Whats the diving like at Cozumel ?

[SABenson]

Can anyone out there give me any info on the diving at Cozumel, Mexico. Myself and 2 collegues are planing to go there in May 06.

[Alison Boler]

Hi Steve,

Well, Cozumel is to American divers what the Red Sea is to Brits. They go there in droves - often multiple times. So, the diving is good. It's generally drift diving - the currents can be quite strong.

We have quite a lot of information on Cozumel and that part of Mexico on our Where to Dive page on the region. Our own write up, plus links to articles, the tourist board, trip reports etc.

I have included a linkhttp://www.bsactravelclub.co.uk/where/mexcar.htm

Have a great trip

Allie

[Marcus Allen]

Great - gets better the further South you go from the Port and much less crowded - a particularly good one is "the devils throat" - also there is some great cave diving at Playa del Carmen (on the mainland opposite) worth a trip on the way

[Janos]

I went a few years back and had a great time. The diving I did was straightforward, but very enjoyable. From what I saw, it was mainly from ribs or small boats and we didn't go too far out. My memory is that there was more sponges and corals than the Red Sea, but not as many little fish around. Although that could be a relative seasons thing.

One thing I would do if going back there, and regret not doing at the time, is to do some cavern diving in the ceynotes on the mainland. Have a bit of a google (especially for pictures) and you'll see what I mean.

Janos

[David Dixon]

Hi

Don't forget that Cozumel received a "direct hit" recently from hurricane Wilma. I have seen some damage reports, but don't know about the condition of the reef out there.

Inevitably this will scare people off and hotels and accommodation will be reduced. You must therefore take great care with your research before going out there next May. Discuss the situation with your tour operator and the Mexican tourist board. Use several sources of information and proceed with caution. It does not mean that your holiday is not necessarily viable, in fact some might argue it is a very good time to go - depending on facilities and damage to dive sites.

Interestingly, I have recently been to Grenada a year after it received a "direct hit" from hurricane Ivan. The damage is sadly still very evident, especialy to the rain forest. However, everyone is very pleased to see you, most (but not all) of the hotels are open again and have been for months and I saw little damage to the reefs. The trip was therefore great fun.

[GaryC]

[QUOTE=David Dixon]Hi

Don't forget that Cozumel received a "direct hit" recently from hurricane Wilma. I have seen some damage reports, but don't know about the condition of the reef out there.QUOTE]
Sorry to change the subject a bit. I am going to CUBA next year and my understanding is that Wilma ploughed directly over it. Does anyone have information on that place. It was very obvious that the media did not report on it much at all. Presumably due to the politics?

I was also told that the Hurricane season ended in September, but that also appears to be incorrect.

Ta

Gary

[David Dixon]

Hi

As far as I am aware, Wilma caused most damage on the Yucatan peninsular (Mexico, including Cozumel area) where it "hung around" for a couple of days. Yes, Cuba was hit and it caused extensive flooding in Havana. However, you might be surprised to note the Cubans are pretty efficient at dealing with hurricanes and have efficient evacuation strategies in place.

Not unsurprising, you'll get a lot of leads by simply putting "Hurricane Wilma Cozumel" (or Cuba) into Google, or similar search engine.

Cuba is a big island and there are many dive areas to choose from, so it should be possible to find somewhere that the effects have been minimal. So same "rule" applies as with Cozumel - check and research carefully.

We may not get news from USA on Cuba for political reasons, but that doesn't stop UK reporting it. Incidentally, you don't find PADI centres in Cuba (politics) - but shop around and use reliable operators to be sure you are getting what you want. Cuba is a fantastic island, a step back in time, and twins an interesting culture with some great diving.

Have a great trip

David

[anthony]

So what are the great areas to dive in Cuba? I've been to Faro Luna in Cienfuegos province and I understand that The Island of Youth is disappointing