446 replies to this topic

[ArtRunScuba]

On the plane from Cairo to USA yesterday Kamala and I briefly discussed several issues regarding the trip and she asked that I remind her on the thread. so here are a few--
1. Water temps in Cozumel, in Cenotes, and in Holbox;
2. Fresh water issues in Cenotes;
3. Hotel contacts and dates on itinerary; transfers from airport to Coz hotel.
4. Recovery from "tough" week of diving in Red Sea for new trip one week later. Ha!
5. Do we need locks like lockers in Bonaire situation?

[TexasDiver]

several issues regarding the trip and she asked that I remind her:
1. Water temps in Cozumel, in Cenotes, and in Holbox;
2. Fresh water issues in Cenotes;
3. Hotel contacts and dates on itinerary; transfers from airport to Coz hotel.
4. Recovery from "tough" week of diving in Red Sea for new trip one week later. Ha!
5. Do we need locks like lockers in Bonaire situation?

#1 Water temp, from a dive shop web site:
Q: What is the water temperature in Cozumel? Do I need a wetsuit?
A: The water temperature ranges between 76 and 78 in the winter months (Dec, Jan, Feb); 78 and 80 in the Spring (March through May) and warms up to 82 - 84 in the summer months. Exposure protection is a very personal decision and should be determined based on your tendency to chill. Keep in mind that if you will be doing multiple dives over multiple days, you will probably chill towards the end of the week. A good all- around suit for Cozumel is a full 3mm.

I'll be diving Cozumel beginning Tuesday morning (I'll be meeting up with SD group after Saturday morning dives). If I have an Internet connection I'll post bottom temperature readings recorded by my dive computer.

From a Cenote dive shop web site:
There are a number of reasons that make cenote diving attractive to the diver. Diving conditions are not effected by weather. Moderate water temperature [77f]. Barely discernable currents. Large caverns and passageways. Excellent underwater visibility.

I note that in photos and videos on various Holbox web sites none of the snorkelers are wearing wetsuits or skins.

#2. Fresh water; from a cenotes dive web site:
Cenote dives begin in freshwater, so divers will need only about half the weight they use in the ocean. Standard open water gear is appropriate for guided cavern dives. Divers generally wear a 3mm-long wetsuit (or thicker if the chill easily). Dive lights are needed for communication purposes, although divers will remain within view of daylight at all times.

#3. Cozumel airport to hotel, here is my experience, transfer to my downtown hotel (price varies by zone; I don't know what zone Casa del Mar is in):
In Cozumel Airport you will find a taxi desk in the arrivals area. As you come out of customs it is to the right, along the outside wall. They will call you a comfortable, mini-van taxi that you can share with other groups (colectivo) or take privately. You pay at the booth and receive stamped voucher. US Dollars accepted. If you choose a shared ride you may wait a few minutes until the van is full.
Colectivo (shared) taxi mini-van: - US$5 per person one-way; Private taxi mini-van: - US$11 per person one-way.

#5. Locks, from an earlier post by Jerrymxz:
It is a plastic crate and a plastic chain so don't buy a monster lock. I picked up a pair of small TSA combo locks that you set the combo. I use them on my luggage and then on the crate. they weigh next to nothing and you are never with out a key. I got mine in the BX on base but they also have them at Wally world by the luggage. they come two to a card.

Drinking water: You shouldn't drink the tap water (or brush your teeth, etc.) anywhere in Mexico. I was able to purchase a 5 liter jug of purified water at Mega mart for 13.79 pesos. They give 12.2 pesos to one US$. At most OXO or 7-11 type shops you will pay at least US$1 for a small .5 liter bottle. Perhaps Casa del Mar provides bottled water?

Edited by TexasDiver, 14 June 2010 - 08:00 PM.

[rkymtwy]

Here's another question:

When we leave Cozumel to dive the Cenotes, where does our luggage go since we are not going directly to Holbox before we go to the Cenotes? How secure is our luggage durning this time?

[ScubaPunk]

Payment Update:

1. Craig aka TexasDiver ww got a $249 echeck from you towards your balance.
2. Jang aka Jang ww got your $190 payment towards trip and extra night d/o for the 19th (assuming enough people room with)
3. Craig aka TexasDiver ww got your payment of $391 towards your trip.
4. Mike aka Tankboy 26 ww got your $45 echeck night dive payment.

Edited by ScubaPunk, 13 June 2010 - 02:15 PM.

[TexasDiver]

Payment Update: 1. Craig aka TexasDiver ww got a $249 echeck from you towards your balance

I'm paid in full. More than one month ago!

Edited by TexasDiver, 13 June 2010 - 07:41 PM.

[ScubaPunk]

Payment Update: 1. Craig aka TexasDiver ww got a $249 echeck from you towards your balance

I'm paid in full.

