Upcoming family vacation questions

[Bandmom]

Hello all! I have been lurking about your site getting TONS of great information from all of you to prepare for our upcoming trip to Cozumel. We typically go to Florida every year and do the usual snorkeling and diving but on the year that one of the kids graduates, they pick the summer vacation. My son is the graduate this year and he wants to go where there is "great diving" so I picked Cozumel after much research. Before I start asking questions let me say THANK YOU for all the questions your forum has already answered.:clapping: Great Job! OK....I have a few questions but have read enough to know that ya'll have to have some general information first so here is the low down:
We will be in Cozumel from June 15th - June 23rd
We will be staying at a Villa just North of town called Las Iguanas. It is suppose to have pretty good snorkling right off the back. If any of you know any thing about the villa...please fill me in!
We will have 6 folks going (3 divers and 3 non-divers who love to snorkel)
My husband has been diving since the 70s and learned in Hawaii. He says that he should be considered a "novice" since he only dives once a year now and is "too old" to do the night dives, cave dives, etc. that he did in his youth.
My oldest daughter has been certified for probably 6 years but tends to get spooked easily. Frequently gets scared holding the line off the boat (a Florida thing) and sometimes refuses to go. I think she will do much better with the water so clear in Cozumel.
My son is a new diver, certified maybe 3 years, and has only gone diving once a year in the summer; usually in Florida but he did dive Jamaica when we went there when the oldest graduated. He is your typical "no fear" 18 year old boy...which can be good and bad :rolleyes:
My 2 youngest (16 & 17) do not dive and neither do I. We are big time snorkelers though.
OK....now that you have the basics, here are my questions:
Given our little group and the fact that (if possible) we would like to go out together at least a few times (them diving while we snorkel) what are your recommendations for a Dive Op? I know ya'll hate that question but I thought maybe my description would help. I was looking at Blue XT Sea, Living Underwater and Aqua Safari so far.
Based on my review of the forum, it looks like we might be lucky enough to see the Whale Sharks. I looked through all your discussions and was thinking of using AEROSAAB. Obviously they cost more but it seems that since we are staying in Cozumel it would be worth it to fly over and not have to do the ferry over to the mainland, etc. Any thoughts "pro" or "con" on the Whale Shark tours with AEROSAAB?
Regarding the Mayan Ruins, is it REALLY worth it to go to Cancun to see the larger ruins or would the shorter trips to the ones in Cozumel be fairly good?
Would it be worth it to rent a car since our group is rather large? My only concern is that when I was in Cozumel way back in '88 it seemed like the driving was pretty crazy. We will be going to town though I guess for the dive trips, Whale Shark tour, etc. and I think my husband wanted to at least look at the East side of the island (no swimming or diving of course).
Is there anything strange I should know about in regards to Customs when entering Cozumel? I know the must have passport, no sharp objects, etc. but wondered if any of you have experienced anything else you wish you had known about before you went?
Lastly (finally) I'm confused on the money thing. Some seem to think that using Pesos is better while others say use US Dollars? I did review all the ATM warnings, etc. so I don't need more information about that. I'm just wondering if it would be better to exchange a portion of money to Pesos here in the states before we go?
Thanks SO MUCH in advance! I know I'm asking alot of questions. It is a BIG deal for my son and I want to make it as special for him and the rest of the family as I can.
Thanks again,
Gail

[judydivescoz]

The villa you are staying at is very beautiful. We have not stayed there but dove with a group who did so we got to see the house. They were very happy with the property.
We always rent a car in Cozumel, we like the freedom it gives us. With 6 in the family, I am not sure what can accommodate all of you. You are right, driving is a bit chaotic. I have never looked for or have seen a minivan type rental but you might be able to find one. There are plenty of taxi-vans around. You might want to think about hiring one for the day to take you all over to the east side.
We dive with Albatros Charters (Cozumel - Mexico - Albatros Charters (http://www.albatroscharters.com)). They are located in the marina right by your villa, you could walk to their boats. Give Rita a call, and explain your needs, she should be able to arrange a snorkel dive trip for your family as well as diving for the divers. We like the personal patient service that they provide. Your family is going to love the clear warm water.
When we visit Cozumel, we like to relax and enjoy the island as much as we can. Catching the ferry to visit the ruins on the mainland has never appealed to us. The ruins on the island as less than spectacular but are defiantly worth looking at.
With the exchange rate pay in pesos so you will not be at the mercy of someone else's "exchange" rate. If you feel more comfortable exchanging $$ for pesos in the US by all means do so. We continue to use the ATMs on the island.
Whatever you decide to do, I hope you have a great trip to Cozumel!

[Sue Sue]

[QUOTE=Bandmom;4325459]


Given our little group and the fact that (if possible) we would like to go out together at least a few times (them diving while we snorkel) what are your recommendations for a Dive Op? I know ya'll hate that question but I thought maybe my description would help. I was looking at Blue XT Sea, Living Underwater and Aqua Safari so far.

