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Cozumel Trip Report 2009 | |
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"Where are you going diving?" is a common question we ask here at the dive shop. Amazingly, "Just Cozumel" is a very typical answer. After having spent the last week in Cozumel, I'm wondering what they're missing. It shouldn't be "Just Cozumel", but more like, "Cozumel, can't wait because it is AWESOME!" |
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I, like many Coloradans, have been going to Cozumel for several years. My first trip was back in 1998. But I can honestly say that the reef and fish population from this past trip blew me away. This was the healthiest, most abundant trip to Cozumel I have been on, and truly can't wait to go back! |
YouTube video courtesy of |
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We stayed at the Occidental Grand on the South side of the island, close to the great dive sites of Palancar Reef and Paso Del Cedral. The accommodations were well beyond my expectations, and the food was truly delicious. Every time we stay at an all-inclusive resort, I expect an abundance of food, but perhaps lacking a bit on the quality or presentation. The staff at the Occidental Grand were incredible, putting out an impressive spread, wide enough to suit any palate. |
| Diving was with Dive Palancar, our first experience with this operation. They are truly first rate in their services - everyone from the shop staff to the boat crew were focused on customer service, and every request was met with a smile and enthusiastic nod. Their boats were clean and spacious, meeting our groups' needs perfectly.
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As for the diving, world class is the only way to describe it. I think we may become spoiled in Colorado as Cozumel becomes our best and closest "local" diving. As a result, perhaps we look down on it as not being nearly exotic enough, or just too easy to get to. I guess I'm on the other side of that fence. World class diving only 4 hours away - sign me up! Our dives were filled with your typical Caribbean fish, from Angels and Triggers to Grunts and Chromis, but the abundance of the life was wonderful to see. We were also blessed with the less than usual: Eagle Rays, Squid, Rainbow and Midnight Parrotfish and Splendid Toadfish. But we also had the downright unusual: Red Lipped Sea Goddess, Pipehorse and a Sargassum Frogfish, a fish I have never seen before in over 2500 dives! |
| Our group of 24 from Colorado, Arizona and Maryland had a ball diving the healthy reefs, exploring a bit of the island, and even enjoying some raucous water aerobics and water polo! A very special thank you goes out to Ray and family of the El Moro Restaurant for opening especially for our group, providing an incredible meal, and even spinning the tunes so we could shake it on the dance floor! |  |
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You can probably tell I'm pretty jazzed about Cozumel - and rightfully so. The next time you come in and we ask where you are going, I can't wait to here some excitement for plain old Cozumel! |
All photos courtesy of Mike Criner
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We cannot think of a better place for a winter diving getaway. Not only is the diving great, but Cozumel boasts great beaches and warm Caribbean water. .
We will be staying at the beautiful Occidental Grand Cozumel, a luxurious all-inclusive resort on the Southern end of the island - - close to the best dive sites! This resort has six restaurants and four bars to choose from, so you are sure to not go hungry. You can also choose between the private beach or three swimming pools at the resort to relax after a day of diving.
The diving in Cozumel is nothing short of spectacular. We will be staying near the world famous reefs of Palancar, Santa Rosa, Punta Sur and Columbia featuring over 8 miles of walls, tunnels, caves, pinnacles and overhangs.
We have had a ton of interest in this trip, so don’t delay in signing up. A $300 deposit and a signed trip agreement are required to hold your spot with us in Cozumel. (Air taxes are subject to change until ticketed) |
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