I'm not done yet!!

[ScubaPunk]

Document Update:

1. Rick aka Rickylitespeed: Received your Waiver & Survey!

[WreckWench]

Here's another question:

When we leave Cozumel to dive the Cenotes, where does our luggage go since we are not going directly to Holbox before we go to the Cenotes? How secure is our luggage durning this time?

It goes with us and it will be secure!

[WreckWench]

On the plane from Cairo to USA yesterday Kamala and I briefly discussed several issues regarding the trip and she asked that I remind her on the thread. so here are a few--
1. Water temps in Cozumel, in Cenotes, and in Holbox;
2. Fresh water issues in Cenotes;
3. Hotel contacts and dates on itinerary; transfers from airport to Coz hotel.
4. Recovery from "tough" week of diving in Red Sea for new trip one week later. Ha!
5. Do we need locks like lockers in Bonaire situation?

Thanks for the reminder...you are the best! And Craig...thanks for the great replies...all pretty much spot on!

FOLKS...remember that the Cenotes water temps will be quite a bit less than Cozy and Holbox (see TexasDiver's post for more details). Holbox will not be as warm as Cozy...but should only be about 1-2 degrees less. And yes we need a lock for the lockers...and most will share 2 to a basket. (Not as much room as Bonaire but doable!)

Water Temps and other as of today:

Weather Conditions for Sun Jun 13 2010
Topside: Sunny with Clouds
Winds: Light & Fresh Breeze
Avg. Daytime Temp: 85 F
Avg. Nighttime Temp: 75 F
Water Surface: Calm With Cats Paws
Water Temp: 80 F
Underwater Visibility: 250+ feet
Port Status: Open for All Watercraft and Activities

[WreckWench]

Payment Update: 1. Craig aka TexasDiver ww got a $249 echeck from you towards your balance

I'm paid in full.

I'm not done yet!!

HEY FOLKS...still catching up from being gone 2 weeks...please bear with us as we get caught up in waves.

[TexasDiver]

I want 100 cf tank!

[WreckWench]

I want 100 cf tank!

Hey Craig we'll get you on the list...there is a very limited supply with only 1 or 2 people being able to have them and of course they are air only which I do not think is an issue for you. There will be no 100's for the Cenotes but they are very shallow so not a problem. -ww

[WreckWench]

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT REMINDER:

In addition to your school supplies for the kids at the local orphanage (paper, pens, pencils, rulers, folders, etc NO TOYS and NO SUPPLIES THAT ARE MORE TOYISH IN NATURE)...don't forget the small print on your waiver that says to bring a sealed envelope with your real name and screen name on the outside and the following in the inside:

1. List of any allergies
2. List of any medical conditions a doctor should know about you IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO SPEAK FOR YOURSELF and I have to do it for you. (If no previous medical conditions pls state that...don't not complete a pkg for us.)
3. List of any meds you are on...how much you are taking and where you keep your prescription should you be unable to speak. (Telling your roomie is also a good idea as well.) - If on NO meds. pls state that.
4. Copy of passport in case you lose it (Been there done that and the copy saved proverbial b*u*t*t!)
5. Copy of your c-card, insurance card, diving insurance card, etc.
6. List of emergency contacts that you want called or notified in the event of accident or illness.
7. List of your insurance providers and contact numbers for them and specific process for getting help. (When you are hurt is NOT the time for us to try and figure out how to get you help.)

Please include the following form below with you as well. While not required yet...it will be for future trips but it could save your life in the event of an emergency. (And you can answer the other questions above on it as well!)

Yes some of this is a repeat of what we ask for on the forms but this envelope will have EVERYTHING in one place, and will be returned to you after the trip...just remind me!

Thank you! kamala

The TIME you spend now....could be the TIME that saves your life later!



or you can find this form in the forms forum located here:

http://www.singlediv...showtopic=20361

(Please contact trips@singledivers.com for the password access if you need it.)

Attached Files

•  Health_Ins_Trip_Form_r2_6_10.pdf   267.71KB   46 downloads

[WreckWench]

RENTAL GEAR UPDATE:

If anyone needs rental gear let us know ASAP and here is the info from the Cozy shop below:

Our Rental equipment brands are:
Regulators: Aqualung
BCD's: Aqualung

Our rental prices are:
Regulators: 5.00 usdlls
BCD`s : 5.00 usdlls
Wet suits: 5.00 usdlls
Snorkel set (mask, fins, snorkel) 5:00 usdlls.

[TexasDiver]

I'm leaving for the airport in 30 minutes. If I don't show up Saturday afternoon at Casa del Mar notify the authorities that I've gone missing! Staying downtown at Suites Bahia Monday through Friday night.