Since you have your dive op choice narrowed down to a short list, I would recommend you contact the dive op in 1st to 3rd order directly with this question. Combining snorkel with diving can come down to a scheduling issue and the dive op is the only one who can confirm availability. You also may want to consider a private divemaster for your daughter, just to get her comfortable

....Any thoughts "pro" or "con" on the Whale Shark tours with AEROSAAB?

I have no personal experience with AEROSAAB.

Regarding the Mayan Ruins, is it REALLY worth it to go to Cancun to see the larger ruins or would the shorter trips to the ones in Cozumel be fairly good?

The ruins are small on Cozumel. However, depending on how much activity you want for your vacation, an island tour that includes a visit to San Gervasio may me a great option.

Would it be worth it to rent a car
Especially since you are staying north and have a group, renting a car may me a money and time saver. You may need to meet your dive op, run for groceries or have several trips to town for restaurants and touring. However, I understand your reservations about driving around and about. Regardless, if you do rent a vehicle please make sure to get complete insurance coverage and take photos of the vehicle prior to leaving the rental parking lot. Please do not rent scooters.


Is there anything strange I should know about in regards to Customs when entering Cozumel?

As you know, have your Passports and paperwork which is given to you on the plane completed prior to presenting you and your group at the check in desk. That is the easy part. The rest of the process is the only part of going to Cozumel that I do not enjoy. Once you have collected all of your luggage, you then put all luggage on to the security conveyor. There really isn't a lot of room to collect the luggage on the other side before you have to play red light/green light. Therefore, be prepared to wrestle and move your luggage. If you get green light your on your way. Red light-you stop for a search. Once you get past Red light/Green light you are presented with the biggest challenge of all...The Time Share Gauntlet. Once you pass through the sliding doors you will be bombarded with Time Share Reps offering you transportation. Unless you are interested in a time share tour, Ignore the offers. Make sure everyone in your group are prepared with VERY FIRM "NO's" or "NO GRACIAS". In fact, with the exception of a designated ticket buyer, I would have everyone from your group head directly outside to the vans. It is very important to keep walking and head directly to either outside or the ticket booth. There is only ONE ticket booth, everything else are time share desks. You will find the ticket window to your far right under a sign that says "TICKETS" There is usually a sales girl inside the booth. US or Peso is accepted. Just tell her where you are going, how many people and she will issue your tickets. Once you get the tickets you head to the outside, ignoring the time share people...again..and get assigned to a van.

...I'm just wondering if it would be better to exchange a portion of money to Pesos here in the states before we go?

Exchanging money before you go really is not needed. USD is taken pretty well everywhere and usually converted with fair market rates. DH and I begin with USD or peso from previous trips to get started with some US set aside for immediate needs upon our return to home. We prepay as much as possible, ie: lodging, diving, activities. We then use ATM-Peso withdrawal while we are there for remaining expenses, ie: shopping, groceries, restaurants. We keep a credit card for emergency use only. Traveler cheques are ok, however, sometimes cashing them can be a hassle as the signatures are very often denied if not absolutely perfect. However, considering the size of your group you may need to have a larger amount of funds than the ATM limit can give you per day. Limits have ranged from 3000 to 5000 peso per day.

Hope this helps. Congrats to the graduate !!! Have a wonderful time !! Sue

[ggunn]

The ruins are small on Cozumel. However, depending on how much activity you want for your vacation, an island tour that includes a visit to San Gervasio may me a great option.

I'm going to recommend against this option. There are bus tours to San Gervasio, but my information is that they pretty much eat the major part of a day, and the SG ruins are not that extensive. They are worth visiting for a while, but renting a vehicle or chartering a cab so that you can leave when you've seen enough is IMO a better option. A trip to Tulum and/or Coba will show you a lot more in the way of ruins and views into the Mayan culture, but that is a whole day affair no matter how you do it.

[scubawife]

I think I'd be looking at dive operators who have multiple boats and can group your divers with others of similar skill and/or comfort level (at least for the first day or two). Going with a one-boat dive op who takes 6-8 divers will mean the DM will do their best to plan the dives to suit the skill, comfort level and experience of all on board, but they do still have to keep their more experienced divers happy.

I'd also consider the type of boat and tanks they'll all be comfortable with. Small, "fast boat" where they're doing back roll entries or a larger boat where they're striding in off the swim platform? Standard AL80 tanks or steel LP 95's and 120's?

[agdiver]

A year ago the group I was with chartered a cab for 4-5 hours to visit the SG ruins and then went on to the East side for the rest of the afternoon. The cost was $20 per person and it made it very convienent since no one in the group had to drive.

