Fluffy Cat Dives Cozumel
by
Robert Keeney
Copyright © November 2003

• Research accommodations suitable for his clients' preferences,
• Research Dive Operators who best match his clients' experience levels and preferences,
• Research Dive Sites on both Cozumel and Yucatan,
• Become familiar with Cozumel's offerings—food, sights, environment,
• [I wanted to check out the fish and birds!]

We did fast site inspections of other properties and took a more expensive cab ride (20 pesos) out to the Fiesta Americana (Cozumel Reef Hotel) property. Then we saw La Ceiba (another 20 pesos—and we negotiated 30 pesos for the remaining properties). Casa del Mar Hotel, Hotel Brisas Cozumel (former Costa Club, former Fiesta Inn) and Galapago Inn Hotel. For the experienced diver looking for a good value, the Galapago Inn has beautiful Mexican architecture and ambiance. Shore diving very convenient. Some were night diving. During our stay we walked down a few blocks and checked out the Barracuda Hotel.

We took the plane back on Monday from Cancun. We first rented a car on the mainland side, Playa del Carmen, with drop-off at Cancun airport—better value than a taxi ride! And I could navigate from the dashboard where I had a clear view of all birds. We drove to Tulum, checking out major resorts along the way. Some were hit hard by the hurricane but would be open by mid-December for high season. We had no time to visit Xcaret and Tulum/Xel Ha. Each require a day—good side trips for a non-diving significant other and kids...and cats.

When we dine in other countries we enjoy their cuisine and entertainment. In Cozumel we always chose the Mexican platters offered by the restaurants—sometimes Sopa de Tortillas or Sopa del Lime. ALL very tasty. And I played with many Mexican jumping beans.

Dive Paradise was upgrading equipment. They had, and were acquiring new 80's. They know more and more women and teens are diving—some with smaller bodies requiring less air. They are adding 63's to their supply of 50's. For their 2-tank dive, a 63 for the deep and a 50 for the shallow should be quite adequate for most smaller people who don't want the stress associated with moving a large tank around and coming up with more air than needed. Dive Paradise begins their dockside pickup at the Barracuda Hotel. They pick up dockside at other properties along the way to the reefs and walls located to the south of town. They are very safety-oriented. They have luxurious larger boats as well as fast-moving small pangas—fanny-bangers when the waves are up.

It was a short stroll to town where we dined at several excellent restaurants—all very inexpensive. I had my first lobster—I can't wait to get back to Miami when the lobster season opens!

After winding up down-current about 100 yards from our entrance, we swam up-current about half way to our hotel next door. Then drifted back. They are building an artificial reef out of old pipes, parts of automobiles, tires, and all sorts of junk. We saw some large fish, as well as those feisty little sergeant majors. They are fed by tourists at a nearby restaurant. I almost snagged one...I'm feisty too... We referred to this as our "junkyard" dive. You must be careful swimming through some of this debris. Give it a year or two, and it should become an excellent artificial reef. I saw some huge puffer fish. They look funny. And they told me the same about cats—scuba certified or not.

Dive 2–12/1—Beginning Palancar—Drift Dive—Huge coral heads at edge of wall. I could stalk my prey! Very pleasant drift dive past fantastic coral shapes covered with intricate corals and sponges inhabited by different sizes and types of fish. I was purring until I noticed a large grouper following me. Spectacular!

Dive 3–12/1—Paso del Cedral—Drift Dive—Coral reefs and tunnels. Those are spooky. We all watched the DiveMaster feed groupers and a spotted moray eel.

Dive 7–12/3—Columbia Reef—Drift Dive—Outstanding underwater architecture, flora and fauna—with stalkthroughs...er...swimthroughs. I saw my first turtle—a little guy—and was about to be given a ride. He swam to the surface when our DM surprised it. Sssssss...t!

Dive 8–12/3—Columbia Shallows—Drift Dive—Long line of large coral heads, inhabited by all sorts of fish and many corals. This is where I practiced my buoyancy control. I crouched into a ball and drifted with the current. My long fur was moving with the little surge. Our dive group was about 50 feet away, and their noisy diving style sent many gorgeous fish my way which were curious about this "strange non-threatening fur ball" blowing a stream of tiny bubbles. :-) :-) :-) I was very well-fed earlier and chose to just observe—not snag one...but I could have! Sometimes when my master sees me practicing my buoyancy control, he will fin over and turn me upside down. Most other dives had visibility over 100'. This one had only about 60'—but still outstanding!

NOTE: While the fast little fanny-bangers speed divers to and from sites, there is much to be said about the larger, plusher boats. There is time to socialize and watch the scenery—maybe take in a little sun. I personally like to do some stretches and controlled breathing. And, I like to just sort of space out and soak up Nature's vibrations. And everybody likes to pet me. I miss that when being shaken up like a soda bottle in the confined quarters of a panga—getting a bruised fanny and upsetting divers when I have to claw onto their BCs for support. Meow! I'm just a little kitty which could become fish bait if bounced overboard!

