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My future wife and I are going to be in Cozumel and staying at the Park Royal this coming week. She has just gotten her diving certification. I have had mine for a little over 3 years. We are thinking about using Del Mar aquatics because they are close to Park Royal. I really have just two questions. First, we want to do a shore dive the first day we are there so she can "get used to the ocean". Where would be a good place to do that (we are not renting a car). The second question, is Del Mar a good dive shop or is there one better some where close to the Park Royal?
I'd say it's just fine for beginner divers. Not sure about the shore dive thing but I don't think there's much. Think Villa Blanca (Papa Hog pier) or Blue Angel.
I've dived from the dock at Del Mar Aquatics. Some rocks and coral heads on the north side. Even seen snorkel tours walked in there.
I suggest hiring a private dm for the first boat trip. Money well spent for anyone new to Coz drift diving, or ocean diving, or just diving. It's not always easy the first time. You have less than 24 dives in 3 years?
Take a combination lock to store much of your gear at the dock. You both have mid or top level DAN dive insurance I hope, not the bottom one as it's a dog and only $10 cheaper. Have a great trip.
My future wife and I are going to be in Cozumel and staying at the Park Royal this coming week. She has just gotten her diving certification. I have had mine for a little over 3 years. We are thinking about using Del Mar aquatics because they are close to Park Royal. I really have just two questions. First, we want to do a shore dive the first day we are there so she can "get used to the ocean". Where would be a good place to do that (we are not renting a car). The second question, is Del Mar a good dive shop or is there one better some where close to the Park Royal?
First of all, Congrats to your wife on her certification ! How very exciting it is to share a common interest.
Also, you may want to consider including your "get used to the water" dive as part of your diving time with your dive op. Shore dives can be done, however, for newer divers, I do not know if going on your own especially with possible Cozumel currents would be the best thing to do. From my experience with our op, Blue XT SEA Diving, a private divemaster can be hired for folks who are brand new, anxious or have not been in the water for awhile. It is really nice to be one-on-one under these circumstances. Of course, there is the investment, but well worth it. It is amazing how much more enjoyable dives will be after a private divemaster has tweeked a first time/new/dry diver's weight,breathing and buoyancy. Most likely a private divemaster could be arranged with any if not all dive op's there. Have a great time !!!
Right after we got certified we came to Coz and dove with Scuba with Alison Scuba Dive Cozumel | ScubaWithAlison She was terrific for new divers. Fairly large fast boat with no more than 8 divers. Check her out.
My future wife and I are going to be in Cozumel and staying at the Park Royal this coming week. She has just gotten her diving certification. I have had mine for a little over 3 years. We are thinking about using Del Mar aquatics because they are close to Park Royal. I really have just two questions. First, we want to do a shore dive the first day we are there so she can "get used to the ocean". Where would be a good place to do that (we are not renting a car). The second question, is Del Mar a good dive shop or is there one better some where close to the Park Royal?
Hi! you have been to the island before, when you walk out the hotel and turn right headed to town walk ten minutes to scubamau at VillaBlanca. Opal and Mau are really great people to dive with. Their guys are second to none for having fun and diving with. You can do really easy shore dives there at the shop for free. The are lots of critters to see there also. Just let Opal know any concerns and the divemaster you are with will cater to you. or she will send another out, generally a small fee for that. You will feel safe with them. They have gear for rent if you need any. The prices for dives are great too. Let me know how the hotel is, I stay there alot and love it there. Have fun and congratulations on your marriage. Tell opal kevin sent ya. www.scubamaucozumel.com
In judging others a man labours to no purpose, commonly errs, and easily sins, but in examining himself, he is always wisely and usefully employed. Thomas A Kempis
[countdown=06/12/2011 12:30 AM]Count down:[/countdown]until Kev's on Coz
[countdown=2/12/2011 12:45 AM]Count down:[/countdown]until Kev hits Coz again
Just north of the Park Royal is Village Tank Haa. (I think that's the name). Directly across the street from Village Tank Haa is Scuba Shack. I stay at Casa del Mar, which is just on the other side of Village Tank Haa, and I dove a week with Scuba Shack, and it was *really* convenient. They have lockers right there for your gear, so bring a paddle lock.
I'm a Deep Blue fan, but the dives I did with Scuba Shack were excellent. Another great Cozumel dive shop in my opinion.
Scuba Shack also goes by the name of Roberta's Eco-dive and I think Blue Bubble is also the same operation.
As to shore diving, you can dive in front of Scuba Shack, or Del Mar aquatics. (in front of Casa del Mar). Bears no comparison to boat diving the reefs, but I'm always amazed at the number of different creatures you can see on shore dives in Coz.
Another option for your shore dive would be just across the street from Park Place in El Cid. The shore dive is easy access, they have shower and dunk tank for the after dive rinse. Plenty of things to see including the remains of an old airplane. The swim area is roped off so that boats will not be above you and the bottom is only 20 - 35 feet making bottom time a long one.
Good luck with your choice. BTW, if you dive with the dive shop in el cid, small fast boat, maximum of 8 divers, all the shore dives are free. They even have lockers that you can store your gear in. I hope this helps.
I also stayed at Park Royal and dove with Del Mar Aquatics. If you dive with them they will give you unlimited tanks to do shore dives. They will even leave tanks for you and your buddy out to do night dives there. Just let them know before they close. I have seed divers that have had a DM lead them on shore dives there, not sure what the cost. Maybe just tips. Also if you do a dive package with them and pay in cash they will give you much better price. Just ask. I have dove with them twice and they are an excellent dive op. I have also dove with Dive with Martin on the other side of Park Royal. They are at the International Pier. If you plan on doing any shore diving though I would probably use Del Mar.
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Originally Posted by TayzGpa
She was terrific for new divers. Fairly large fast boat with no more than 8 divers. Check her out.
