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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 experienced Paradise Beach and the two reef snorkeling excursion this past week. I highly reccomend both, the beach is absolutely beautiful, clean, and with friendly staff. Prices are extremely reasonable, and the food was great. The catamaran/snorkeling excursion was also a great experience, and the cost very reasonable. The crew and staff that accompanied us on the snorkeling excursion were fun, knowledgeable, and extremely curteous. The two reef snorkeling trip was absolutely the greatest experience for $$$$$$$ value!!! The catamaran ride to the reef was wonderful, atmosphere splendid, and by far the best snorkeling we have had the opportunity to experience. With out a doubt we would do this again. My 18 year old daughter enjoyed the day as well as myself. This was one of the highlights of our Mom Daughter vacation, and we will enjoy many beautiful memories. Debra D. ~ Rochester NY USA
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Ladies --- I just wanted to thank you so much for helping us with the island tour and the sea trek helment diving ------- both were awesome!
Our tour guide was Humberto ----- great guy --- he sang for us !!!!!!!! He has been to Nashville, TN before ---- he was so knowledgable and so nice.
We ran a little late for the sea trek ---- but they took us right in. They too were great -- that was one of the coolest water activities we have ever done. Yes --- we bought the video and pictures ------ we just loved it. Did not have time to snorkel with Mario -- we feard we'd miss the ship -----
but we did not --- taxi took us quickly to the ship as soon as the sea trek was over.
I don't know a lot of travelers -- but I would recommend anybody using Yaxkin as a tour company --- as well as the guys at Sea Trek.
You ladies were great ----
Thanks again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tressa Bush ~ Tennessee
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Hey, we got the pictures and they look great. We all had a lot of fun and it was a highlight of our vacation. All of us have stated to take some scubadiving lessons because we loved it so much. Thanks for everything and keep up the good work. We told all of our friends about it and hopefully they have a chance to try it as well. We will definity be posting a forum and checking out your website. Sorry about the slow reply. Thanks again. Kurtis, Dave & Bryan ~ Farmington, MA
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This was by far THE most fun we have had on an excursion! The snuba experience was one in a million! These folks know how to treat you right! We had a blast on the boat! Jose, Juan, Eduardo and one more guy...can't think of his name... our hats off to you for making our day a blast! Watch out for those Tequila shots!! Thanks for a fantastic memory! Lynn V. ~ Shreveport Louisiana
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We travelled to Cozumel in January of 2005 and decided to take a snorkel and Snuba trip organised by Mayan Paradise Tours. My father (age 70) and I had snorkeled, but had never experienced Snuba. Because of my father's age, we were both nervous. However, Eduardo, our guide, was excellent and deserves a special note... he had a positive, patient, and relaxed manner about himself that let us both relax and enjoy our dive. The dive was breath taking. All of the staff was very proffessional, and everyone on the boat clearly had a great time. I recommend this tour to anyone considering it . D. Josephthal ~ South Bend, IN
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Cozumel Recompression Chamber