Photo by: 
Randall C. Allen–3/1995 (www.searover.com) 

We decided to ride the barco rapido to Playa del Carmen (US$8.00 round trip per person—no charge for cats). We were picked up on the other side by CEDAM Dive Center, located in Puerto Aventuras. Mike Madden has been involved for years in the local cavern diving and assisted in setting the standards for cave/cavern diving. His operation is very safe and by-the-book.

I've heard much about cave and cavern diving. My master has shared with me what he read over the Internet. I have always been curious...goes with my territory of being feline. I was pleasantly surprised that CEDAM has a special tour of the Ponderosa Cavern. This is geared for the open water diver who is not certified for cave/cavern. You are always in sight of the surface, although in an overhead environment. The briefing was excellent. Only 4 divers and one cat follow the guide. Most of the dive is about 30' deep.

Now that I have done this dive, I understand the appeal cave/cavern diving has for so many. Yes...I could become certified. I see well in the dark and like to stalk at night. I have the safe psychological profile. I choose recreational, open water diving. I like to see and chase fish. There were no fish in that cavern. If you have always wanted to try a cave/cavern dive, take a day trip from Cozumel. This is the perfect way to discover for yourself what it is like.

Dive 4–12/2—Pamul—Drift Dive—The terrain is very much similar to Miami's—with better vis. Fairly flat terrain. Waves 1–3's. Dived from a fanny-banger panga. After my master unceremoniously dropped me into the water he performed his backward roll entry. Humans do this...cats always land on their feet. This was not "Soft Scuba." It was too rough for his mate. Her viewpoint enters into her evaluations—it ain't "Soft Scuba" unless she says it's "Soft Scuba" ;-) ;-) ;-)

Dive 5–12/2—Cedam Caves—Drift Dive—Large sand patches with surrounding coral heads/reef. Some swim throughs. Large lobster! He explored me with his antennae. I communicated through my whiskers. Really nice guy...invited me into his home...but I was too big to get through the doorway. That big breakfast and lunch! Larger fish in addition to juveniles. Vis pretty poor and surge at 40'.

NOTE: Diving Cozumel is on the lee side (less waves). Diving the Yucatan side is on the windward side (more wind and larger waves). For those staying on the mainland side, there are sandy beaches. Fridays CEDAM usually had a large, comfortable boat going for a day of diving on Cozumel reefs and walls.

Dive 6–12/2— Ponderosa Cavern—Cave/Cavern Dive—After the excellent briefing, we drove to the cenote—a beautiful fresh-water sink-hole with mangrove trees. At one time these caves/caverns were above sea level. Now there are underwater stalactites and stalagmites. The humans giant-strided off the platform. I crawled down a mangrove root. We all checked our buoyancy. My master dives lite in salt water—12 lbs of lead. He dropped 2lbs. At 10lbs lead he dived slightly heavy in this fresh-water environment. Good thing, because we descended through the halocline to the warmer salt water. He let all the air from his BC and lowered his lung volume. His buoyancy was just about right. I did just fine with my pony bottle and no lead...we cats are more flexible than humans!

This cave/cavern is huge! One would have to stray on purpose to get near the bottom and kick up silt. There is a permanent set of lines throughout which CEDAM uses for their certification classes. We followed the rule of thirds—one-third air in, one-third air out and one-third air for reserve. My master wishes he'd had a larger, brighter light. Different refraction of light in salt water and fresh water. Look at a diver half below and half above the halocline. From below the halocline, this creates the illusion of a body cut in half. That must be the "cave monster" everybody talks about ;-) ;-) ;-)

Had they allowed the use of a 50 size tank, his mate would have made this dive. Only 63 and above are allowed—for obvious reasons. They made exceptions for certified kitties using a pony bottle. Another safety rule—if anybody decides to abort the dive, the whole dive is aborted at that point. Cats have no say in the matter!

Find out more about Cozumel and choose your perfect dive adventure there—fin immediately over to—Cozumel Dive Adventures.

A Pathway to the Greater Truth—You explore the underwater world. You practice your dive skills. You add more skills. You become more at–one with your underwater surroundings. You become more aware of the Reality embracing you...

This dreamlike stillness... There is no need to vigorously pursue Truth and Reality. It is simply there!... Reality taps you on the shoulder when you least expect it. Suddenly you know...without being taught...without putting forth any effort...

When you surface, your viewpoint will have changed. You will feel more alive... More in–tune... You will grasp a little more the Truth and Reality of your existence.

