Mayan Paradise Tours

[zydecocruiser]

I gave these folks a try when I was Cozumel a week or so ago and am glad I did.

 

Before I forget, here is their website:

http://www.snubacozumel.com/

 

You can Snuba or snorkel or probably just drink for a few hours.

 

The trip leaves from the pier at Nachi Cocom:

http://cozumelmexico.net/Nachi-Cocom.html

http://cozumelinsider.com/beaches/beach_nachi-cocom.htm

{coupon here for Nachi - the Snuba coupon is for a different operation with a shorter duration, and less value, but almost the same price}

http://cozumelinsider.com/specials/coupons.html

 

Nachi Cocom was practically deserted, but has a pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, bar, dive shop, showers, etc.

 

It was a $14 taxi ride from the cruise ship, but several can share a taxi. If I had more time to plan, I might have tried to get to one of the hotels where transportation is an available option (for no extra cost?).

 

The boat, the Zorro, is a 46 foot catamaran and was quite stable even after the bar was open (more on that later).

 

Once on board the group (about 17 people on a boat with a capacity of 40) was divided into Snuba vs just snorklers. I was one of five people total in the Snuba group. Very individual attention.

 

There were a total of three snorkel stops. At the first stop, 3 of the Snuba people went and the other two waited for the third stop. The equipment was fitted and all necessary instructions were provided. A dive master accompanied the snuba people and a guide for the snorklers. Some pictures were taken as you Snuba, so you can have proof of your journey if you wish.

 

The first and third stops were deeper than the second, but visibility was great at all locations. The second stop probably was not over 10 feet deep and there was lots to see including starfish, assorted regular fish, and even a lobster or two!.

 

After the first stop, the BAR WAS OPEN. Beer, rum punch, shots of tequila, pina colada and who knows what else was available and included in either deal. Water and soda was always available. A fresh fruit platter and chips were available for the munchies. The sound system was always going, with the captain doubling as the dj. After the snorkeling was done, on the way back to the dock, a party broke out in the middle of the already underway party. Shots for everyone (but not required or forced on you). Tequila!!!!

 

When the trip was over (or before) you could remain at Nachi Cocom or take one of the taxis that were waiting back to the ship.

 

Other than some pics, I guess that is all for now...

 

zydecocruiser's Album:Conquest 11/7/04 Zydeco Cruise

Click on the link above to view the 45 pictures in this album. As the recipient, you can download, re-share and order prints and merchandise containing these pictures. Please do not use the owner's pictures in an unexpected way. <IMG id=pageCounter height=1 width=1 border=0>

 

 

 

Oh yeah, CozSally will be delighted that when someone (NOT me) asked if they could feed the fish, they were told NO, it is not allowed in the preserve.

[CozSally]

I am delighted! Thanks.

 

Sally Hurwitch

Protector of Fishies

[kguenther]

Thanks for this review....we have booked with Mayan for March 2005 and can't wait!

 

You don't go over the snuba....how was the experience?

 

And, if you don't mind me asking, what kind of camera did you use to take those pics, and who took them for you?

 

Thanks!

[zydecocruiser]

The Snuba part...

 

Some basic instruction including how to equalize pressure in your ears and be sure not to hold your breath. Also some basic hand signals. Then you are fitted with a weight belt - needed to offset your bouyancy, and a harness with the regulator (the part you breath through). The air tanks are on floating rafts, so you don't have to fool with them. The instructor hooks you up to a tank and you practice breathing onboard the ship before you even get in the water. Then once in the water, you hold onto your raft for more practice breathing until you are used to the bubbles and are comfortable with it.

 

Then he will lead one or two people down at a time, pausing every five feet so you can equalize your ears. After he is satisfied that they are ok, he will go get another one or two people, if there are more.

 

The instructor is equipped with a scuba tank and keeps a close eye on everyone. He will check periodically with everyone to make sure they are ok.

 

You will follow the instructor as he leads you around coral formations, pointing out some of the interesting stuff. The deepest you go is about 20 feet and I guess it lasted about 30 minutes.

 

One of the disappoinments was that we weren't allowed to take our cameras while doing Snuba, but it is understandable. There is plenty to keep you occupied without trying to use a camera. If you swim into the coral you will definitely hurt it and you might hurt yourself. The instructor did take pictures of all the Snuba goers and is the first picture of me.

 

Being a little hungover may not be the best time to try it. I did find my mouth getting really really dry after a while. They provide soda and water which you might want to drink before you snuba. I drank some coke which allowed me to experience burping underwater.

 

I survived just fine, but if you are uncomfortable, you can always just go back to the surface and hold on to the raft and float around like that.

 

You only Snuba at one of the 3 stops and then snorkel at the other two. Then cameras are no problem. I took the rest of the pictures.

 

I definitely recommend the trip for any who are interested and even if you just want to snorkel (which is $40 vs the $70 for the Snuba). It will certainly be a trip I will consider on future visits to Cozumel.

 

My camera has been discontinued for a while, but you can get similar ones. I have a Canon S230 Powershot Elph digital and a waterproof case for it. I'm not sure which model the instructor had, but it was similar if not identical.

 

With a 512mb memory card I can get over 300 3.2megapixel shots.

 

A little post-processing with Adobe photoshop can really bring out the wow in photographs (or really highlight the bad).

[lory]

Just wanted to say great photos! Thanks for sharing them.

[zydecocruiser]

One correction. Nachi-Cocom is the only place cruiseship passengers can board the Zorro. If registered at one of the hotels listed on the website, I guess they can pick you up there, but it seems the hotels don't want the general public to be picked up from their private piers. :(