[robint]

As far as the ruins, I would look at doing Tulum or Coba over on the mainland.
Look at: Alltournative - Off Track Adventures (http://www.alltournative.com/)

See my post today regarding our trip to Chichen Itza. The ride there is 3 hours each way from Playa del Carmen and I would hate sitting on a tour bus for 6+ hours. There are a few tours that seem like they would be better than others though. We didn't use any of these, they are just some we found when making our decision to drive.
by plane: Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins Tour Flights Airplane Tours from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins, Holbox (http://www.aerosaab.com/chichen-itza-tour/)
by bus: Chichen Itza Plus (http://www.cancunvista.com/cozumel_tours_shore_excursions/chichenitza_deluxe.html)

[Sue Sue]

I'm going to recommend against this option. There are bus tours to San Gervasio, but my information is that they pretty much eat the major part of a day, and the SG ruins are not that extensive. They are worth visiting for a while, but renting a vehicle or chartering a cab so that you can leave when you've seen enough is IMO a better option. A trip to Tulum and/or Coba will show you a lot more in the way of ruins and views into the Mayan culture, but that is a whole day affair no matter how you do it.

You are right Gordon, I should have been more specific. If they rent a car, they can do and island tour on their own and stop by the SG ruins, as well as the tequila "factory" and the pee pee stop :D

[Sue Sue]

You are right Gordon, I should have been more specific. If they rent a car, they can do and island tour on their own and stop by the SG ruins, as well as the tequila "factory" and the pee pee stop :D And if they want to make their way to Holbox for Whale Sharks, another trip to the mainland may...or may not be too much for the 7-8 day schedule they have. The ruins on Cozumel are not as dynamic for sure, but, it's an option if they prefer only one alternate trip.

[cicopo]

If you're trying to find an op that can take the entire group to the same site & have some dive & others snorkel I think Mystic Snorkeling can meet that need. I'm not sure about it but do think it's offered. Here's a link to some reviews plus her email address.
Mystic Snorkeling Tour - Cozumel - Reviews of Mystic Snorkeling Tour - TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g150809-d636841-Reviews-Mystic_Snorkeling_Tour-Cozumel_Yucatan_Peninsula.html)

[Bandmom]

Wow!! Don't you just LOVE the internet!! I don't know what we did back before websites and forums....oh yeah I do.....we ended up in "Beautiful Resorts" with no A/C and a "view of the ocean" requiring a scope :D Anyway, THANK YOU ALL for your wonderful feedback! Judydivescoz, I'm glad to hear you have seen the villa. I feel much better knowing someone has seen it and I honestly had not looked at Albatros Charters....didn't notice them on my searches...so, thanks for the recommendation! I will definately look at them. Sue Sue, to be honest, I haven't really narrowed it down to those three, they just seemed to be the most popular here on the Scubaboard and on the TA reviews. Also, Thanks for the information re: customs...I will make sure to avoid the time share folks.."just say no" :no: Thanks to everyone regarding the information regarding the Ruins. My oldest is an Antropology major so it is her that I was thinking of. I think I'll just give them all a choice of who wants to spend the day doing the ruins. My husband has already indicated that unless they "are under water" it's not worth a whole day to him. Also, thanks for the info. regarding money. I think I will try Sue-Sue's plan and pre-pay for as much as I possibly can. As for dive ops....still up in the air. My husband said "step off, back roll, doesn't matter to me" so that's not an issue. Tank wise...the more air the better as long as the kids can manage them. Oh...and he liked the idea of having a DM for our oldest. He did say that he doesn't want a "cattle boat" and would rather pay more to have just our crew so he can keep an eye on everyone better....he has us all "color coded". So...feel free to add ideas for different Diver Ops. Also, any other feedback you think would be helpful. Again, thanks SO MUCH for all your help! We are all so excited!
Gail

[Sue Sue]

Gail, I just realized that your Scubaboard name is Bandmom...well, from one Bandmom to the other...Welcome to Scubaboard !!!!

As you have found there are several very well liked Dive ops to choose from. The three you mentioned are among the favorites. As you can guess, however, you will also find that there a many "BEST" dive ops as most of us have a dive op that we return to over and over again. I can tell you about BlueXT SEA.

Michael and I have been diving with Christi and her crew for 6 years. Blue XT SEA is a boutique operation with 2-fast- 6 pack boats. No cattle boat setup. Both boats are back roll. You drop your gear off the first day and it is taken care of and set up for you when you arrive to your dive boat until your last day of diving. The Divemasters are very professional and experienced. They have not only guided us through and over the many Cozumel reefs, but have shared their experience and taught us to be better divers. Not only has my family dived with BlueXTSEA, but my son and DIL were certified with Arturo, one of the divermasters. He was very patient and a very experienced instructor. We also enjoy the extra touches that Christi offers such as SI's on a beach, homemade goodies for snacks and towels and jackets. Oh, and the captains...my gosh...I bet they could find a needle in a haystack, or pinpoint a certain spot on a reef as the case may be. The BlueXT SEA dive shop is located and Av. 5 and Calle 5, very easy to find.

