Heading to Cozumel

[gasguzzler]

Im going to Mexico next week for 10 days! Im leaving Saturday morning and will be home on the 21st. This will be my first time down there. Our hotel is situated right on the beach in front of the Palancar reef. I already have 2 night shark and ray feeding dives scheduled but I will figure out the rest when I get there. Any recommendations on where to go and what to see? What species of shark will I most likely encounter?

 

[coachwah]

Been to Coz the past four years. What hotel are you staying at? The only commonly seen shark on the reefs are nurse sharks. Who are you diving with? I have never heard of a shark/ray feeding dive on the island, there reefs and its animals are strictly protected.

 

[coachwah]

By the way...I am really jealous...you'll have a great time. My wife and I love Coz.
Didn't see the recommendation part.
1. Rent a car and go around to the other side of the island. The only things that are over there are bars/restaurants and beaches. Its a great day.
2. Eat dinner in town as often as possible. Most of the AI's have decent food, but there are some really great restaurants in town with good prices.
many other hints and tips available. Email if you want to know more.
kroy@lake-fenton.k12.mi.us

 

[fishy411]

If u can try to go snorkeling. My friend brought back pics and there was this one place where there were a ton of sally lightfoots and it was awesome.

 

[gasguzzler]

Im staying at the 5 star Iberostar Reef. There are many different ones, as you know, on the island with this one being top of the line. We got an all inclusive package so airfare, hotel, food, drinks, excursions are all paid for already. Im not sure who were diving with, my girlfriend booked all of that stuff. Im a lot better at doing what Im told! Thanks for the suggestions. As soon as I get back, you guys will be the first to know. Ill splatter this thread with the 10 rolls of film we have for the underwater camera.

 

[coachwah]

Iberostar is great. Wife and I stayed there 3 years ago when we got married on the island. The best of the four places that we have stayed. Food is the best of the AI's that I have been to, whcih is good because Iberostar is the farthest away from town (about $20 cab ride...one way). Staff is good, rooms and grounds are beautiful, and they have a great pool bar !!
You are going to have a great time.
How many dives do you have under your belt? Is the better half diving? I have some info on dive ops if your interested. Also, if you need a map go to
www.cancunmaps.com
Its a really good map of the island and worth every penny.
Once again any info I can give you just let me know.

 

[coachwah]

Oops, typing before I read again. If you can find out what dive op you are with I may be able to give you some info. You can also check out...
http://www.scubaboard.com
They have a sub-forum dedicated to Coz with lots of great info. Check out the Mexico forum almost at the bottom of the page. HTH.

 

[gasguzzler]

Whatever diving I do will be on my own. She has an inner ear problem that stops her from going more than 10 feet. I have a handful of certified dives but on this trip Ill go out at night with a guide and leave the ball and chain. Shes not too keen on hitting the water with the sharks anyway! I told her to try and stop me!

 

[coachwah]

Google "Dive With Martin". They have small boats, good DM's, and good rates and will pick you up at Iberstar's dock. The dive shop at Iberostar (Dive Palancar, if they are the same op) is not bad, but they are cattle boats. I would arrange a couple of shallow (less than 60 feet) dives first to get your bearings to get used to the current. The common practice on a two tank dive in Coz is a deep dive (80' to 100'), surface interval, then a shallow reef dive usually below 60'. Arranging shallow dives first with the dive op will not be a problem, especially if you book a package. If you are only diving in the afternoon or night then you may have to go with Dive Palancar, as the dive ops in town like Dive with Martin may not have enough booked to make it worth the trip to come pick you up. If you are traveling Funjet or Apple then the rep at the hotel can set all of this up for you, they do a pretty good job.
Not trying to schedule your vacation for you, but just trying to help. Have fun.

 

[coachwah]

Couple more things (sorry but I am a Cozaholic). Bring water shoes for the beach cuz it is rocky until you get out a little ways and the snorkeling is better about 100 yards south of the dock by the beached boat (you won't miss it).

 

[gasguzzler]

Thanks for all the info. You are a Cozaholic! Ive heard the people down there dont really like tourists around. Well, they're not as nice to people as they should be, any truth? How tight are customs at the border? Do you think I could sneak a shark in my bag on the way home?

 

[coachwah]

Not unless you want to spend a few years in a Mexican jail
Customs ususally don't present a problem, its pretty random going in (you'll see the pass or don't pass button at the airport).
Coming home, the states may hold you up. I wouldn't bring anything home that is animal or plant. You can bring home quite a few bottles of your choice though. If you want to get some booze, go to Chedraui, its their version of a Super Wal-mart. I got a few liters of tequila for $16 each that they were charging $50+ for downtown . Good stuff. Its just south of town, any cabbie will know what your talking about. Don't shop downtown when alot of cruise ships are in. Prices go way up. And don't forget to barter.
I have never had any problems with the people, just the opposite actually. I am sure that they get sick of pushy tourists though. Be respectful and you'll find them to be very respectful back.

 

[gasguzzler]

I just picked up my new mask and snorkeling gear. Its finally sinking in that in four days Im off to the island. Not a whole lot got done at work today. I suspect the rest of the week will be the same!

 

[coachwah]

I know that feelin. Wish I was having it right now, 21 degrees when I left this morning. Have fun.

 

[gasguzzler]

The forecast for up to next Tuesday in Cozumel- 89 Degrees
The forecast for up to next Tuesday in NH- 40/day, 14/night

 

[coachwah]

You've got me looking at funjet.com.
Unfortunately. I don't think the pregnant wife would want to go.

 

[moraymike]

I just got back from Cozumel. We stayed at Iberostar... It was great... The food wasn't too bad either.

 

[beth]

I've been to coz snorkling on the beach reef. Very nice. I have inner ear problem too so was never able to dive.
Are you heading to the mainland at all for ruins exploration? Can't see going to Mexico without visiting the ruins. If so, RENT a car and get a good map. There is a nice hotel right next to Chichén Iztá [walkking distance].

 

[gasguzzler]

Yeah, I guess I need to drag myself out of the water for at least on day.

We're really looking forward to all of it. Thanks guys for all of your help!