New here and wanting to learn

[Alexcozumel]

Hi ppl,

I´m new here, and just wanted to say hi.

I´m a SCUBA instructor in Cozumel, and came here to learn a bit about seadoo boats, which I find beautiful.

I can´t offer you advice on boats, but if you need to know something about diving, I´d be happy to help!

Cheers, Alex

 

[LouDoo]

Hi Alex,

My wife and I have been doing cruises during the last few years, a couple of years ago we went to Cozumel. What a beautiful place, we did some snorkeling, we went with a local guide by the name of George, great guy. I would like to take up scuba but here in Kentucky we're landlocked, so it's not very practical, so I guess we'll stick with snorkeling.

Anyway anything I can help you with just let me know.

Welcome to the SeaDoo forum.

Lou

 

[Alexcozumel]

Thanks a bunch Lou,

Cozumel is a beautiful place indeed, I fell in love with the place twenty something years ago in my first dive trip there, so many years later I moved there with my wife and we have a wonderful life.

The reason I came here is because I want to buy a boat, a really like the small seadoo´s, we´d like something small and fun.

You can check my question here:

http://www.seadooforum.com/showthre...my-first-boat-need-advice&p=337209#post337209

Maybe we can have a margarita if you stop by Cozumel in the future? If you want to try SCUBA I have a deep pool, you and your wife can train there, gain confidence, learn some skills, and then head to a nice shallow reef, dive is on the house

Cheers, Alex

 

[LouDoo]

Thanks for the offer, if we ever get that way again we'll have to get together. We've already made or plans for next winter and we're going to the southern Caribbean. One of the stops is Bonaire, I hear that's also a great place for snorkeling and diving.

I'm afraid I'm not going to be much help with a 4-tek boat, I'm really more into 2-stroke PWC's and 2-stoke boats.

Lou

 

[Coastiejoe]

I will trade all the boat advice in the word for some Coz dive trips.

Deal???

 

[Alexcozumel]

I will trade all the boat advice in the word for some Coz dive trips.

Deal???

Are you a certified diver? If so, I´ll take you to the big reefs, if not, I´ll give you an introductory pool lesson and a shore dive in a nice, shallow reef.



The pic is yours truly in Punta Sur, South Tip.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Are you a certified diver? If so, I´ll take you to the big reefs, if not, I´ll give you an introductory pool lesson and a shore dive in a nice, shallow .

Certified as well as military diver.
Open water, Advance open water, Rescue diver and completed Dive Master but got deployed so I never took the test,,, That one still hurts a bit.. Oh well, it was still a good course.

You picture is great,, that entire area is super diving. I did The Great Barrier Reef last year and it was very good, but Coz is tuff to beat.

Maybe I will plan a vacation in your area.

In all seriousness, I was in the Coast Guard for 23 years and have been around boats my entire life. I will be glad to help you with anything I can.

Diving is one the things I love to do the most in the world. Nothing better than standing on the ocean floor and watch the world go by..

 

[Alexcozumel]

Then we can go to Devil´s Throat!

We enter a cavern at about 80 feet, drop down almost verticaly, exit at 134 ft right on the wall, with a nice nitrogen buzz, then a surface interval right here in the pic, a place called Heaven, for obvious reasons, have a nice lunch, then a shallower dive,

Can´t beat that!

 

[El Toro 33809]

Welcome to the forum Alex. Beautiful photos. My wife and I are going on a cruise this fall with a stop in Cozumel on September 30th. Any recommendations on what we should do or see?

 

[Alexcozumel]

Hi Toro,

It depends on what you like. The taxis will be waiting for you and they´ll try to herd you to places where they get kickbacks.

There´s shopping in downtown if that´s your thing. The boat may have already have a list of "safe shops" or restaurants they rcommend, but the truth is that everything is safe and they make business with this places.

I like nature, and I´m not much into guided tours or shopping, I would rent a car and drive the road around the island, in the other side that faces open ocean you´ll have incredible scenery and virgin beaches if you like to take a refreshing plunge, while there, you may want to stop a Coconuts, a bar right by an incredible cliff facing the ocean, they have some snacks but the food is just average, but is great for a beer or margarita, very nice place (no credit cards in the wild side of the island).

Punta Sur is a beautiful ecological park with an incredible beach, a logoon with crocs, some craft shops, a small museum and a little overpriced restaurant.

As you complete the circle you´ll get into town, if you´re hungry there are many places you can go, depending on what you want. For fine dinning Prima has excelent pastas, steaks and fish, it´s on top of a condo and you´ll have an incrdible view, also Rolandi´s is very good and fairly priced. It´s located near prima and has a very nice ocean front wooden deck.