Now, as I mentioned, there are other Excellent Dive Operations that offer a very similar setup. And, there are MANY fantastic Divemasters and Captains who are equally experienced. Whoever your family decides upon you will have a wonderful time! Sue

[pinotscubajack]

I'd also look at Blue Magic Scuba - their dive instructor Gabriel can't be beat, the GM Sandro has been around Cozumel for over twenty years, and Pumba and Congo are both great to dive with. Joyce, the owner, will correspond with you via email until you both get it just right. For my money you can't find a better outfit. My family and I dove with them earlier this year and couldn't have been happier. They also have small fast boats that take no more than 6 or 8 divers at a time and I bet Joyce can get your family their own boat that could cater to both the snorkelers and divers at the same time. Check them out at bluemagicscuba.com

[RonFrank]

Diving and snorkeling together don't work so good at Coz, mainly due to depth and current. Many dive boats will not combine the two. My suggestion is to ask the DiveOps what they think. I'm betting snorkeling off a dive boat would be a LOT more expensive vs. just doing a snorkeling trip on a big cat.

I can not comment on Whale shark tours, but it's a great idea.

Since half of your party does not dive, I think a day trip to see the Ruins on the mainland would be very worthwhile.

I can not comment on a car rental other than to say that the *police* like to trap tourists, and driving there appears to be a bit hectic.

I think a passport is all you need. Honestly, I can not remember if they wanted to see my license or not. Make SURE your bags are under 50lbs. Leaving Coz, they were serious sticklers for weight limits. One of my bags was ONE LBS overweight, and I had to removed something! ONE POUND! :D

I'd bring USD. No reason to get pesos. You will likely get some change in pesos, but I did not find one place that would not accept US currency. Make sure your bills are NOT RIPPED.

Have fun, and good diving.

[Bandmom]

Make sure your bills are NOT RIPPED.
:loopy: Seriously?? I had NO idea the bills couldn't be torn! Thanks!

[Bandmom]

Gail, I just realized that your Scubaboard name is Bandmom...well, from one Bandmom to the other...Welcome to Scubaboard !!!!


Thanks fellow bandmom!! Don't ask me what I will be doing with my time all next year! My son (trumpet player) is going off to be a Music Ed. major and my youngest daughter has decided not to continue Color Guard. I won't know what to do without spending 3 weeks this summer handing out cool water, handing out fruit, etc. for 8 hours during band camp. Not to mention not going to Marching Band Competitions EVERY weekend and the Jazz and Concert Band concerts, etc., etc., etc. Wait....that means I might actually have some time for ME :yeahbaby:
Thanks for the welcome!!

[Bandmom]

Thanks all!!! I am going to start checking out the websites for all your suggested Dive Ops. Keep suggestions coming :D Also, I PROMISE to do a summary of our trip so you'll know how it all went.

[Sue Sue]

:loopy: Seriously?? I had NO idea the bills couldn't be torn! Thanks!


Michael and I are former Bandparents as our musician is now out of college, married and on his own. You will go through a bit of withdrawal next year. We can hear the band from their practice field from our back patio and we still get the feeling we are missing something. There is nothing like listening to full band early morning warm-up before a competition or concert :D But, I will tell you I loved those days of listening to the toot-toot-squeak- toot of his trumpet and then listening to the practice process until the day that he finally hit it !! Also, Michael and I had the opportunity to be Pit Pack Parents. Hauling instruments and props for the entire band are wonderful memories my husband and I will never forget. Of course we were part of a very dedicated group of parents that made this magic happen, boy it was fun being a roadie. :D OK....I still miss the band... Congrats to your son and we wish him the best in his music career.

Also, No torn bills and no bills with markings on them either. Very often we get the bills from the ATM's here that have a red mark across the top. Definitely do no take those bills to Coz, they are denied as well.

Keep us posted...Sue

[Bandmom]

Thanks Sue-Sue! I will go to the bank and get them to give me NEW bill to make sure.

Yes...we did the pit thing for 5 long years. My son was accepted early in the 8th grade so we got an extra year. We all had those little cute buttons like "Band Mom" etc. and my husband had one made that said "Don't ask me...I just pull the trailer" :D That was his job....loading props, etc. and pulling the trailer with our Yukon (which we can FINALLY get rid of now) while I was the Hospitality Mom with the snack bags, water, etc. I'm planning our end of the year Awards Banquet now and it is a bit sad knowing that it will be my last one :depressed: It's a ton of work but you are right....band parents are for the most part a special group of folks. All the kids were SO wonderful and I will so miss hearing "Mama Gail can you..." from 80 kids. OK.....I'm depressed now :crying:

Sorry guys....off topic there....

[Sue Sue]

Thanks Sue-Sue! I will go to the bank and get them to give me NEW bill to make sure.

Yes...we did the pit thing for 5 long years. My son was accepted early in the 8th grade so we got an extra year. We all had those little cute buttons like "Band Mom" etc. and my husband had one made that said "Don't ask me...I just pull the trailer" :D That was his job....loading props, etc. and pulling the trailer with our Yukon (which we can FINALLY get rid of now) while I was the Hospitality Mom with the snack bags, water, etc. I'm planning our end of the year Awards Banquet now and it is a bit sad knowing that it will be my last one :depressed: It's a ton of work but you are right....band parents are for the most part a special group of folks. All the kids were SO wonderful and I will so miss hearing "Mama Gail can you..." from 80 kids. OK.....I'm depressed now :crying:

Sorry guys....off topic there....