Yes...you can bring this Truth and Reality back to your surface world. This pure Truth and Reality is experienced every moment by all underwater creatures.

Experience this underwater environment more fully. Seek more training and purchase more equipment. Safely and comfortably venture below for extended periods. Become more relaxed and receive greater enlightenment.

 Photo by: Fred Altrieth–12/2000
In Part 1 of this 7–part series, I shared how I earned my first certification many years ago from a very environmentally-oriented NAUI dive instructor. My original NAUI Certification Card was accepted by PADI years later when I changed over. I had logged enough dives and my original NAUI certification was the equivalent of both the PADI OpenWater and AdvancedOpenWater certifications. My first PADI certification was Rescue Diver.

During this process I had the "right-for-me" instructor. My underwater world began to open up for me. Up until then I was totally clueless of my surroundings. No peripheral vision...physical or psychological.

In Part 1 of this 7–part series, you learned how to earn your first PADI C-card. Your OpenWater instruction includes three areas—Knowledge Reviews, Confined Water Training Dives and Open Water Training Dives. There are three options how to handle the Knowledge Review phase—

• Class sessions at your local dive shop.
• Video at home and spend time with instructor going over material learned.
• Interactive CD and spend less time with instructor going over material learned.

You also learned about your PADI Referral Option—complete your Open Water Training Dives in the warm-water dive destination of your choice. Bonaire is always a nice option.

Great! You have earned your basic OpenWater C-card. You feel as if you have just passed your first driver's test. You are licensed to drive a car down the highway. Sure...you might occasionally not properly execute a turn on an unknown bend in the road. You might oversteer a little. You might be so focused on just the mechanics of driving and watching out for other vehicles that your new freedom seems somewhat task-loaded. As you log more miles everything sort of goes on automatic and you begin to enjoy the scenery. Same scenario with your diving experience. Go log dives...it takes about 20–25 logged dives before you really begin to feel more comfortable and confident.

Many prefer to immediately earn their next level C-card, AdvancedOpenWater. Yes...it is easy to rise to the challenge and get another "trophy." But the enlightenment and pleasure is in the process...not the "trophy." Take your time..only you will know when you are ready.

When you go for your AdvancedOpenWater certification, you will complete 5 special dives. The Deep Dive is requisite for you to dive deeper than 60fsw (feet–sea–water) to the recreational limit of 130fsw. the other requisite dive is Underwater Navigation—where's the shore/boat, etc.? There are a great number of other dives you can choose from which suit your interests. Drift Dive and Night Dive are always good to know.

This is where the fun really begins. No more classes...no more Confined Water Dives where you learned and practiced your basic skills. Just you and maybe a few others and your instructor. Do the Knowledge Reviews at home. Show and discuss these with your instructor. Do the dives under your instructor's supervision. Visit your PADI shop and discuss these with your chosen instructor.

In this article, Part 2 of a 7–part series, you discovered how you can bring Truth and Reality back to your surface world. How will you experience your underwater environment more fully? You will seek more training and purchase more equipment. Find out more...visit your local PADI dive shop and advance to your next level.

Part 3 of this 7–part series will show how you will become a more skilled adventurer. Your capacity to Love will increase as you embrace your less–alien underwater world.

Dive S.A.F.E.,
Robert Keeney—
PADI OpenWaterScubaInstructor

Your Onboard Experience— From dawn till the wee hours there is activity aboard the Inspiration—a Carnival "Fantasy-class" ship. 2,044 passengers find the Inspiration large enough to provide diverse entertainment for a week. Ample deck space for sunning. Separate facilities for the infants through the positively ancient. The Inspiration caters to you. You who want your most active cruise experience. But also seek a little solitude on the sea in your favorite, quiet nook for reading or just watching the sea go by.

The heart of the Inspiration is the seven-deck high atrium filled with massive works of art. This area is light-filled during the day. Winking tivoli lights at night create an energized effect. The Inspiration boasts an "entertainment promenade" where you can stroll or just people-watch from soft banquettes. At one end of the promenade is the show lounge. Live production shows. Comedians. Magicians. Passenger Talent shows are scheduled. This two-level room has excellent sight lines and good seating throughout. You will fine the most imaginative décor in the entertainment areas. The Inspiration's popular piano bars. An enormous circular piano serves as bar for those who sing along. Lively disco and cabaret lounge are also located along this boulevard.

Inspiration features high caliber live entertainment appreciated by many musical tastes. Lavishly costumed casts perform two live production shows weekly. Sets have all the special effects you'll find at the most sophisticated Las Vegas shows. Inspiration's "entertainment architecture" is the integral part of its nightlife. You'll find your quiet bar when you want a more relaxed atmosphere. Or...head for the hopping disco.

