver after his first one mentioning the coral looked so different since it had its tentacles out to feed.

 

[dmoore19]

I would suggest getting certified at home. It is costly to go to Cozumel on vacation. Why spend time on a beautiful Island in a classroom. Get that part knocked out and relax while on your honeymoon. Your time on the island will go fast enough without adding things to do that you could have done at home.

My first ocean dives were on a Cozumel trip. It was an amazing experience for me. One I will never forget. I have only used 2 dive ops there. I have no complaints about either. I prefer the smaller operations like Blue XT Sea but others may like the bigger boats that ops like Dive Paradise have to offer. My first trip was with a group and there were 2 instructors from the LDS that were our escorts. I didn't have a need for a private DM because the escorts helped me out for those first couple of dives. As has been suggested you and your new husband may want to hire one for the first couple of dives to help get things sorted out. Good luck and have lots of fun.

 

[Keith.M]

You don't state what part of California you are in. I would highly recommend that you get certified now and work on getting better for the next year. It would seem to me that you will have a lot more fun in Cozumel if you already have 20 or so dives under your belt.

California has some great diving, up and down the coast. Take advantage of that!

On the one trip I made to Cozumel, I stayed at Scuba Club Cozumel and really liked it. But there are plenty of other dive ops as well. When I showed up, I had 20 dives in. When I checked in, they asked about my experience and I told them I had 20 dives and they were all in Monterey. "Monterey? Oh you'll be fine." was their response.

I think learning and diving in more challenging conditions ahead of time, will also allow you to enjoy and appreciate the warmth and visibility you will have in Cozumel.

 

[Dan G]

All I will add is a +1 to join Divers Alert Network.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[DjDiverDan]

A couple of very small quibbles with some earlier posts...

Getting horizontal to present a smaller cross section to the current will not by itself slow you down if you are already moving at the same speed as the current.

Absolutely true, and I never meant to imply otherwise. HOWEVER, if you get completely horizontal, face into the current, and present the smallest cross-section to the current, you can stay stationary, in the same location, or even move slowly against the current, with only moderate finning. If you present a big cross-section to the current, like a kite in the water, remaining stationary or moving against the current takes a LOT more effort, and you'll burn through more air with the added effort.

BTW, I agree with ggunn completely on the mopeds - I was a moped casualty in January, 2000 - 7 broken ribs, punctured lung, punctured spleen, very expensive air ambulance to U.S., and lengthy hospital stay. My advice -- DO NOT EVER RENT THE MOPEDS. Rent a jeep, a car, take a taxi. Just DO NOT RENT MOPEDS. And DEFINITELY JOIN DIVERS ALERT NETWORK (DAN) and GET THE DAN INSURANCE.

I think renting a house or apartment in town is a very good choice. Again, just my perspective, in July you are going to want access to a pool - those quick cooling dips make a big difference to your comfort in a hot muggy July. There are lots of rental homes and condo units available for rent that have pool access included. Also, you probably want to narrow your choice of Dive Ops to those that will pick up at a downtown pier (there are several) or that will include transportation to the Caleta (the marina where most Dive Ops originate) as part of your dive package.