Yes, off topic, however ......:hugs: I know it is difficult, but, you know...we do whatever we can to prepare our kids for moving on..that is the best we can do. And then...the stinkers take those wonderful things we taught them and do exactly that...move on !!! :D Just think of those 80 students who are better off now because you, your husband and other band parents were there for them. Unfortunately, as parents, we have to take the hurt as well, but, it is worth it for the kids. And, what is so neat now, is that Michael and are in still in contact with some of those kids. They are getting married, having babies, and moving on to fantastic careers. It really is a good feeling to know we shared such a wonderful time with them.

So, you mentioned your Yukon...well...what is so funny is that as Pit Pack coordinators we 99.9999 % of drove in advance to competitions and concerts ahead of the Semi trailer. Our Dodge van became to be known as the Behm-mobile. Well......we still have the Behm-mobile...now 7 year later. She just keeps on ticking like a TIMEX watch..:yelclap:

Things will be OK...deep breath....enjoy the banquet. And...Think about your trip to COZUMEL !!!!! :yeahbaby:

PS: Are you interested in any Restaurant ideas?? Or since you have a house are you cooking in ??? The house pictures look very nice BTW

[DandyDon]

OK....now that you have the basics, here are my questions:
Given our little group and the fact that (if possible) we would like to go out together at least a few times (them diving while we snorkel) what are your recommendations for a Dive Op? I know ya'll hate that question but I thought maybe my description would help. I was looking at Blue XT Sea, Living Underwater and Aqua Safari so far.
Many Ops will give you a deal on a private boat with three or more in your party; wouldn't hurt to ask. Divers & snorkelers on the same boat would restrict your choices of sites, but can be done on some.

Based on my review of the forum, it looks like we might be lucky enough to see the Whale Sharks. I looked through all your discussions and was thinking of using AEROSAAB. Obviously they cost more but it seems that since we are staying in Cozumel it would be worth it to fly over and not have to do the ferry over to the mainland, etc. Any thoughts "pro" or "con" on the Whale Shark tours with AEROSAAB?
Can't say much other than snorkeling the Dominoes is great. We did 3 nights of a 8 night tour on Holbox and wouldn't do it any other way, but that is a big discussion in it own. Some of the vids I shot in August. Click the 4 point icon in the lower right corner for full screen...


3783470

[Bandmom]

DandyDon - WOW :crazyeye:

"or is he using us for bait..." :rofl3:

Sorry, but that just cracked me up!!!

Also, on one of those I thought you were gonna throw a saddle on it and take off! And being that close to a Ray.....uh...no thanks!

Honestly, that was TOO cool!

Thanks so much!!

[DandyDon]

Hehe, you're not supposed to get within 5 ft of them I think, but I follow my camera way too mcuh - was going for the shot even in murky water, and got face slapped by a 5 ft tall fin - but gently. You need to train tho. Hard bicycling and 440 yard runs would help.

Do use your own fins, snorkel, mask. The loaner gear is not the best.

Here is a darling little Juvenile Spotted Drum, tiny little baby swimming his traditional dance I shot on March 29 off of Cozumel


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[Bandmom]

PS: Are you interested in any Restaurant ideas?? Or since you have a house are you cooking in ??? The house pictures look very nice BTW

Yes....I would LOVE some ideas. They offer a service where a cook comes in and does the cooking (pretty much the same as Jamaica Villas) and I'm using them for breakfast and dinner 6 of the days. I love anything (lobster, Italian, Mexican, etc.) but I do have picky eaters as well.....fried shrimp, chicken strips, etc. I'd love some ideas especially for lunch. THANKS!! :D

[Sue Sue]

Yes....I would LOVE some ideas. They offer a service where a cook comes in and does the cooking (pretty much the same as Jamaica Villas) and I'm using them for breakfast and dinner 6 of the days. I love anything (lobster, Italian, Mexican, etc.) but I do have picky eaters as well.....fried shrimp, chicken strips, etc. I'd love some ideas especially for lunch. THANKS!! :D

Having a cook is a neat thing. Your family will enjoy it. As far as lunches...Of course, again...there are MANY favorites. Sorrisi's, in town, Aveinda 3, close to Melgar. Good pizza and Italian entrees. Then there are the many comida economica's.. for instance, Chilango's @ Ave. 10 calle 13 ish You sit wherever there is a spot. Groups usually can be together. There are a handfull of entree selections on the chalkboard. Choose what you want and for around $5-6 dollars you get this fruit-juice beverage, soup du jour and the entree. I like the breaded chicken breast...yummy. Rock N Java, which is south of the plaza area, on Melgar at the waterfront has pretty good burgers and fries as well. Our favorite for Mexican cuisine is LaChoza. Ave. 10 between Rosado Salas and calle 3. Those are a few of our favorite places. Sue

[judydivescoz]

Try Kinta for a very nice dinner out. Located on 5. Great food nice winelist. For lunch, I think Los Otates is open for tacos. I believe its on 10. Very inexpensive, we have taken our most fussy eater there and satisfied them. Another favorite food thing for us is to pick up a chicken at the rotisseries on 30th and bring it back to our rental for lunch by the pool. The cook service is a great idea for your family vacation but the food is so good in Cozumel you might want to reconsider having a few more dinners in town instead of the villla.

