Northern Dive Sites

[Brules]

Boooooooo to swim throughs. Does nothing but kill every coral in the swim through. End swim throughs to actually have an impact on the reef!

 

[Dave Dillehay]

Just wondering Dave, I’ve dove with aldora twice, and never met you. Do you work in the shop?

Dear Friends.

I'm 73` now and slowing down a bit, but still remain active in the business side of the shop and Villa Aldora. And no, I don't still lead dive groups…I miss it. But I did that for nearly 20 years and know the reefs pretty well and the activities of divers.

Even though I'm essentially retired I stay on top of the DMs activities and make sure that they continue in the manner that I started in 1992. I also intend to appear here when appropriate…your may notice that I have a lot more likes than posts. I hope that is an indicator that I have been a helpful contributor to this board.

Dave Dillehay
Founder and Floor Sweeper
Aldora Divers

 

[BRT]

Boooooooo to swim throughs. Does nothing but kill every coral in the swim through. End swim throughs to actually have an impact on the reef!

I don't think I've ever seen live coral on a swim through.

 

[Dave Dillehay]

I don't think I've ever seen live coral on a swim through.

How often do you see strong currents in swim throughs? Corals in Cozumel's very clean water need current and some sunlight to live…at least that is what I used to think.

Dave Dillehay

 

[BRT]

How often do you see strong currents in swim throughs? Corals in Cozumel's very clean water need current and some sunlight to live…at least that is what I used to think.

Dave Dillehay

And I agree.

 

[jomcclain]

Boooooooo to swim throughs. Does nothing but kill every coral in the swim through. End swim throughs to actually have an impact on the reef!

I agree. Even if you believe that you can make it through without bumping anything, why take a chance?

 

[Streydog]

How often do you see strong currents in swim throughs? Corals in Cozumel's very clean water need current and some sunlight to live…at least that is what I used to think.

Dave Dillehay

Dave one of your instructors toldus about "Dave's Throat". I dont remember the details. I think it was off Columbia and was kind of deep. Is this a highly guarded secret site?

 

[Dave Dillehay]

Dave one of your instructors toldus about "Dave's Throat". I dont remember the details. I think it was off Columbia and was kind of deep. Is this a highly guarded secret site?

Well, that is really interesting that you brought that up. The place is just north of the big cave system of Columbia Deep, and where you exit there is a big coral arch, at the bottom of which you can find a perfectly vertical tube, not dark at all, dropping down from 90 ft to about 125 ft where at the bottom you will find an amazing patch of unique green sheet coral, and a great narc. If you do the whole Columbia deep, then that dive is only doable if you have a HP120 tank and some reserve NDC time.

I doubt I am the only one that ever found it but I may have been the first one down it. I informed my DMs and they, not me, began to call it Dave's Throat (maybe as a joke). To me, that is still the most exciting dive in all of Cozumel—wish I could do it again. But unlike swim throughs mentioned above, the whole way down is covered with hard and soft corals because of the sunlight and current.

Sometimes, if the current is right, you can finish "Daves Throat" and go back into the big Columbia Deep caves for surfaceing one of the most thrilling dives you will ever experience. The is just my opinion but maybe some of the few who enjoyed that with Dave may went to comment.

Dave Dillehay
Aldora Forever

 

[Ron Lee]

I don't think I've ever seen live coral on a swim through.

You never see ANYTHING in swim throughs.

 

[Dave Dillehay]

Good God Ron,

You said that just before I took you through the first Punta Sur Sur Swimthrough-- where a BIG Caribbean Reef shark rubbed your ass on the way out. Are you still messing with me and playing the fool?

Dave

PS Did you ever do Dave's Throat with me?