Off to Cozumel - pointers?

Raf · 05-02-2007, 01:21 PM

We are off to Cozumel, Mexico mid May. Staying at the IberoStar. Anybody been? Any prefered snorkeling /diving spots? Anything to watch out for besides cruiseship tourists

Cheers

Raf and Diana

BigAl07 · 05-02-2007, 01:40 PM

I've been there several times but no "diving"!

The whole place is a blast and we especially enjoyed Mr Sanchez(sp?) for a relaxing day trip. Enjoy yourself and remember.. those cruise folks aren't all THAT bad *grins*

Allen

michael_cb_125 · 05-02-2007, 01:43 PM

I have been to Cozemel. The diving there is crazy. I just went free diving. Loads of nice fish species. I took some Hotdogs with me. Yeah I know this is stupid. I got inot a school of Cubera Snapper, they were averaging 25 pounds. I left the water with four fingers that were badly cut. They have huge teeth, and feed like sharks. Allot of cudas, and eels. Very pretty water. Most of the beaches there are rocky, the rockier the better, then the reefs come in a little closer. The area I was in dropped off fairly quickly, and I was in about 50-60 feet of water. Watch those rings, Fish like them. Fish with teeth+fingers=BAD

BoomerD · 05-02-2007, 01:46 PM

Don't drink the water or use ANY form of ice in your drinks...if you drink water, ONLY drink quality bottled water, NEVER tap water.

Other than that, having never been to Cozumel, I really can't help ya...

bluespotjawfish · 05-02-2007, 05:46 PM

Say hello to Armando and Holly Alentado at the Island Photo-Video Center (located at the entrace to LaCelba Hotel near where the cruise ships come in). They are awesome! I trashed my brand new strobe the first time I used it and Holly fixed me up with a rental. Then everyday I came back and she changed my battery and looked at all my photos and gave me lots of tips on how to improve them. She spent an hour with me and my new camera and taught me all the tricks specific to that camera! She saved my dive trip.

Make sure you do a night dive!!!! We were there before the hurricane, so I'm sure all the dive sites are quite different. We stayed south of town, but all the sites we went to were great. Some of the sites closer to town get a bit more trash in the water. Who are you diving with?

boozeman · 05-02-2007, 08:08 PM

shop/

Raf · 05-02-2007, 08:59 PM

thanks for the info!

Sounds like an awsome place, hopefully the hurricane left something to see still...

as for diving, i would be diving alone or with a group, Diana can't dive.

Cheers

Raf

bluespotjawfish · 05-03-2007, 12:32 AM

If you don't have a dive shop picked out I could track down who we dove with. They were great, but they are south of town. We dove in Fiji with some folks who had just been to Cozumel (after the hurricane) and they said everything was bouncing back. Not as many of the box sponges and fans that I love, but it is coming back. Since you didn't see it before, you won't even notice!

big_vard · 05-03-2007, 12:37 AM

Hey, I was there a few years ago and it was incredible.

The snorkelling there is fantastic. I recommend getting both of the following maps:

Cozumel map
Cozumel dive and snorkel map guide

Those maps are awesome, so helpfull.

Other than that, do some exploring along the shores near the hotel, you'll surely find a few spots that have good snorkelling right off the beach. Chaakanaab park is pretty good, the snorkelling can be corowded, but it's really easy and some pretty good sights.

I'd suggest renting a car and driving the East shore of the island (I think East... the lesser inhabited side). You can cruise along the shore and stop at all the little beach huts along the way. Excellent spots to stop and have a cerveza. (sp?) Also, the nature reserve at the southern point is pretty neat.

Finally, I'd suggest booking a tour to chichen itza on the mainland. It's a spectacular ruin, and you can get a day-trip that'll take you right from the cozumel ferry to the ruins and back.

Um.. I think that's it... LOL

No matter what, you'll have a great time!

Cheers!

Steve

Raf · 05-03-2007, 12:45 AM

Wow! Thanks a bunch guys!

bluespotjawfish · 05-03-2007, 12:51 AM

The place we were at was just south of Chaakanaab. The dive sives around there are great!

scubalove · 05-03-2007, 08:43 AM

Greetings,

I am an ex-pat American living living on the island. If you want to go scuba diving - contact me. Check out my page at: www.myspace.com/stephenhofflander.

