Diving Cozumel direct from Playa

[ScubaDoc1]

Wow I got way more than I asked for with this question! Thanks everyone for the great advice. These days the cenotes are my favorite dives. I’ve been diving them for years. But I want to do a combination on this trip so this gives me some good options to consider

 

[Saxonjd]

I remember in previous threads about diving boats there was mention a number of boats that would come from the mainland (and others in Coz) without permits to dive in the Marine Park. If I understand things correctly, I'd want to make sure whoever you contract with is permitted to dive in the park.

 

[Streydog]

I talked to a shop when I was staying in Playa a couple years ago and they mentioned about taking a boat to Cozumel for a 2-tank and then being back by 1. That turned me off right away. They are either very short dives or they are not going very far south. I talked to a European DM in Playa once and she told me she sometimes freelances in Cozumel. I asked her how well she knows the reefs in Coz. Her response was that in Coz you don't really need to know the reefs well, they are all good. What I got out of this is to make sure to use a Cozumel dive op to get the best experience.

 

[ReefHound]

To dive in Cozumel it’s best to stay in Cozumel. Split the trip if there are reasons to stay in Playa.

 

[gopbroek]

I wonder if boats of the cross channel operators are permitted and if the 'European' DM's have work Visa's. The legitimate operators in Cozumel have to follow the rules

 

[Chavodel8en]

Its not possible to take a very early ferry over and still catch morning dives? I realize that it may need waking up very early, but I understood this was possible?

Maybe the schedules have changed.

 

[wedivebc]

I started going to Playa every year about 16 years ago. I would ferry over to Coz for a day of diving, then it went to 2 days, then a week, now I have been known to make a whole vacation in Coz and then come back later for a cave trip in Playa. It can be addicting.

 

[Streydog]

Its not possible to take a very early ferry over and still catch morning dives? I realize that it may need waking up very early, but I understood this was possible?

Maybe the schedules have changed.

When things were "normal" You could take the 7 AM ferry and be on the island between 7:40 and 7:50. It just depended on your op. Not sure on the ferry times now.

 

[diver0008]

PS I no longer own a dive shop! 25 years was enough.

That's news (to me). I hope the new management keeps the Aldora bar high and you are enjoying some leisure time.

 

[gopbroek]

When things were "normal" You could take the 7 AM ferry and be on the island between 7:40 and 7:50. It just depended on your op. Not sure on the ferry times now.

Per their web pages Winjet and Ultramar are running identical schedules on alternating days. Not a true even odd schedule but every other day.