Why Come to Coz in January?

[ReefHound]

My issue with this thread is that it may even give people the idea that other months besides January are better, when Dec, Jan,Feb and March are all impacted by winter weather there.

In other words, you're concerned that people might get the right impression?

Nobody ever said January is the ONLY month affected by weather. Straw man. Any month is subject to weather issues. But the degree does matter. Dave started the thread to say January is the worst month to visit. Is there any other month that averages more lost diving days than January? Yes or no. If yes, tell us what month. If no, then Dave's position is accurate. If you think that is unfair and we should also talk about the second worst month to visit, or the third worst month to visit, go right ahead.

 

[scubadada]

Why doesn't someone (Christie, Dave, someone else) post port closures for all, or pertinent months, for the last 5 years or so, that we can all use that information to help in making travel decisions.

I am actually working on that as we speak. I compiled the January information that I had immediate access to for the past five years to address this post. I should have the remaining months data compiled within a day or two.

In other words, you're concerned that people might get the right impression?

Nobody ever said January is the ONLY month affected by weather. Straw man. Any month is subject to weather issues. But the degree does matter. Dave started the thread to say January is the worst month to visit. Is there any other month that averages more lost diving days than January? Yes or no. If yes, tell us what month. If no, then Dave's position is accurate. If you think that is unfair and we should also talk about the second worst month to visit, or the third worst month to visit, go right ahead.

Right

 

[Christi]

Bit of an understatement there . In the winter, I used to dive a 7mil 2-piece farmer john, and every diver i knew was wrapped in as much neoprene as they could get their hands on...

I'm pretty confident nothing I've said, (or the essence of Dave's OP) has been un-factual, it's all just been over-reacted to, and taken out of context, as being some sort of assault against Cozumel.

I don't see how presenting this accurate info is a bad thing.

And I know people that are comfortable in a sharkskin and a hood this time of year, others in a 5mil, others with a 3m shorty - everyone is different.

Not to be argumentative - just please don't confuse opinion/experience with factual data.

Sharing your personal opinions and experience is absolutely not a bad thing.

However, opinions and personal experiences are subjective and vary from one person to the next - including mine. Data of actual port closure dates are facts.

 

[Zman96]

Deleted, not worth my time anymore.

 

[morecowbells]

I have visited Cozumel twice during January. Each time we lost at least one day of diving due to nortes. Even if the port is not closed, I am a wimp with a low tolerance to getting cold and never seemed to be able to warm up during surface intervals. Now, my favorite time to visit the island is in Oct. We have also lost days when the ENE winds come through, but the fronts seem shorter lived. Overall, the conditions are more tolerable with the warm water and comfortable surface intervals. I have to also mention that I was not keen on Dave's post stating that even during norte's he is out diving the east side while everyone else is stuck on the beach. I feel it is basically summarized as "If you absolutely have to dive in Jan. use my dive op to assure maximum dive days. " While it is probably true, too much self promotion, self congratulatory for my palate.

 

[Dave Dillehay]

MarkIV, did you read the last sentence I typed? "while I get January might not be optimal to be in Cozumel, the allure to be there and out of the 0 degree temps in the north are too much for many to pass up."
I have read the thread, I know and so do most people that there may be better times to visit, my point is January isn't the only time the weather can be less than ideal. I have dove port open days in October that were very rough and for less in shape people than me, were a real struggle. My issue with this thread is that it may even give people the idea that other months besides January are better, when Dec, Jan,Feb and March are all impacted by winter weather there.

I agree wholeheartedly, that is why I suggest May-June and Sept-Oct are the best times. Im not trying to hype my business as my guys have to feed their families in all months, just trying to give an objective observation for those that don't know.

dave

 

[scubadada]

The most important thing for me when I go out with a boat is that I will be safe. That decision is usually made by the boat captain and/or operator. Cozumel is unique in that the decision is made by the Harbor Master. It is always disappointing when you miss a dive due to conditions, but one has to respect the decision to keep you safe.

Every year, especially late Fall, Winter, and early Spring, I miss dives in SE Florida due to conditions. My rule is very simple, if the boat goes, I go. If the boat does not go, I accept that decision without question. I only use 5 operations in Boynton Beach, Jupiter, and West Palm and I trust their judgement. After 9 years and a few more than 800 dives, so far, so good.

 

[ReefHound]

The most important thing for me when I go out with a boat is that I will be safe. That decision is usually made by the boat captain and/or operator. Cozumel is unique in that the decision is made by the Harbor Master. It is always disappointing when you miss a dive due to conditions, but one has to respect the decision to keep you safe.

Every year, especially late Fall, Winter, and early Spring, I miss dives in SE Florida due to conditions. My rule is very simple, if the boat goes, I go. If the boat does not go, I accept that decision without question. I only use 5 operations in Boynton Beach, Jupiter, and West Palm and I trust their judgement. After 9 years and a few more than 800 dives, so far, so good.

Apparently, a better title for the Harbor Master in Cozumel would be Water Master since closing the port closes all water-based activities, whether a boat is involved or not. When the boats in SE Florida cancel does that mean all the beaches are closed and nobody can shore dive, snorkel, swim, or wade into the water from the beach?

 

[Christi]

Apparently, a better title for the Harbor Master in Cozumel would be Water Master since closing the port closes all water-based activities, whether a boat is involved or not. When the boats in SE Florida cancel does that mean all the beaches are closed and nobody can shore dive, snorkel, swim, or wade into the water from the beach?

This is sometimes the case, but not always. Sometimes the distinction is made to close for all aquatic activities and sometimes not. More often than not it's closed for all.

 

[Dogbowl]

This is sometimes the case, but not always. Sometimes the distinction is made to close for all aquatic activities and sometimes not. More often than not it's closed for all.

@Christi, just to clarify, so if it is "closed for all aquatic activities", people can't even go to Chankanaab park and scuba dive or snorkel there too?