Can someone recommend a place to do Advance OW in Cozumel?

[andrethediver]

I Their pier is basically across the street from Casa Mexicana.Good luck, have fun.

Thanks for your information - that is very helpful considering Aqua Safari is across the corner from the hotel. Did you do any dives with them other than for certification? I read some reviews that mentioned they don't dive computer profiles and won't go deeper than 80 feet no matter what (which ultimately results in short and repetitive shallow dives) - was that true for you? Anymore experience with Aqua Safari? Thanks all!

 

[Prop Joe]

Thanks for your recommendation. Do you recall what exactly was included into their AOW fee? Their site does not seem to have any details other than the price list (i.e. what dives are included/any night dives/is equipment included?).

Well Not exactly. My suggestion would be to call Memo using the USA based phone number on the site and ask. I do know they will lend you a lite for a night dive and a dive computer (and instruct you how to use it) if you need one at no charge.
Aldora might not be the cheapest but after diving with them for the last ten years I couldn't imagine diving with anyone else. I generally learn something on almost every dive with them regardless of weather I'm getting a structured class or not (good dive-masters). I ask lots of questions before and after the dive.

 

[scubafree]

Check out Mestizo Divers. Google it and the owner Freddy Contreras and you can check out his website and rates. Small and personal is what you'll get. He used to instruct at Aqua Safari and started his own business. 21 years as an instructor so you can't go wrong.

 

[andrethediver]

Check out Mestizo Divers. Google it and the owner Freddy Contreras and you can check out his website and rates. Small and personal is what you'll get. He used to instruct at Aqua Safari and started his own business. 21 years as an instructor so you can't go wrong.

Thanks for this recommendation, I think I saw this name mentioned here before. Has anyone here taken AOW with this instructor? Thanks.

 

[jayjoans]

Our group of 4 did our AOW with BlueXTsea, and then went on to do Nitrox with them too. We've stayed at the Casa Mexicana while diving with them and the whole process could not have been easier or more professional. After taking our AOW course with Christi, we realized how poor our initial dive classes had been back home. She is very thorough and explains all of the concepts very well. Getting the books beforehand was also a great idea, in addition to having time at home to look things over, it was great to study and get excited about it on the flight to Cozumel.

 

[DSR-3]

I'll be doing my AOW course with Pelagic Ventures in 2 weeks, so I can report on how that goes.
I did quite a bit of research & comparisons before deciding. We're staying in the North (El Coz), so diving is not as convenient as the southern places, and taxi rides are required. I found that some op's provide the book, some don't, some include the dives, some don't. I bought it new on ebay for $17.
As for prices, I included some estimates for taxi's, etc., and found that Aldora was not the most expensive. Based on their response, reviews, big tanks, and close proximity of the villa to the El Coz, I was ready to go with them. BUT, the 7:30 departure was a deal killer for me. PV leaves the Caleta at ~9:00, so I'll have time for breakfast.

 

[andrethediver]

I'll be doing my AOW course with Pelagic Ventures in 2 weeks, so I can report on how that goes.
I did quite a bit of research & comparisons before deciding. We're staying in the North (El Coz), so diving is not as convenient as the southern places, and taxi rides are required. I found that some op's provide the book, some don't, some include the dives, some don't. I bought it new on ebay for $17.
As for prices, I included some estimates for taxi's, etc., and found that Aldora was not the most expensive. Based on their response, reviews, big tanks, and close proximity of the villa to the El Coz, I was ready to go with them. BUT, the 7:30 departure was a deal killer for me. PV leaves the Caleta at ~9:00, so I'll have time for breakfast.

Thanks for the info - we have all the same considerations except that we're staying downtown. Large number of negative reviews (of at least one of their DM) seriously bothers me about Aldora. Please report back once you're done.

 

[WTFOver]

I just did my AOW with Aldora and had a great time. I did my OW with Aqua Safari 3 years ago (with Ricardo Gutierrez) and while they were great I didn't go with them mostly because they only use AL80's and we wanted to use steel 120's. We never had more than 4 divers with a DM and never more than 6 divers on the boat. Often my buddy Bob and I had our own DM (Edgar). We liked the early starts as our wives don't dive and this allowed us to get a long dive in work on the course durring the SI and then get a second long dive in and still be back at the hotel by 1 PM to spend some time with them. Keeping the peace is a good thing!

 

[firstdive2005]

Hi Andrethediver-I would like to mention Scubamau. They have an amazing little op that will absolutely cater to what you need. Mau the instructor is so good and patient. Opal, his wife is the one who will co-ordinate your time there. They have amazing guys working with them. It's like a big family. You will feel like you belong there when you leave. Also you can have all the free shore dives you want and free shore night dives too. They are located at Villa Blanca. They will pick you up. Look them up on trip advisor also. Scubamaucozumel.com, tell Opal kevin sent ya.
Ps They have 6pac fast boats and water/fruit for SI and dive your gas/computer profile.

 

[Martha]

My husband and I completed our AOW & Nitrox course with Christi at Blue XT~Sea. Christi was a very thorough instructor and fun to dive with. My fave AOW dive was the deep dive where you do this puzzle, while being timed. I kicked my husband's butt. Woo hoo!!!

Whoever you decide to go with, I hope you have a wonderful trip!