Do not go to Pepe´s, it´s overrated, overpriced and disapointing. Last time I ordered a rib eye it was thin and about 35$US, I don´t remember what my wife had, but it wasn´t good either.

There´s a new restaurant on the main street across the ocean, they have excellent modern cuisine, but can´t remember the name, it´s something like Ilis, but I´m not sure.

And of course, SCUBA diving is among the best in the world. Snorkeling is great too, but nothing compares with actually be on the bottom. In case you want to try an introductory experience find a place that will offer you a pool lesson before the open water dive. Many ppl will tell you that´s ok to go into the ocean for the first time, but I don´t recomend it.

If you want more info I´m here.

Cheers, Alex

 

[get_real]

Sounds like great advice. I did the standard tour things on my last cruise and was disapointed, especially with our lunch pick. Next time will definetly rent a car and do my own sight-seeing. Appreciate your offer to help get into diving, may take you up on that someday! Cheers and good luck finding a Seadoo, you came to the right place for assistance!

 

[Alexcozumel]

Hey guys,

What do you think about this Bayliner for the choppy waters of Cozumel? It´s 11,000$US

http://vehiculo.mercadolibre.com.mx/MLM-424538224-lancha-bayliner-para-7-pasajeros-_JM

Cheers, Alex

 

[Alexcozumel]

Sounds like great advice. I did the standard tour things on my last cruise and was disapointed, especially with our lunch pick. Next time will definetly rent a car and do my own sight-seeing. Appreciate your offer to help get into diving, may take you up on that someday! Cheers and good luck finding a Seadoo, you came to the right place for assistance!

Yes! Rent a Jeep or an old VW bug and go around, in case you have a mechanical problem on the other side there´s always a Green Angel nearby, this is a service we have where a white/green truck full of parts, gas, water etc will fix your car, and they charge very reasonable for spares used.

Here´s a video of me explaining a bit about a problem we have in the Cribbean: The lionfish, it got here somehow and is a pest (some ppl say a tank in Florida broke and some got into the ocean, but who knows). It has no predators and eats everything in sight, we dive pros were asked by the marine park to kill them on the spot, and I like to eat what I kill. Unfortunately I´m speaking in Spanish and the subtitles are in Slovene, my wife´s Country, but there´s some grat images of the ocean, I´m in a litle cove I like to shore dive from.

I caught two, but one was stolen by a moray eel (they will get them dead, but never alive) Then I made a Mexican sushimi snack with the one left.

My wife and I published a Mexican cookbook in Slovenia, and sometimes we post recipes in youtube, I´d like to share with you guys, you´ve been too kind.

Wow!! I was chunky back then!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q2oDKE1pe0

Cheers, Alex

 

[El Toro 33809]

Hi Toro,

It depends on what you like. The taxis will be waiting for you and they´ll try to herd you to places where they get kickbacks.

There´s shopping in downtown if that´s your thing. The boat may have already have a list of "safe shops" or restaurants they rcommend, but the truth is that everything is safe and they make business with this places.

I like nature, and I´m not much into guided tours or shopping, I would rent a car and drive the road around the island, in the other side that faces open ocean you´ll have incredible scenery and virgin beaches if you like to take a refreshing plunge, while there, you may want to stop a Coconuts, a bar right by an incredible cliff facing the ocean, they have some snacks but the food is just average, but is great for a beer or margarita, very nice place (no credit cards in the wild side of the island).

Punta Sur is a beautiful ecological park with an incredible beach, a logoon with crocs, some craft shops, a small museum and a little overpriced restaurant.

As you complete the circle you´ll get into town, if you´re hungry there are many places you can go, depending on what you want. For fine dinning Prima has excelent pastas, steaks and fish, it´s on top of a condo and you´ll have an incrdible view, also Rolandi´s is very good and fairly priced. It´s located near prima and has a very nice ocean front wooden deck.

Do not go to Pepe´s, it´s overrated, overpriced and disapointing. Last time I ordered a rib eye it was thin and about 35$US, I don´t remember what my wife had, but it wasn´t good either.

There´s a new restaurant on the main street across the ocean, they have excellent modern cuisine, but can´t remember the name, it´s something like Ilis, but I´m not sure.

And of course, SCUBA diving is among the best in the world. Snorkeling is great too, but nothing compares with actually be on the bottom. In case you want to try an introductory experience find a place that will offer you a pool lesson before the open water dive. Many ppl will tell you that´s ok to go into the ocean for the first time, but I don´t recomend it.

