Thinking of October Trip

[Redfoot]

I did not want to further hijack the COVID update thread, so figured I would start new.

Looking to sneak off to Coz solo sometime in October or November.

There is a group trip I could join staying at Sunscape all inclusive October 10-17 (originally scheduled for Scuba Club, but they switched locations) . 5 days 3 tank diving with Dressel Divers, and they keep our gear to wash and return for the next day. Single diver on this trip would be $1800 for the week, $1500 if I found a room mate. Free nitrox, and transfers. Reviews I have read says Sunscape is nice, but food is lacking. Would also like to be closer to town, as this will be my first trip and I want to explore a little as opposed to being at the resort.

Thoughts?


I would really like to try and find somewhere I could do 4 dives/day, is that unrealistic? That is why I liked the look of Scuba Club. Also like the thought of traveling in a group, but that was really to find buddies for shore diving.

Any suggestions or input appreciated, I have done a lot of research, but just can't make a decision!

 

[rick00001967]

1800 usd for a week is really high imho. i know it is all inclusive but still.....most destinations i see are half that price. so i guess if you figure 800 or 900 a week is fair for food and drinks then that is up to you.
we stayed here before it was a sunscape. great beach. food was awesome. but i am sure much has changed. we did a sunscape in pueto plata last year. had a great room. great drink service. beautiful gardens. great beach. but the food was so so. and the staff was hit and miss. some great. some not so much. it got quite annoying after awhile when they keep hounding you to join their club.

 

[imoto]

Dressel may do four dives. I'd contact them. I imagine your price includes diving since it's a group trip. You may be able to work something out with Dressel for an additional dive.

We stayed at the Sunscape several years ago and the food was definitely lacking. I found something I liked and ate the same thing for dinner for about 5 days in a row.

If you can do 4 dives a day you might not have much time to explore.

 

[Redfoot]

The package does include the diving + nitrox.

 

[rick00001967]

Hotel Cozumel Resort - Dive Paradise - Scuba Diving Hotel Packages

just for a comparison. scroll down the page to see 7 night / dive package for divers and non divers as well.

 

[ReefHound]

A couple on our boat are staying there and they like it. They do have a car and have gone out for a few dinners, though. What would be the cost to stay there without their diving? You can have other dive ops pick you up there. You can definitely find something cheaper so long as you stay off the waterfront US dollar restaurants and bars. If you eat and drink a lot then AI can be cheaper.

 

[morecowbells]

Out of curiosity, what are your reasons for being closer to town? I have stayed numerous times at the Residencias Reef which is next door to Sunscape. I love the quiet atmosphere and short boat rides to the reef. The downside to that location is being a good 15-20 minutes from town. I have talked to many people who stayed at Sunscape and were overall happy with the resort. The food was adequate and the grounds pleasant. Personally, Dressel would not be my first choice, but I have to admit, the free Nitrox is attractive. I have to admire your stamina for looking at 4 dives a day. Two dives for me, and I am happy to hang out at the pool or beach for the rest of the day. If being in town is important to you, I think you could find more attractive deals.

 

[Redfoot]

Thanks all

I have never been to Coz and would like to see the town ( I know not everything is open) but it sounds like I can do that in an afternoon with no problem.

As for the 4 dives, I am traveling solo, so really just want to dive as much as I can. But if it is not possible, no big deal.

 

[ggunn]

Out of curiosity, what are your reasons for being closer to town?

My primary reason for being closer to town, at least in normal times, is to be closer to some of my favorite restaurants anywhere. It also makes for shorter beerruns.

 

[morecowbells]

I dive with Bottom Time Divers and love the small, fast 6 pack boat. Dressel has larger, slower boats, but they do a lot of excursions in a single day which will check your boxes of multiple dives in a day. I do not know how many divers they take out, but I would personally choose an operation that had small boats and only takes out less than six divers. I love the location of the resorts on the South. I get easily seasick and the short boat rides are the selling point for me. If I was wanting to spend time in town, I would look into some of the resorts in/or north of town. Salty Endeavors is only a few ops that will pick north of town. They have some amazing deals going on. I have not been diving with that op, but did dive with their DM when he was with another op. Nothing but wonderful things to say about him.