[Bandmom]

Dandy Don - Thanks for the 2nd video. Watching that little fish dance really makes me want to get certified myself. There are a couple of problems with that though....1st, as my husband mentioned, I'd probably need to learn to swim first! Now...I can swim some, I snorkel with NO problem at all and can swim underwater but I get spooked really easily for some reason.....if waves come over or whatever and I can't easily catch my breath I get pretty nervous :nailbiter: The other problem is that while most of you divers (including my husband & son) are thrilled by the thought of seeing a big ray or a shark, I immediately here the theme music for Jaws. :sharkattack:
Oh...what to do??? I hope I can see some of the cool stuff snorkeling! I may just have to take some swimming lessons in the next few weeks and take the Discover Diver course when I get there :D

Sue Sue & judydivescoz - Thanks so much for the restaurant ideas! It will be so much easier with a list and description of places to eat.

Thanks again!
Gail

[DandyDon]

Well, your comfort & security are personal calls, but...

I have known non-swimmers who PADI qualified swimming in fins;

Never take the regulator out of your mouth until you are all the way on the boat; and

It's rare that we get to see anything large close at all. They're usually shy away from our bubbles pretty quickly.
Have a personal chat with a local Instructor, or talk to more than one. PADI is but one of the agencies - the largest; they are many other good ones. Do a Discover class in a local pool.

[jd950]

You might want to talk with Alison Dennis from Scuba with Alison. I mention this because she takes a lot of new divers, does a lot of Discover Scuba with folks and is one of the dive ops who would work with you to combine snorkelers, certified divers and Discover Scuba folks. Do a search for Scuba with Alison and you can find her website. Just another option. There are many, many choices.

[DandyDon]

You might want to talk with Alison Dennis from Scuba with Alison. I mention this because she takes a lot of new divers, does a lot of Discover Scuba with folks and is one of the dive ops who would work with you to combine snorkelers, certified divers and Discover Scuba folks. Do a search for Scuba with Alison and you can find her website. Just another option. There are many, many choices.
Scuba Dive Cozumel | ScubaWithAlison (http://www.scubawithalison.com/) Not met her but heard nothing but good about her. She boards at the south marina, but if you have a rental car - no problem.

[Bandmom]

I have known non-swimmers who PADI qualified swimming in fins; Never take the regulator out of your mouth until you are all the way on the boat;

THANK YOU!! :clapping: That is EXACTLY what I have been saying ever since I learned to snorkel! If I have my fins and mask on, I can swim totally fine. I only get off track when the waves hit and I keep getting water in my snorkel and I start feeling like I'm not going to be able to get a breath. My point has always been that if I were diving and knew I had air...I'd be cool. Now, obviously I would need to learn to handle my fear in case something happened to the air while diving but I'm thinking most people would get a little freaked if they didn't have air in that situation. Plus, with the buddy system, you know you are going to have access to air so that would be calming. Thanks again!

[ggunn]

I have known non-swimmers who PADI qualified swimming in fins;

Never take the regulator out of your mouth until you are all the way on the boat;



My agency (PDIC) had me tread water without fins in a fresh water pool for 3 minutes as part of my OW cert. I don't think a non-swimmer could have done that.

All the ops I have dived with take my BC (w/ tank and reg), weights, and fins from me while I am still in the water.

[judydivescoz]

Dandy Don - Thanks for the 2nd video. Watching that little fish dance really makes me want to get certified myself. There are a couple of problems with that though....1st, as my husband mentioned, I'd probably need to learn to swim first! Now...I can swim some, I snorkel with NO problem at all and can swim underwater but I get spooked really easily for some reason.....if waves come over or whatever and I can't easily catch my breath I get pretty nervous :nailbiter: The other problem is that while most of you divers (including my husband & son) are thrilled by the thought of seeing a big ray or a shark, I immediately here the theme music for Jaws. :sharkattack:
Oh...what to do??? I hope I can see some of the cool stuff snorkeling! I may just have to take some swimming lessons in the next few weeks and take the Discover Diver course when I get there :D

Sue Sue & judydivescoz - Thanks so much for the restaurant ideas! It will be so much easier with a list and description of places to eat.

