Scuba Diving Cozumel
Dive
Shop Reviews
Tips:
Many of the scuba diving shops in Cozumel offer an introductory
scuba diving course and scuba diving trips. It is highly
recommended that scuba diving certification is obtained
before attempting scuba diving in Cozumel but if you are
a non-certified diver and you decide to do this, please
be very cautious in the scuba dive shop that you choose.
Please read Marine
Park Rules if you plan to dive or snorkel.
SCUBA Diving: S.C.U.B.A. stands for
Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.
Beginner's Introduction to Scuba Diving
in Cozumel
What is scuba diving?
Scuba diving is essentially a way for humans to be able to
explore the underwater world by using an underwater breathing
apparatus. The basic equipment used is:
-mask
-snorkel
-fins
-wetsuit
-regulator: a mouth piece with hose that is attached to the
tank
-BCD: buoyancy controlling device (jacket or vest)
-tank: compressed air
-a pressure gauge attached to the tank to monitor the amount
of AIR used
Wondered about what scuba diving would be like?
It's a great water sport that many people think about but
only a few actually attempt the sport. However, it is a fast
growing sport worldwide. Scuba diving in my opinion is the
next best thing to space travel. You get to experience a whole
new realm of existence. It's not a difficult sport but care
and special instruction is needed to explore this wondrous
water world.
What could I expect to see? In Cozumel, there's
so much marine life it's endless. It has over 16 abundant
scuba
diving reefs and is known for the second largest reef
in the world. It is also known to be the second best dive
place in the world. You can see so many varieties of fish
from teensy weenie ones to ones the size of a human (groupers).
Common and exciting to see are moray eels, nurse sharks (harmless),
barracudas, crabs, lobsters, sting rays and the list goes
on. Here are a few pictures of actual sightings in Cozumel
waters:
Who can scuba dive?
If you are healthy and love to discover and try new things,
this is the perfect sport.
Is scuba diving dangerous?
Scuba diving is not dangerous when precautions are taken.
It is highly recommended that beginners take the PADI/NAUI
course before attempting to scuba dive. With this course,
you will obtain a diving certification. From there, you will
be certified to dive almost anywhere. People interested in
more specialized diving can work their way up to a master
scuba diver.
Can I dive without a certification?
In Cozumel, many dive shops offer scuba diving to non-scuba
divers. This can be dangerous because as a diver, you should
be aware of your own situation instead of depending on someone
else. If you are interested to try diving without the certification,
it is highly recommended that you use a good dive shop.
Is it expensive to scuba dive?
Scuba diving can be expensive but it's definitely worth the
money. It's a good idea to budget this in before going on
a trip. In Cozumel, the rates do not vary too much but the
reputation and establishment of the dive shops do vary.
Introduction to scuba: Dive with a dive master with
basic instructions and be able to dive.
Average Duration: usually a 45 minute on land instruction
and then 2 dives (30-45 minutes each)
Cost: $50-60 US / 2 dives
Equipment: $10-15 US
2 Tank Dives (with certification)
Average Cost: $50-60 (does not include equipment)
3 Tank Dives (with certification)
Average Cost: $75 (does not include equipment)
Night dives, twilight dives, cave diving, nitrox diving and
advanced reefs are available.
Certification: PADI/NAUI certified
Duration: 3-4 days on average on the island (half days)
Average Cost: $350 US (full equipment provided)
Check out the scuba
dive shops to find the right scuba dive shop for you.
Want to remember your scuba diving trip? Why not have your
trip video taped? Check out under video photography services
on our Specialty
Services page.
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