Dive Review of
XTC Dive Center/Hotel Tierra Maya in
Cozumel and the Mexican Yucatan/Xcalak

Cayman, BVI, Saba, Dominica, St. Vincent & Grendines,  
Cozumel

Dive Conditions

[Unspecified]  

[None]  

Overall Rating

We hoped, we prayed, we rose at the crack of dawn each day in anticipation.
But strong winds blew up (no pun) every plan to visit Banco Chinchorro. XTC
Dive was very sympathic, rescheduled the trip daily and took us on some
fantastic local dives. The short boat ride to the sites was a bit cool and
sometimes rough. The diving was spectacular with max bottom times.
Outstanding sites were La Poza, packed with exciting finds, and La
Chimenea, a deep, colorful gorge. We saw lots of eagle rays, tarpon,
groupers and cero and were checked out by four dolphins at depth and a
friendly brown booby at the surface.

XTC uses its small boat for local diving. The boat is open and holds four
tanks and a captain. DM's and boat captains are experienced and
knowledgeable. Entry is by backward roll and exit is by ladder. All dives
are drifts. The boat returns to the shop's dock after each dive. Since our
first dives had heavy profiles, we took extra-long SI's to allow for more
bottom time on our second tanks, which started at around 1 pm. XTC rinses
and securely stores equipment. They prefer that divers retrieve and set up
their own gear, which the shop staff delivers and loads onto the boat.

The beachfront Hotel Tierra Maya is very, very nice. It offers air
conditioning and the rate includes breakfast at the onsite restaurant. Due
to the constant ocean breeze, we didn't need the AC. The restaurant is good
-- too much food actually -- and serves as a one of the town's gathering
places so we were able to learn from the locals. Our room was HUGE and
contained three beds and a hammock, a tiled food-prep counter with fridge
and bottled water, dining table and 4 chairs, large storage area with
safe-deposit box and loaner books, bathroom with shower and a large patio
with a table and chairs. All rooms face the ocean.

The hotel also has a good snorkeling beach often visited by turtles, a dock
and plenty of outdoor seating areas for reading, relaxing or visiting with
other guests. They also have kayaks and other gear for guests.

No matter where you stay in Xcalak, there are a few things you should know:
You will receive a discount on diving and other services at XTC if you book
lodging with bill-in-tulsa.com. Be sure to arrive in Xcalak with a full
tank of gas, insect repellent and some groceries. There's a market in town
but it might not have what you want and the nearest city is almost two
hours away. Also, if you're there on a day when it's open, be sure to have
dinner at the Leaky Palapa for terrific food and company. 

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