Going diving in Cancun & Cozemul

[GoSUV]

Going to Mexico in 3 weeks. Will plan to do some snorkeling and scuba diving.

I am a complete newbie in diving, so would like some advice on what to prepare. There are some local dive shops here in town that I can maybe buy a mask and a pair of booties before I go. I think they are best fitted in advance rather than renting from the dive location.

I am a seasoned photographer (wedding) so I am no stranger to cameras. But taking photos underwater will be something new to me.

I also keep a mini reef so it will be fantastic to see the fish's and coral's natural environment.

Any other advice?

 

[maractwin]

If you want to learn scuba, I strongly recommend that you take a course at home before going on your tropical vacation. The short resort courses don't really teach you enough to be safe in the water. By taking the course at home, you won't be spending time on your vacation in a classroom and practicing in a pool. If you live in a cold climate, you can do your final certification on vacation after doing the classroom and pool work at home.

It is good to buy a mask, fins, and snorkel for yourself. You can use these snorkeling or diving. Getting ones that fit well is important, so shop around at your local stores, do not order off the internet.

Underwater photography is a lot different than on land. If you just want to play with it, try a disposable camera while snorkeling. As a new scuba diver, you need to get some diving experience before too much task loading underwater. There's a wide variety of equipment available if you want to really get into underwater photography; check someplace like www.scubaboard.com for advice.

Yes, it's wonderful to see a real reef after playing with aquariums for years. However, don't expect to see too many of the creatures you keep at home. Most of what we get comes from the south Pacific and isn't found in the Caribbean.

-Mark

 

[beaker99]

Be careful the currents around cosumel are quit strong. I did a snorkel charter when I was there years ago. And I had to paddle my *** off just to stay with the boat. And if you get in trouble down there you are on your own. There will be no coast guard to the rescue because there isn't one.
Good luck.

 

[uscgbeachbum]

Cozumel is amazing for diving. However, due to the currents I wouldn't classify it as beginner level by any means. You will also need to be VERY comfortable with your surroundings underwater. There are some ledges that litterally drop straight down, and with the visibility being so great it can be kind of freaky. Don't think that you will see a "reef tank underwater". The corals and fish in the area aren't what you'd typically see in an average reef tank. It's light years better than the Keys. As far as safety...the rental stuff in Mexico is...decent. Don't expect to have any safety gear whatsoever on you unless you bring it. Make sure you have a whistle, those break-n-glow sticks, orange/red inflatable sausage tube, waterproof strobe light (1 flash per second), etc. Be safe and you'll have a blast.

 

[csherlock]

I think Cozumel can be a very easy dive. The currents are very strong and usually the dive charter picks you up in the water when you surface, you do not swim to the boat (you will be exhausted if you do!) When underwater you just go with the current.
I would not plan on taking pictures underwater until you are comfortable doing the diving.

If you have not yet been certified...I highly recommend doing that Before your trip....also your local dive operator usually has dive trips that would be a great way to get comfortable with diving as they and you would be familiar with each other.

 

[csherlock]

BTW Scubaboard.com is a GREAT IDEA! check it out

 

[thor32766]

yeah cozumel is a beautiful dive.

 

[92cg60]

If your up for the drive check out the dive shop at the Omni hotel in Puerto Aventuras, its about 45min south of Cancun and 10-15min from Playa del carmen. Wife and I recently spent a week there and I managed to get in 5 dives which were well worth it.
As a beginner you'll spend about 2 hours total for a classroom orientation and time in the pool. After that its into a boat and out to the reef for 45-60 minutes of supervised scuba diving.
During every dive we saw angels, butterflies, wrasses, and tangs, etc.... and on a couple actully saw sea turtles. Free swimming eel, stingrays, cleaner shrimp, and alot of corals also..
Where ever you decide to dive try to go slow and take your time.
You'll be amazed at how much sealife you will really see...

 

[devildij]

go to this place if you are a begginer: its actually so easy to dive coz its like a mini reef so there arent too many currents though it aint actually cozumel http://www.garrafon.com/

i actually worked in its sister park xcaret as an intern