SCUBA!!

[Treebeard]

If you are not certain if you want to pursue diving, I don't think I would recommend Cozumel. You only have one weeks vacation and the extra time spent getting to the island is a waste. You may be better off hitting one of the resorts in Playa del Carmen or Akumal. Depends if you want all inclusive or if you are like the the wife and I, go for a condo for less dinero and take care of yourself. When are you thinking of going?

Originally Posted by doch

Wow... lots of options. As much as I'm sure we'd love Thailand, it's not in the cards... neither is anywhere far east. We've just sold or house, and will be moving shortly after the (way too short) 1 week vacation.

From what I've heard so far, I'm leaning towards Cozumel, or Runaway Bay. Are they set up for newbs? Would we need to be certified, or can they give us enough training there to get us by for a day or maybe two of dives? We definetly don't have the time to spend the whole trip diving... I wouldn't mind, but the wife has stated that it's not a huge priority for her... damnit.

[Treebeard]

One other thing about Cozumel as opposed to the mainland Riviera, there really are not any good snorkelling sites on the Cozumel beaches. On the other hand, Akumal is excellent. We prefer Half Moon Bay where Akumal Dive Adventures is located.

[lorenz0]

I have to agree with the current comment with cozumel, it can be VERY strong. One of the dives we did was a drift dive

Also as said before, the pool tells all. You need to be able to retrieve your regulator and clear your mask (and after full removal) without panicking. This is a problem for alot of people.

And for a week, Mayan is a great location. Sounds like the discovering scuba course best fits your situation with 2 dives. First day is a quick video, than the pool (only takes 2 hours) than the next day you can do a morning and afternoon dive.

[doch]

Thanks again for the tips guys. Anyone know anything about Akumel? That's where my wife is wanting to go. I did a little research on it, and it sounds pretty good... any experience?

[axe_man16]

We stayed at Gran Bahia Prinipe just south of Akumal. About 5 min Collectivo ride to Akumal. The resort is very nice, and the snorkling at Akumal is great. Turtles, rays and lots of different types of fish and corals to be seen.

[Treebeard]

I have been to Akumal three times. The first time we stayed in the all inclusive Akumal Beach Resort on Akumal Bay. The room was ok, and the food and drinks were also good. The best snorkeling on Akumal Bay is about a 3 minute stroll down the beach in front of the Lo Ha restaurant and beach bar.

The second time we stayed at the Hotel Club Akumal Caribe, also on Akumal Bay. This is non AI resort located next to the Lo Ha and the Akumal Dive Center.

The third time in January we stayed at the La Joya condos on Half Moon Bay, which is just north of Akumal Bay. We prefer Half Moon Bay to Akumal Bay because it is less crowded. However, snorkeling in Akumal Bay is easier because it is more sheltered from the surf by the reef, but of course that means there are more snorkelers. The entry to Half Moon Bay is also rockier, but it is not a problem with us because we wear dive booties inside our fins. Both bays have plenty of fish and coral, but I think there are more turtles in Akumal Bay. Half Moon Bay has more condos and their are no large hotels. Akumal Bay is frequented by boats from other hotels outside of Akumal who bring in groups of snorkelers making it more crowded. My wife and I prefer the peacefulness of Half Moon Bay. And although the AI food is good, we can pay less per night for a condo, and eat and drink where ever we want instead of eating at the same restaurants in the AI. We also have our own kitchen, so if we prefer we can cook for ourselves.

No matter which bay you decide on, you can easily walk or rent golf carts or bikes to get around between them.

If you want all inclusive, go for Akumal Beach Resort. But like axe-man says, there are other resorts in the vicinity.

Spend some time researching on locogringo.com. They also have some great forums where you can ask the experts who go to Akumal frequently.

If you decide to an introductory scuba course, I highly recommend Adventures in Scuba. Shaleh is a great instructor.

Have a look at the webcam on Akumal Beach. This camera is mounted on the front of the Lo Ha restaurant and updates every 10 seconds. You can see the reef which protects the bay in the distance. It is bit of a swim to get out there but if you are a good swimmer it is not so hard. You can also rent snorkeling vests. But you don't have to swim all the way out to the reef. Lots of fish, coral and turtles can be seen a short swim from the beach.

Originally Posted by doch

Thanks again for the tips guys. Anyone know anything about Akumel? That's where my wife is wanting to go. I did a little research on it, and it sounds pretty good... any experience?