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Dive Review of Scuba Du/El Cantil in
Cozumel and the Mexican Yucatan

Scuba Du/El Cantil: "Unanticipated Wild Rides", Jun, 2014,

by Rose Mueller , TX, US (Sr. Contributor Sr. Contributor 27 reports with 13 Helpful votes). Report 7953.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 5 stars Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving 5 stars
Snorkeling 5 stars
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 3 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments Having had over 450 dives in Cozumel, we felt confident in what to expect in July. We were so very wrong! I have never been in the waters of Cozumel where the currents were so varied and ferocious the entire week. It was virtually impossible to escape them. There, of course, were dive sites that were almost impossible to navigate as Cedral Wall. That being said we did 16 dives and succeeded in finding the magnificent splendid "sapito" or toad fish and the illusively beautiful drum fish. Photography was difficult but several great shots were to be had. Sadly, there are fewer fish, as the hogfish and groupers. The battle against the lionfish seems to be on our side. Granted they are deeper, but we see fewer. Jose Luis did an excellent job trying to find interesting specimens to photograph. Victor at Scuba Du continues to clean our wetsuits to perfection. The smiling faces and efficiency of the staff and ownership of Scuba Du never fails. They accommodate and allow for long dives, some of which are over an hour and a half. We took a day trip to snorkel with the whale sharks at Isla de las Mujeres. Our nine year old granddaughter trusted her Papa that is was safe to snorkel down 20' and view this massive creature. Such trust! If you like, Google "Alia and the Whale Shark" and you can see the video of the experience. The snorkel ended with an encounter with a manta ray. The long, hot, trying day will always be memorable. El Cantil is a perfect place to stay. The supermarket is across the street, the infinity pool is lovely and there is snorkeling off of the dock. There are private bedrooms, but there is a well equipped kitchen and living room for a family to visit, eat and play games or cards. Scuba Du picks us up in the morning when we request. We are usually the first in the sea. One might be tempted to ask why we keep returning. I even had a friend suggest I was complacent and boring. Cozumel is safe and the people actually appreciate the fact we are there. I respect the hard work. We have made so many friends over the years and it as a second home. We walk into La Choza for lunch and our fried snapper is waiting. We go to Guidos and Ernan is embracing the children. It is genuine warmth and care. Oh! and by the way, the diving is always great, even with the currents.
Websites Scuba Du   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience Over 1000 dives
Where else diving Most every place there is to dive with the exception of the Arctic or South Africa; being certified in Montana in 32 degree water was quite enough!
Closest Airport Cozumel Getting There It isn't inexpensive to fly directly into Cozumel. We have flown into Cancun and taken the ferry which works.

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas choppy, currents
Water Temp 78-81°F / 26-27°C Wetsuit Thickness 5
Water Visibility 60-70 Ft/ 18-21 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Cozumel is enforcing the rules about NO TOUCHING which is good. I wish there were more control over the passengers on the cruise ships. Their behavior seems to be overlooked as they bring in such revenue to the island. Perhaps the novice divers should be given one reef to trample.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas 1 or 2
Dolphins 1 or 2 Whale Sharks > 2
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 5 stars Tropical Fish 4 stars
Small Critters 5 stars Large Fish 3 stars
Large Pelagics 5 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 3 stars Boat Facilities 3 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 3 stars Shore Facilities 4 stars
UW Photo Comments Scuba Du would accommodate as we wished. As our camera equipment is expensive we take it with us after diving to El Cantil and use their soaking facility which is excellent and then take it to our condo to service and set up for the next day.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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