Stephen
steve@scubalove.com
------------------

Raf · 05-03-2007, 12:11 PM

thanks for the info!

lcstorc · 05-03-2007, 06:47 PM

If you go to the ruins be prepared to be hotter than you have ever been in your life. Bring lots of water and be sure to wear a hat. It is a great trip but the heat is truly incredible and I was raised in South Florida so I know hot.

05-02-2007, 01:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
Raf Scopas Tang Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: N. Vancouver, BC Canada Posts: 431 View Gallery Karma Komment	Off to Cozumel - pointers? We are off to Cozumel, Mexico mid May. Staying at the IberoStar. Anybody been? Any prefered snorkeling /diving spots? Anything to watch out for besides cruiseship tourists Cheers Raf and Diana __________________ Our Photos: Nikon D70 w Nikkor 60mm 2.8d micro http://www.aquaticescapes.ca Check out our Malawi site: http://www.malawimayhem.com Cheers Raf & Diana

05-02-2007, 01:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
BigAl07 Reef Addict (hopeless) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 10,619 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Off to Cozumel - pointers? I've been there several times but no "diving"! The whole place is a blast and we especially enjoyed Mr Sanchez(sp?) for a relaxing day trip. Enjoy yourself and remember.. those cruise folks aren't all THAT bad grins Allen __________________ Allen Allen's testimonial . . ."Let Me help you help YOURSELF" (Click Here) with a SW set up there is one basic fundamental rule that we ALL should follow *When in doubt... wait it out. This means take it slow and let the tank "develop" and don't rush it. Time is your friend Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!!* Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef Reef Balls & Cakes Debt Free & Change your Family Tree!!

05-02-2007, 01:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
michael_cb_125 Manta Ray Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Charlotte,NC Posts: 3,227 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Off to Cozumel - pointers? I have been to Cozemel. The diving there is crazy. I just went free diving. Loads of nice fish species. I took some Hotdogs with me. Yeah I know this is stupid. I got inot a school of Cubera Snapper, they were averaging 25 pounds. I left the water with four fingers that were badly cut. They have huge teeth, and feed like sharks. Allot of cudas, and eels. Very pretty water. Most of the beaches there are rocky, the rockier the better, then the reefs come in a little closer. The area I was in dropped off fairly quickly, and I was in about 50-60 feet of water. Watch those rings, Fish like them. Fish with teeth+fingers=BAD __________________ 240 Gallon MIXED REEF SUPER TANK Well at least thats what I want it to be 240 Gallon Custom Made Starphire Tank Life Reef Custom Sump,Life Reef Skimmer, Little Giant Return, 2 1200gph Koralias, 2 1580 GPH Tunze Turbelles, 1 Vortec, 72" Solaris I series, PM Kalk Reactor, Custom Made Fug, way to many more things to list Jose say hello to your NEW LITTLE FRIEND!!!!!!!!

05-02-2007, 01:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
BoomerD Reef Shark Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 5,632 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Off to Cozumel - pointers? Don't drink the water or use ANY form of ice in your drinks...if you drink water, ONLY drink quality bottled water, NEVER tap water. Other than that, having never been to Cozumel, I really can't help ya... __________________ Intelligence is not knowing all the answers, but knowing where and how to find them! www.google.com

05-02-2007, 05:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
bluespotjawfish Tridacna maxima Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Utah Posts: 4,140 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Off to Cozumel - pointers? Say hello to Armando and Holly Alentado at the Island Photo-Video Center (located at the entrace to LaCelba Hotel near where the cruise ships come in). They are awesome! I trashed my brand new strobe the first time I used it and Holly fixed me up with a rental. Then everyday I came back and she changed my battery and looked at all my photos and gave me lots of tips on how to improve them. She spent an hour with me and my new camera and taught me all the tricks specific to that camera! She saved my dive trip. Make sure you do a night dive!!!! We were there before the hurricane, so I'm sure all the dive sites are quite different. We stayed south of town, but all the sites we went to were great. Some of the sites closer to town get a bit more trash in the water. Who are you diving with? __________________ Lorraine To BB and all Bluespots - Journey of the 2nd Year ...The 2nd Year - Photoshow Check out Mr. BJ and friends... Mr. BJ's Aquarium - PhotoShow

