- 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 flew non-stop Miami to Cancun on Aeromexico— good service. We took a taxi to Playa del
Carmen—US$40.00 plus $5.00 tip—US$45.00. For US$8.00 round-trip per person, we took the
barco rapido (waterjet) ferry to Cozumel. Then a ~US$3.00 taxi ride (incl. tip—we had
luggage) to the Plaza Las Glorias. (NOTE: taxi rides in this zone run 8–12 NewPesos without
baggage—nice to let drivers know that you know the going rate—12 can become 10, but tip a peso
anyway).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 on Cozumel
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.
Explore the Land and Restaurants
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!
The Dive Log—Dive Paradise
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!
