Instant Reader Report
on Aquatic Sports(Deportes Aquaticos) / Brisas Cozumel (NOT Brisas condos) in
Cozumel and the Mexican Yucatan / [N/A] on
2003/08
by
Mark R. Chino , NM, USA
Report Number 030821211316106

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 [Unspecified]Cayman Islands, Sea of Cortez(San Carlos) 

Dive Conditions

[Unspecified]Divemaster advised of max depth/time at each site, but allowed
us to dive our own profile, using our computers.  

[None]We are not underwater photogs, so this did not apply, but Sergio has
made sure there was a rinse bucket, on past trips, for UW photographers'
cameras.  Dive boat not currently set up with tables for cameras.  

Overall Rating

[None]Sergio Sandoval, Sr. has been diving Cozumel for 30+ yrs. without an
accident. His is a family operation and he does not advertise, except by
his customers. We have been diving with him since 1987 and have never been
disappointed in the service. On this trip, my wife and I were the only
divers for 4 of 5 diving days.  Have never been diving with Sergio when he
had more than 8 divers.  
We dove with both Sergio, Sr. & Sergio, Jr. and they let us choose our
sites each day.  Lunch and soft drinks are included, as is a
rest/outgassing stop between dives.  Both Sergios are outstanding
divemasters, very safety and environmentally conscious, without being
overbearing.  Sergio showed us his newly-acquired boat, which will be
roomier and faster, and should be in the water within 2-3 months, as he is
in the process of acquiring permits, etc. from the Mexican government. 
Sergio will take you to the less dived areas(north, east, etc.), but you
must be able to demonstrate that you are capable of handling those
conditions. Saw lobsters, morays, barracuda, groupers, nurse sharks, and
toadfish.  Great diving as usual.
Brisas(formerly Costa Club)is still a good hotel.  Our only complaint was
the 1/4 inch gap in the wall between the doorways of our room and the
adjoining room.  Could hear everything the occupants of the next room were
doing and saying.  This was reported to management.  Manuel and Rudy
recognized/remembered us as soon as we got off the airport shuttle at the
hotel.  Had no problems with the hotel, maid service, billing, etc. and
the hotel was well-maintained.  Hotel has a new bar/restaurant across the
street at its private beach.  We only ate one breakfst at the hotel, as we
went into town for all our meals.  Costa Brava restrurant is great for
cheap, early, before-dive breakfasts.  Had good dinners/service at Guidos,
La Mission, TGI Fridays, Ernestos' Fajitas, and Pepe's Grill.  Have to
agree with the Chapbook reader who was disappointed with Prima; wife and I
both agreed our dinner was OK but not what the food quality used to be.  
Something has changed there,and not for the better.  Usually didn't each
lunch, but bought snacks and freshly-baked pastries and rolls at Chadraui
dept. store.  Rented a VW beetle from Smart Rental, near the aiport, for
$35/day.  Turn signals/hazard lights didn't work and it had 91K kilometers
on it, but it got us around.  There's a new mall near the naval base;
Cozumel is looking more like the US.  One day there were SIX cruise ships
in port! San Miguel was a zoo that day!  Only day with no cruise ships was
Sunday.  All things considered, we still look forward to our yearly trip to
Cozumel.                
 

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