Inspiration's cabins are among the largest in the cruise industry. Inside measure 185 sq. ft. Outside are 190 sq. ft. Families and groups of singles book cabins early for four and five people. You'll find a color TV with CNN, telephone and radio. Bathrooms are fairly large, with hand-held shower and medicine cabinet. There are 26 mini-suites (226 sq. ft. plus 36 square ft. private veranda) and 28 suites measuring 350 sq. ft. with 71 sq. ft. balconies.

Inspiration is perfect when you want to keep in shape during your cruise. 12,000 sq. ft. devoted to fitness and spa facilities. The gym has a private trainer and 35 top quality exercise machines. There is a day-long schedule of aerobics, stretching classes, a full jogging track, volleyball court and secluded area if you prefer sunbathing topless.

Steiner's of London operates the ship's spa. Many different types of massages. The Inspiration has a large central pool with water slide. There is plenty of space if you want a quiet area away from the crowds for sunbathing.

Your Shore Tours—are offered on the Inspiration. They may only be purchased on board. All tours are subject to change and may not be available on every saildate. A child is considered 2–12 years of age unless otherwise noted. Note—Tours are operated by independent contractors and Carnival is not responsible for their actions.

Rates— Book early for Carnival's Super Saver rates which are about half the brochure rate. Sample Super Saver rates for Inspiration, per person based on double occupancy start at: Inspiration—7–day cruise—$499. For December, rates start at $629.00 per person

Sailing Itinerary—From Tampa—Sunday–Sunday

• Day Port of Call Arrival Time Depart Time
• Sunday Tampa, Florida—4:00 PM
• Monday Fun Day At Sea
• Tuesday Georgetown, Grand Cayman—7:00 AM–3:00 PM
• Wednesday Costa Maya, Mexico—10:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Thursday Cozumel, Mexico—7:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Friday Belize City, Belize—7:30 AM–4:30 PM
• Saturday Fun Day At Sea
• Sunday Tampa, Florida—8:00 AM

• Georgetown Grand Cayman—Discover Scuba or
  Certified Scuba—2–Tank Dive
• Cozumel—Discover Scuba or
  Certified Scuba—2–Tank Dive
• Belize—Turneffe Atoll—
  Certified Scuba—2–Tank Dive
  

Certified Divers—Be transported to Reefs for briefing, gearing up. Depart on a dive boat for your two-tank dive along Grand Cayman's West Wall. Experience a shipwreck and a reef as your two dives (conditions permitting). Cayman dives have been rated among the best in the world. Valid C–Cards must be presented when boarding the dive boat. Approximately 2½–3 hours.

Certified Divers—Dive crystal clear waters. Experience the Mexican Caribbean with one of Mexico's premier dive operators. Your dive boat awaits you at the pier. The world famous Palancar reef at 80 feet is your first dive site. Your second dive is a shallow dive at 50 feet—this site is decided on your dive day. Refreshments are served during your surface interval. Tanks, weights and weight belts are provided. Equipment is available for rent, BC & regulators are $5.00 USD each. Valid C–Cards must be presented when boarding the dive boat. Approximately 4 hours.

Note: Travel time to and from the dive site is approximately 2 hours; each dive is approximately 1 hour long with a 1-hour snack break between dives. You must present a valid C–card in order to dive—No exceptions. Price without equipment includes tanks and weights only. Approximately 5 hours.

Port Of Spain Gazette Virgin Islands May 1870    

Tortola and the BVI—incredible topside beauty, wide array of dive adventures. Dive there. Add another dive adventure destination to your Caribbean underwater adventures.

Dive Tortola is conveniently located just a short walk outside Road Town—on the harbor just in front of Prospect Reef Resort. Dive Tortola partners with Prospect Reef. Enjoy great amenities and comfortable features on land and sea. Landscaped gardens and low-rise rooms overlook Francis Drake Channel. Panoramic views across the water—other islands—Salt, Peter and Norman.

Dive Tortola guests enjoy all full service features found at Dive Provo—gear storage, set up on the boat, rinsing ready for next day's diving. Divers need never lift their bag from the day they arrive until they leave—Dive Tortola's professional staff takes care of all.

Prospect Reef Resort's wining and dining options are excellent—even for the most discriminating gourmand. Then...again...you might walk ten minutes into the heart of Road Town and enjoy your choice of excellent restaurants. Well...another reason to hike in—purchase your souvenirs and duty free goods.

Diving includes the famous wreck, RMS Rhone, sunk during a hurricane in 1867. Wreck enthusiasts explore numerous wrecks sunk intentionally to create "Wreck Alley." Reef and coral lovers will luxuriate among the BVI's healthy, colourful reefs. Pinnacles and rock formations reach from the depths to high above the surface.

Dive Tortola and Prospect Reef Resort offer a special package. Save over 12% for all new bookings made by November 30, 2003 for 2004 travel.

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