If you want more info I´m here.

Cheers, Alex

Alex,

Thanks for the detailed answers. We aren't much for shopping, we'd more into sightseeing/nature and adventures. We were there in 2008, took a cab to some of the ruins, then a ride around the island. I think we stopped at Coconuts. Does it look like the place in the photo? How difficult is it to rent a car? I won't be thrown in jail driving there will I? How would we find Punta Sur? Thanks for the restaurant suggestions as well. Fine dining really won't be our deal on the island either, so we would probably go with one of your other suggestions such as Rolandi's. We've both snorkled but never have done SCUBA. I am more interested in either of these than my wife would be.

In regards to your boat inquiries, Seadoo boats are a blast. They are responsive and nimble, but better suited for fairly flat water. How are the seas there usually? If anything like the photo I've included, it is too rough.

Thanks,
El Toro - Tim

 

[Alexcozumel]

That´s Coconuts all rigth!

Renting a car is like everywhere, driver´s license and a credit card/deposit will do. Get off the boat, rent a car and head south, you´ll hit Punta Sur in half an hour or so.

Listen friend, forget about horror stories about Mexican cops,and what the media shows you, you really have to make an effort to be arrested here, you´d have to steal, get caught with drugs or murder someone. Forget about wearing a seatbelt if you wish (In the mainland they´ll stop you for this), and just have fun, no cop is gonna bother you, I´ve even seen American tourists joking with patroling soldiers on the other side. The horrible things we see in the news happen in some hotspots. Not in all my life (I´m 47) have I seen a shootout, being kidnapped or whatever. Most of these things happen to ppl involved in things we are not, and near to the border, or very macho states like Guerrero, where Acapulco is, and Michoacán, where weed is grown and generally ugly hollywood mexican types are. Cozumel is a safe place,as all Yucatán peninsula, and most of Mexico. There is a problem here and there once in a while, like any other place in the world.

If you want to try SCUBA I´ll be happy to help, your wife can snorkel, with a divemaster, while you dive 25 fet below her with an instructor.

As a matter of fact most of my neighbours are retired Amricans, Canadians and Europeans, life is good here, not complicated, and very safe. They live here for a reason.

Come here, enjoy and be happy.

The pics are Punta Sur, and that Corc is Max, the alfa male that won´t allow any other croc near his ladies. If you scream "Max", he´ll actually turn to you !

What do you think about this Bayliner for 11,000$US BTW? We have choppy waters.

http://vehiculo.mercadolibre.com.mx/MLM-424538224-lancha-bayliner-para-7-pasajeros-_JM



Cheers, Alex

 

[Alexcozumel]

Sounds like great advice. I did the standard tour things on my last cruise and was disapointed, especially with our lunch pick. Next time will definetly rent a car and do my own sight-seeing. Appreciate your offer to help get into diving, may take you up on that someday! Cheers and good luck finding a Seadoo, you came to the right place for assistance!

Thanks man, very friendly place indeed.

 

[El Toro 33809]

That´s Coconuts all rigth!

Renting a car is like everywhere, driver´s license and a credit card/deposit will do. Get off the boat, rent a car and head south, you´ll hit Punta Sur in half an hour or so.

Listen friend, forget about horror stories about Mexican cops,and what the media shows you, you really have to make an effort to be arrested here, you´d have to steal, get caught with drugs or murder someone. Forget about wearing a seatbelt if you wish (In the mainland they´ll stop you for this), and just have fun, no cop is gonna bother you, I´ve even seen American tourists joking with patroling soldiers on the other side. The horrible things we see in the news happen in some hotspots. Not in all my life (I´m 47) have I seen a shootout, being kidnapped or whatever. Most of these things happen to ppl involved in things we are not, and near to the border, or very macho states like Guerrero, where Acapulco is, and Michoacán, where weed is grown and generally ugly hollywood mexican types are. Cozumel is a safe place,as all Yucatán peninsula, and most of Mexico. There is a problem here and there once in a while, like any other place in the world.

If you want to try SCUBA I´ll be happy to help, your wife can snorkel, with a divemaster, while you dive 25 fet below her with an instructor.

As a matter of fact most of my neighbours are retired Amricans, Canadians and Europeans, life is good here, not complicated, and very safe. They live here for a reason.

Come here, enjoy and be happy.

What do you think about this Bayliner for 11,000$US BTW? We have choppy waters.

http://vehiculo.mercadolibre.com.mx/MLM-424538224-lancha-bayliner-para-7-pasajeros-_JM



Cheers, Alex

So where would we go for the snorkel/scuba adventure you suggest? Are there rental car places near the port? Any ideas what a fair rental price is?