Thanks again!
Gail


I am not a great swimmer and really do not like to snorkel. I find diving to be much easier and far less stressful. When I was certified, I had to swim 4 laps (8 lengths) of the pool and tread water for 10 minutes (maybe 15??) in the pool. I did take a couple of swimming lessons before hand to give me some confidence and tweak my skills. It helped alot! I swam alot as a kid but not so much as I got older. The swim portion of the class was not a problem. I may not have been the fastest swimmer but I did it! You should try the Discover Scuba or take the certifying class at home and do your open water dives in Cozumel. You might surprise yourself. Its a great sport, my husband and I have had many years of great experiences diving as much as we can in New England and the Caribbean.

[DandyDon]

Yeah, I've had that out of air, hard sucking reg feeling before. My screw-up, and it does suck, but then I was bulldogging some calves bigger then me when I was 5, much bigger than me thru the years, standing down grown bulls as a teen, trucking when I was 12, etc - and I have had to work on my maverick nature a lot, but nothing freaks me. I don't want to talk you into anything dangerous or scary, but you can interview Instructors locally and explore options. Do keep it safe and fun, but don't let fears always block you. I'm still afraid of women, but have been known to ask one out and was sometimes glad I did. :D

[Sue Sue]

Gail, If you can take on watering and feeding a full band during a hot and intense day during the first week of band camp...you can take on Scuba Diving !!! :D A good portion of success is putting your mind to it. One of the most important things however is taking baby steps until your are comfortable to move on to the next challenge. It may take a bit longer than someone else, and that's OK, your approach may be a little bit different, that's OK too. However,on the other hand, once you have given it your best shot, you may also find that Scuba diving is not for you...but, as with anything how do you know unless you try.

My DIL was somewhat anxious about BOW. She and my son actually started out in a program NYC and and completed their certification by referral with Arturo of BlueXTSEA diving. Michael and I were confident that Arturo would take very good care of both Mark and Lisa. Afterward, Lisa said that once she was in the water with Arturo she was no longer anxious and that the experience was very positive.

Whatever diving or snorkeling your future holds, one thing for sure, you will enjoy yourself and that is the most important thing. Sue

[Bandmom]

I think I'm going to go for it :D At least take some swimming lessons before we go (I've needed to do that anyway) and do the Discover Dive class when we get there. It's all in my head and SueSue, you are correct, I just need to set my mind to it! I can tread water although I imagine I'd get tired doing it for 15 minutes! I can float on my back FOREVER! I swim under water pretty good, and like I said if I have a snorkel and no waves filling it with water, I can swim forever. It is time to get OVER the fear! Since my son got certified, he has always been glued to my side and immediately helps when I get nervous. He learned some sort of technique in dive class and just has me relax and holds me from the back until I get my snorkel cleared, etc. He and my husband would be really supportive I'm sure. So....yep...I just talked myself in to it :)

[Bandmom]

I'm still afraid of women, but have been known to ask one out and was sometimes glad I did. :D

No...that can't be true! You are too funny :rofl3: I'd say they don't bite but after watching my son go through a few relationships, I've learned that some of them do!

[Sue Sue]

Oh Gail....Great News !!! Go for it !!! :yelclap: I was not a swimmer either when I took my BOW classes. In fact, as a kid, I was sent home from swimming class. :doh2: I could and still can swim under water like a fish, but freestyle or anything up top, "fuhgetaboutit"....The thought of the 15 min. tread water skill had me terrified. However, I was determined to finish what I started and did a lot of floating, doggy paddling and moving around in circles. That was 6 years ago, and now, for the past year I have actually started swimming laps at our club. I started by watching how the real swimmers did it and then practiced the moves. I actually think that some of them thought I was a weirdo because I would go under the water to watch them as they swam back and forth. But now a year later, I am actually up to 12 laps non stop...not too bad for a retired non-swimmer bandmom. :smile:

With your determination and you son by your side you will do very well. Also know that your Scubaboard family is cheering you on :cheerleader: Keep us posted on your progress. Sue

[Martha]

I'd say they don't bite but after watching my son go through a few relationships, I've learned that some of them do!

:rofl3::rofl3::rofl3: Too funny!!!

BTW, I think it's awesome that you decided to do the Discover Scuba course. I bet you'll LOVE it!

[Bandmom]

OK....the good news is....I went to the YMCA this AM to play around in the pool and ask about lessons.

The bad news......when I was swimming under water in the deep end it felt like my ears were going to explode!

So....off to the doctor I go. I had been getting a lot of headaches, etc. so come to find out...I have an ear infection in BOTH ears :shakehead:

Now....actually....it could be good news in that at least I am getting treated before we go to Cozumel. I'll keep ya'll updated on lessons and will do a "trip report" for sure!

Thanks again!!
Gail

[Sue Sue]

Hi Gail....When you do ear infections you don't fool around !!!! My goodness, Both ears ! Well I am sorry you have discomfort, but at least you are aware of what is going on and can get those ears in perfect shape BEFORE your trip. I am hoping you are back in the water before you know it ! Keep us posted. Sue

[ggunn]

OK....the good news is....I went to the YMCA this AM to play around in the pool and ask about lessons.

The bad news......when I was swimming under water in the deep end it felt like my ears were going to explode!

