Cozumel or Playa

[Montana Diver]

OK how come everyone is all gaga over Cozumel. I have heard there is some great diving out of the area South of Playa del Carmen. I am hoping to get there the last week of March. Or should I change and go to Cozumel?

[hooligan]

If you go to playa you could always take the ferry over to Coz for a day and dive there, or vice versa. I went to Playa on my honeymoon, didn't dive there, but we did take the ferry over to Coz for some dives. The area around playa has lots of stuff to do besides scuba. There are some nice Mayan ruins at Tulum you might want to check out. You could also probably dive the cenotes if you're in playa. I never done that, but they look pretty awesome.

[ReefHound]

I think the reefs around Cozumel are hands down superior to the ones along the mainland. I also think you have much more variety in dive sites and dive ops in Coz. And while you could ferry over for a Coz charter, that adds $22 and a bunch of time. So if you simply want the best reef diving every day it would be best to stay on the island.

But, there are many advantages of staying in Playa as well. You have convenient access to the cenotes which are beautiful. I think you have more options for other attractions like Xcaret, Xel Ha, Tulum, etc. It's easier to fly in/out the Cancun airport which is usually a cheaper flight. And while I can't define it, I feel the mainland has a more "local" feel (except for Cancun).

Have you booked anything specific yet?

[DevilDiver]

The Maya Coast is very nice diving, from Cancun all the way to Xcalak, it actually gets better the further south you go (IMO). The reef system is more canyon and groove for the most part but very good diving.

That being said, it is not even close to Cozumel with it's famous chutes, walls and currents.

If I had to choose one it would be Cozumel hands down but there are some outstanding dives from the mainland (plus the Cenotes are a unique opportunity).

[DevilDiver]

Here is something different....

A buddy sent me this video he shot diving off Playa Del Carmen. He was on Cozumel diving with Dressel Divers and apparently the have started offering Bull Shark dives where they shuttle over to the mainland close to Playa.

Bull Shark Dive- Playa Del Carmen

http://vimeo.com/2750183

[Montana Diver]

I haven't booked anything yet, I have two tickets from a NWA voluntary bump and need to use them by early april. We were in Cancun last year for a business meeting and the plane was over-booked and since we were going to miss the last leg of the flight we elected to stay an extra night and pick up the tickets. Sweet deal, got first class out of Cancun.
I am doing my OW cert dives in Maui in late Feb and I want to get back in the water as soon as possible after finishing. I am open to suggestions and vendors since you can see how much a novice I will be.

[DevilDiver]

Originally Posted by Montana Diver

I haven't booked anything yet, I have two tickets from a NWA voluntary bump and need to use them by early april. We were in Cancun last year for a business meeting and the plane was over-booked and since we were going to miss the last leg of the flight we elected to stay an extra night and pick up the tickets. Sweet deal, got first class out of Cancun.
I am doing my OW cert dives in Maui in late Feb and I want to get back in the water as soon as possible after finishing. I am open to suggestions and vendors since you can see how much a novice I will be.

OK, I just checked the magic 8 ball... Cozumel!

Seriously you should go to Cozumel. The Island is made for diving, would be a great experience for the first dive trip after you get your C-card.

[Montana Diver]

Recommendations for accomodations and dive shops? Any particular great places, i.e. I don't want to miss dives?

[DevilDiver]

Man, that is like asking what mask or fins should I buy......

I am sure you will get plenty of recommendations on where to stay and who to dive with. That is one of the draws for Cozumel, there are so many op's and resorts geared for divers. Most of the time all you need to do is walk from your room to the pier.

I have only dove with the same op twice in 6 trips I have been there. I have never found one that I would not dive with again.

Since you have airfair already I would look at a dive/resort package that appeals to you. Here are a couple of links for some travel sites that offer dive packages to help with some research. I am sure you can find something there...

Cozumel vacation, Mexico resort hotel rates - Bay Adventures

Island Dreams Travel scuba diving vacations, cozumel scuba diving, dive travel, dive resorts, diving trips

Cozumel Diving - Cozumel Dive Packages Resorts LiveAboards - Dive Cozumel Vacations

[aperkins]

Palancar Caves is always a good one. You can do a 2 or 3 tank on Palancar reef and caves.