Report/ Cozumel

[DivingMike]

Just back from Cozumel (5th Trip). Had a good trip, but had to work at it. Stayed at the Reef Club; can't recommend. Bad food, surley, unaccomodating staff. Hotel pooorly laid out for divers...the dock is waaaay the hell over there...Had pre paid for a week with Dive with Martin, and was really looking forward to it because we'd heard good things about him...They canceled the first day, purportedly due to weather; we did two dives the second morning, then at 4:30 PM he called to cancel the following morning. I started to say, "I've prepaid for a week. If you keep canceling..." when he cut me off and said he wanted to cancel the remainder of the week and refund my $. I was shocked ... There had been no friction or problems. I'm still at a loss.

Anyway, did 6 dives with the operator at the hotel, Sand Dollar, a very conservative, production outfit, but very congenial, and probably great for beginners. Finished the week with 6 more dives with Studio Blue, who were terrific.
:mean:
Saw 2 large Eagle Rays, 3 nurse sharks lots of barricuda and the usual assortment of Coral & reef fishes. We were worried about the weather before we left Denver, but it actually was much better than the forcast. Water sometimes choppy and turbid in the PM, was about 78 F at depth. Take sweat shirts to stay warm after. Hope this is helpful.

 

[Dee]

Sorry to hear about your DWM experience, but it's not the first time I've heard it. May I recommend a great dive op for your next visit? Caballito del Caribe - http://www.seahorsecozumel.com/

We've been using them for years and no longer even try anyone else. They aren't fancy, have fast 6-pak boats, all safety equipment on board, excellent and knowledgeable DM's, and they don't cancel unless it's absolutely necessary because of weather. If the harbor master says small boats don't go out, Luis will send you out on his bigger boat if you want to go. Israel, Ricardo, Julio, and Adrian are the best DM's I've ever seen. You'll be treated as an adult, and can dive your profile, within reason.

Commercial over! Give them a try. Oh BTW, Caballito's was mentioned this month in RSD mag, section on Cozumel...if that makes any difference!

 

[kyleterry]

I also use Caballito del Caribe - had a great time. 2 dives a day with Isreal. He also took great pictures. Highly recommended. Just got back 2 weeks ago.

 

[joewr]

I hope I do not sound like a shill, but I still think the place to stay in Cozumel is the Fiesta Americana. The food is good, the dock is right there, and, if you dive with the Dive House, the on-site dive shop, you get a locker right along the dock.

Also, one more time, try the French Quarter for the best food in town!

I still rate Cozumel as one of the best places to dive in the Caribbean! And one of the most congeneal places to stay.

Joewr

 

[DiverCCRN]

Agree with joewr on Fiesta Americana's set up... We were there in Early December 2000 and found 1/2 the hotels services closed to repair (Restraunts & Bars). Anyways, dove with DiveHouse and had a wonderful time. Very helpful, a bit conservative if no computer, but went anywhere we wanted. $5 cab ride to town was perfect and car rental on site!!!! I'd go back tommorrow if my wife let me.