So....off to the doctor I go. I had been getting a lot of headaches, etc. so come to find out...I have an ear infection in BOTH ears :shakehead:

Now....actually....it could be good news in that at least I am getting treated before we go to Cozumel. I'll keep ya'll updated on lessons and will do a "trip report" for sure!

Thanks again!!
Gail

It's good that you're getting some treatment, but something I didn't realize before I started diving is that swimming underwater in a pool is much harder on your ears than diving is. All that pressurizing to descend and then coming back up pumps air (and anything else that might be in your sinuses) in and out your Eustachian tubes every time you duck under, and it's all near the surface where the change in bubble size per unit depth is at its greatest. When you descend for a dive, you go through one pressurization through that zone, and when you ascend you experience one depressurization. The rest of the dive the changes in bubble size that makes you have to equalize are relatively very small.

I have a troublesome ear that for years I thought would keep me from diving, but it turned out not to be a problem at all.

[DandyDon]

This may help: A Must-See Video For New Divers: Equalizing! (http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/)

[mstevens]

A couple of thoughts:

We found the ruins at San Gervasio quite underwhelming. We found Chichen Itza almost overwhelming. Tulum was fair-to-middling whelming... If you have the time and patience for Chichen Itza, do it. The earlier in the day, the better. We were leaving just as the tour buses were arriving, which is about right. Some people rave about Coba and other places, but I haven't seen them personally. You can rent a minivan for $120/day all insurance included in Playa del Carmen and get places on the mainland fairly quickly.

Don't miss an opportunity to swim with whale sharks. You may not regret it if you don't, but I promise that if you do go you'll be convinced it would have been foolish to pass up the chance.

We enjoyed diving with Blue Magic recently, and on one boat there was a couple with one diver and one snorkeler. The snorkeler stayed at the surface near the boat while the rest of us had actual fun (sorry...) With the number in your family, that's probably a boatful anyway so I think there are at least a couple of dive ops that could take the whole family out and let the divers dive and the snorkelers snork. (For more on snorking, see the "Snorking with whale sharks" thread.)

Read Christi's restaurant thread. For us, the second-best thing about Cozumel is the restaurants.

Enjoy your trip!

[Bandmom]

Hi Gail....When you do ear infections you don't fool around !!!!

Well....you know.....I don't like to do things half way :D

Honestly, it feels worse now but I'm sure it will get better with the HUGE antibiotics they have me taking plus some really icky ear drops! Thanks so much for your well wishes!

[Bandmom]

This may help: A Must-See Video For New Divers

DandyDon - Thanks so much!! You are always such a HUGE help :clapping:

[Bandmom]

mstevens - Thanks so much for the information!! I'm getting really excited :banana:

ggunn - THANKS!! I have already had some issues with my ears but now know that I had NO CLUE how to adjust them, etc. I'm crossing my fingers that I'll be like you and have no problems with diving :D

[DandyDon]

That 45 minute video has helped many with problem ears. Really some good info there. ;)

[Bandmom]

So.....I wonder if it is too late to get trip insurance? I was waiting to get all the cost together (dives, tours, etc.) before applying and now I'm wondering if they will even insure a trip to Mexico for June. Any thoughts?? I am just not willing to start changing dates, etc. until I absolutely have to.

[DandyDon]

Yes you can buy trip insurance at any time, altho pre-existing conditions may not be covered. If within 15 days of first deposit, pre-existing conditions would be covered with the company I use: Buy Travel Insurance & Compare Travel Insurance Plans | TravelSafe (http://travelsafe.com/) Like most, they do have exclusions on epidemics, pandemics, and government actions and with the current situation I didn't like that, but I added the "cancel for any reason" feature for the policy I bought last night - even tho the main reasons I buy trip insurance is for medical needs, not cancellation. I thot the extra flexibility was a good idea.

[Bandmom]

OK....so I'm getting SO EXCITED!! :banana: Here's what I'm thinking:
Monday 6/15:
Arrive, unpack, meet with Christi, etc.
Tuesday 6/16:
Dive/Snorkel with Christi's crew & I do Discover Dive during SI:babycrawl:
Wedn. 6/17:
Dive/Snorkel with Christi's crew
Thurs. 6/18:
Myan Ruins (Tulan I think 'cause I think it's less travel time):coolingoff:
Friday 6/19:
4 to Whale Shark tour while youngest daughter & I hit Aqua Spa
Sat. 6/20:
RELAX and play day:sleeping2:
Sun. 6/21:
Dive/Snorkel and then downtown in the PM for festivities :beerchug:
Mon. 6/22:
Dive/Snorkel with Christi's Crew
Tues. 6/23:
Leave Coz at 3:30 PM VERY DEPRESSED :crying:

Now...all I have to do is go back through all ya'lls GREAT recommendations and make a list of good places for food.

Let me know what ya'll think......We are so excited :yeahbaby:

[Bandmom]

Disregard this one.....I reposted under another title....couldn't figure out how to do it before for some reason.....THANKS!