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Cozumel Scuba Diving |
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You've heard it all before, but diving the waters of Cozumel is exceptional and breathtaking and the dives sites look different even if you return to the same spot in the same week.
Rated in the top 5 diving sites in the world, Cozumel remains popular for all levels of diving from the beginner to the highly experienced technical diver.
There is challenge and beauty for everyone so take your time, get all the info you can, and learn from the Insiders ...
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Selecting a Dive Operator and Dive Trip |
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Since there are over 130 dive shops to chose from on Cozumel, deciding who to dive with can be overwhelming.
The choices range from large operations with as many as 15 boats in the fleet to mom-pop shops with a single boat to launch daily as well as freelancers hawking on the street and renting boats at the last minute when they get enough clients to cover costs.
Basics for Choosing the Right Dive Shop |
- Verify the dive operator is affiliated with a certifying agency such as PADI, NAUI, SSI or even FMAS which is the Mexican counterpart to the US agencies. All of these agencies have "incident" reporting processes to ensure safety and compliance with industry guidelines.
- Check the certification and experience levels of the shop owner as well as the person who will be conducting the dives. Your safety will depend on the guidance and decision making of these professionals. The more experienced guides are familiar with the water currents and reefs.
- Select dive operators who invest in safety equipment. The minimum safety equipment on board a dive boat is a radio, lifejackets and a DAN oxygen kit for emergencies. Professional operators will carry fresh water and first aid kits as well.
- Choose dive operators who employ multi-lingual employees. You will be more comfortable and misunderstandings are minimized.
- Most importantly, deal with a dive shop that understands the nature of customer service. With so much competition, there is no reason for anyone to be less than professional to you.
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Basics for Choosing the Right Dive Trip |
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- Private Charters: These trips are organized for just your group. You make all the decisions as to where you want to go and what you want to do. This is fun for a large family or group that works well together and knows the area. This is generally more costly then the regular scheduled trips but it doesn't hurt to inquire if you are interested. Contact us and we would be happy to help you set one up.
- Small Boat or "Fast Boat": This type of trip is typically taken on a small boat with an outboard motor. The boat can accomodate comfortably no more than 4-6 divers. Since the boat is small and fast it gets you to the reef quickly (maybe ahead of the other groups).
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- Larger Boat: This trip is taken on a larger boat typically with as as many as 10-15 other divers. The trip is very comfortable as there normally is plenty of room for your gear and to move about. While travelling to/from the reefs, these boats typically have areas to relax and sun and most offer some ort of refreshments/snack.
Each option has its merits and can be fun in its own way. If you prefer privacy, book a charter; if you are gregarious and enjoy meeting people from all over the world, jump on a larger boat and make some new friends!
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Some SCUBA (and almost) activities you might enjoy!
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We used Dive Paradise as dive operators and could not have made a better choice. Once again, friendly people with great diving skills. We would dive with them again. Gear was in good shape and the tanks always full. Loved the idea of divers choice dive spots. J. & R. Fithian ~ San Diego, CA
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Hello, I will visit the island next weekend. I just want to thank you and your staff who make this website, because I've been checking a lot of websites, even those Trip Advisor, and yours has been much more useful to plan this trip. Specially because it has links to official websites from local beaches, tips about prices and ways to get somewhere. Good job! I'll write again to tell you about the experience. C. Quijano (Feb. 2015) ~ Mexico
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Just wanted to sayThank You for your webcam. We Love Cozumel and miss it so much. It is nice to be able to look at the webcam every day and see what is happening and the beautiful water. Your website has also been very helpful when planning our trips. Keep up the good work. amy ~ southern Utah
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Hello my name is Brent C. and I did the Turtle Observation & Release on June 27th. I can honestly not put into words how great and breathtaking the whole experience was! it has always been a dream of mine to watch turtles nest up close and personal but you guys topped that dream and did even better! I almost cried tears of joy when i found out I got to get up close and help remove the turtle eggs as she was laying them! I plan on becoming a marine biologist one day and this whole experience has pushed me farther into my passion for marine biology! I can not say thank you enough! Also cant forget the helpful crew of young men and women that helped us along the night and where ever so kind! Here is a picture of the green sea turtle I named April after she had laid her eggs! Thanks and God Bless Brent C ~ USA
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I just walked thru the door from a week with dive paradise....and it was AWESOME. Best diving I've ever done. The staff were spectacular. I would also recommend doing a night dive right there off the shore behind the shop. We did it almost everyday. Very good for beginning night divers. Our dive master was Hymie ... he led an awesome dive. I'm looking forward to going back some day. M. Miller ~ Bloomfield Hills, MI
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Copyright 2000 - 2024 Sherri Davis, All Rights Reserved. Contributors retain the copyright to their work. Please do not take art or written content without permission. Other graphics and reference materials are used and attributed as per the Fair Use Provision of The Copyright Act and individual terms of use.
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