05-02-2007, 08:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
boozeman The CodFather ~ Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: new york Posts: 8,800 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Off to Cozumel - pointers? shop/ __________________ ...and when I'm old and wise little things mean little to me like autumn winds they'll blow right through me and someday, in the mist of time when they ask you if you knew me remember that you were a friend of mine

05-02-2007, 08:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
Raf Scopas Tang Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: N. Vancouver, BC Canada Posts: 431 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Off to Cozumel - pointers? thanks for the info! Sounds like an awsome place, hopefully the hurricane left something to see still... as for diving, i would be diving alone or with a group, Diana can't dive. Cheers Raf __________________ Our Photos: Nikon D70 w Nikkor 60mm 2.8d micro http://www.aquaticescapes.ca Check out our Malawi site: http://www.malawimayhem.com Cheers Raf & Diana

05-03-2007, 12:32 AM	#8 (permalink)
bluespotjawfish Tridacna maxima Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Utah Posts: 4,140 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Off to Cozumel - pointers? If you don't have a dive shop picked out I could track down who we dove with. They were great, but they are south of town. We dove in Fiji with some folks who had just been to Cozumel (after the hurricane) and they said everything was bouncing back. Not as many of the box sponges and fans that I love, but it is coming back. Since you didn't see it before, you won't even notice! __________________ Lorraine To BB and all Bluespots - Journey of the 2nd Year ...The 2nd Year - Photoshow Check out Mr. BJ and friends... Mr. BJ's Aquarium - PhotoShow

05-03-2007, 12:37 AM	#9 (permalink)
big_vard Tubeworm Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 35 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Off to Cozumel - pointers? Hey, I was there a few years ago and it was incredible. The snorkelling there is fantastic. I recommend getting both of the following maps: Cozumel map Cozumel dive and snorkel map guide Those maps are awesome, so helpfull. Other than that, do some exploring along the shores near the hotel, you'll surely find a few spots that have good snorkelling right off the beach. Chaakanaab park is pretty good, the snorkelling can be corowded, but it's really easy and some pretty good sights. I'd suggest renting a car and driving the East shore of the island (I think East... the lesser inhabited side). You can cruise along the shore and stop at all the little beach huts along the way. Excellent spots to stop and have a cerveza. (sp?) Also, the nature reserve at the southern point is pretty neat. Finally, I'd suggest booking a tour to chichen itza on the mainland. It's a spectacular ruin, and you can get a day-trip that'll take you right from the cozumel ferry to the ruins and back. Um.. I think that's it... LOL No matter what, you'll have a great time! Cheers! Steve

05-03-2007, 12:45 AM	#10 (permalink)
Raf Scopas Tang Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: N. Vancouver, BC Canada Posts: 431 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Off to Cozumel - pointers? Wow! Thanks a bunch guys! __________________ Our Photos: Nikon D70 w Nikkor 60mm 2.8d micro http://www.aquaticescapes.ca Check out our Malawi site: http://www.malawimayhem.com Cheers Raf & Diana

05-03-2007, 12:51 AM	#11 (permalink)
bluespotjawfish Tridacna maxima Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Utah Posts: 4,140 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Off to Cozumel - pointers? The place we were at was just south of Chaakanaab. The dive sives around there are great! __________________ Lorraine To BB and all Bluespots - Journey of the 2nd Year ...The 2nd Year - Photoshow Check out Mr. BJ and friends... Mr. BJ's Aquarium - PhotoShow

05-03-2007, 08:43 AM	#12 (permalink)
scubalove Tunicate Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Off to Cozumel - pointers? Greetings, I am an ex-pat American living living on the island. If you want to go scuba diving - contact me. Check out my page at: www.myspace.com/stephenhofflander. Stephen steve@scubalove.com ------------------

05-03-2007, 12:11 PM	#13 (permalink)
Raf Scopas Tang Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: N. Vancouver, BC Canada Posts: 431 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Off to Cozumel - pointers? thanks for the info! __________________ Our Photos: Nikon D70 w Nikkor 60mm 2.8d micro http://www.aquaticescapes.ca Check out our Malawi site: http://www.malawimayhem.com Cheers Raf & Diana

05-03-2007, 06:47 PM	#14 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 18,473 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Off to Cozumel - pointers? If you go to the ruins be prepared to be hotter than you have ever been in your life. Bring lots of water and be sure to wear a hat. It is a great trip but the heat is truly incredible and I was raised in South Florida so I know hot. __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

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