Need HELP! deciding: Scuba Mau, or Cozumel Sports - Into to scuba dive

[tagor]

I have narrowed our choices down to two dive operations and would really appreciate help deciding which one to choose.

Both have excellent reviews on Tripadvisor. Both are reasonably priced, and have replied promptly via e-mail with quotes, so I am having a hard time trying to pick one. I am an inexperienced diver so I will require a "intro" to scuba course.

The two things I want to consider would be the quality of the dive sites (is one a better location?) and the best option for my wife (non-diver) to wait while I dive.

Scuba Mau leaves from Palapita Den Medio. They apparently have a beach club that my wife can wait at. Has anyone been there? I am concerned that it would be a "safe" place for a single lady to be by herself while I dive. Is it a beach, or just a bar etc... Any info would be appreciated.

Cozumel Sports leave from Caleta? marina. They offer a "non" diver ride for $25 to "ride with us" or the option to stay at a beach club near by. I am wondering if this might be a better option for my wife? She might enjoy the boat ride, and I would feel safe with her with me. Does anyone know what the beach club near by would be?

If anyone could offer opinions or advice to help me decide it would be appreciated. Which dive site would be better for diving etc.

Thanks in advance.

[molokaimac]

Tagor,

I had the same question. What did you decide on doing? My wife is also a non diver and would rather sit on the beach, than do any excursions with the cruise lines. I need to dive at every port to call it a vacation. So we're figuring out how to accommodate my needs for diving and hers to be safe on the beach. I would be interested in what you and your wife did.

Thanks,

Rick

[Bellfree Bat]

I have not used either dive operator so cannot comment on them. I would check on your cruise Roll Call to see if your wife can hook up with other people to enjoy a beach club rather than going with you on the dive boat. There are a lot of dive boats that are just that...dive boats. Not very comfortable and mostly small skiffs and you are lucky to have a "head"!

[sddiver]

It appears that the original poster was a bit confused as an "intro to diving" course is for non certified people not "divers" who have C-cards. I hope his day worked out.

As far as divers and non divers coordinating, I would have the non divers pick a beach club for the day and head there in a taxi. The dive sites run along the same shoreline a the majority of the known beach clubs. Arrange your diving with an independent dive op (not the ships) and let them know you need to be dropped off at "X" beach club when done diving. They will arrange the dive sites accordingly and when you finish the 2nd dive, they will drop you off where your wife/friends ect will be waiting for you, hopefully with an ice cold beer for you. You can then taxi back to the ship together at the end of the day.

 

I would try any of the following dive ops.

 

Blue Magic, Deep Blue, Blue XtSea, Aldora,Dive with Martin. There are many other reputable options as well. Do a web search and email them with your questions.

 

Good Luck, enjoy your dives

 

Rich

[Cosmo mom]

Take a look at scubadu.com. It is next to a beautiful hotel - perhaps your wife can buy a day pass (sometimes just the price of renting a beach chair) and either sit by the pool or on the beach while you dive.

[BlueWaterPrincess]

Do y'all realize that the OP posted this in March? Just sayin...

[molokaimac]

Princess,

Yes. And in a few days I have received some very good suggestions from members (divers) on this forum. I knew the original poster would probably never respond, but others have.

BB, SD and Cos,

Thanks. The shop I plan to use has been very quick to return emails and has suggested the beach club next to their dock. I've also posted on scubaboard.com to generate some interest and meet divers on the cruise.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/cruises/359114-7-2-11-carnival-liberty-cozumel-grand-caymans-ocho-rios.html

Take care