Although I'd love to see you in a Seadoo boat, the Bayliner you have the listing for is probably a better choice for there. The price seems a little high for the US, but it probably isn't out of line for your area. And a 2008 is pretty current.

 

[Alexcozumel]

So where would we go for the snorkle/scuba adventure you suggest? Are there rental car places near the port? Any ideas what a fair rental price is?

Although I'd love to see you in a Seadoo boat, the Bayliner you have the listing for is probably a better choice for there. The price seems a little high for the US, but it probably isn't out of line for your area. And a 2008 is pretty current.

As you come out of the boat ther will be more car rentals than you need. Prices are fair, about 50$ a day, depending on the type of car.

I´m an instructor, my wife is a divemaster, we can help you with that.

As the price of the boat, I have to bargain, I´m sure I´ll get a better deal, but bear in mind that there are import taxes.

Hre´s a pic of pool training at my home,

 

[LouDoo]

Hi Alex,

I have to congratulate you, this is certainly one of the more interesting threads on this forum. You live in a beautiful and interesting place. I think you have done more teaching than learning.

Lou

 

[El Toro 33809]

As you come out of the boat ther will be more car rentals than you need. Prices are fair, about 50$ a day, depending on the type of car.

I´m an instructor, my wife is a divemaster, we can help you with that.

As the price of the boat, I have to bargain, I´m sure I´ll get a better deal, but bear in mind that there are import taxes.

Hre´s a pic of pool training at my home,

Looks great!!! How would we go about setting something like that up? What would the cost be?

Good luck finding a boat. I've heard what prices can be like in regards to cars being imported to Mexico and Central America.

Hi Alex,

I have to congratulate you, this is certainly one of the more interesting threads on this forum. You live in a beautiful and interesting place. I think you have done more teaching than learning.

Lou

Lou hit the nail on the head here!!! Thanks Alex.

 

[El Toro 33809]

Duplicate deleted.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Alex,

The Bayliner you listed will do much better than a Seadoo boat.

I see that is has adjustable trim. I assume it is an I/O, which means the trim is the actual out drive that moves. For a new boat owner that is an easy system.

All the way down for initial acceleration and then raise it as you get on plane. Then you can trim it up or down based on the ride you want or to get better economy in regards to fuel. You don't want to leave it all the way down cruising at high speeds. Makes it hard to handle and will burn tons if fuel.

What engine is in it? And does it also have Trim Tabs?

I can almost promise we will meet in the future. I like the concept of retiring there. I have done 13 years in the military and I am 7 years away from a second full pension as a Government Employee. I will be 57 with 43 years of Federal service. I'm hoping that will allow for a comfortable retirement.

 

[get_real]

Hey guys,

What do you think about this Bayliner for the choppy waters of Cozumel? It´s 11,000$US

http://vehiculo.mercadolibre.com.mx/MLM-424538224-lancha-bayliner-para-7-pasajeros-_JM

Cheers, Alex

That price seems high for the states .. is it in Cozumel? Bayliners are nice boats...not top of the line but good family boats. Bow riders are great and if would be great for crusing and skiing.

Sent from my LG-VM696 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Alexcozumel]

That price seems high for the states .. is it in Cozumel? Bayliners are nice boats...not top of the line but good family boats. Bow riders are great and if would be great for crusing and skiing.

Sent from my LG-VM696 using Tapatalk 2

Yes, I´ll have to pay a bit higher because import taxes, but I´m sure I can´t bargain a bit if I show up with some cash.

I´d like a boat like this, have never owned one, so it has to be easy and friendly.

I´m in Europe now, I´ll be back the second of August, and hope the boat is still around, but if not, I´ll look around in the Cancún area, there´s plenty of boats.

Thanks man.

Cheers, Alex

 

[Alexcozumel]

Hi Alex,

I have to congratulate you, this is certainly one of the more interesting threads on this forum. You live in a beautiful and interesting place. I think you have done more teaching than learning.

Lou

How Very kind of you Lou,

Let me tell you something about myself and how I got here.

I was born in an upper class Mexican family, and you know how that is, college, start working with the aim to make a bunch of money, married to some void socialite (Whom I divorced)... But I had been an adventurer at heart, became a single engine plane pilot at 18, was a diver by that age, took up skydiving but quited after an accident....

I remember a moment of clarity, an epiphany when I was 36, when I was working all day in my black suit, carryng my briefcase and driving my Corvette (I have an ol truck now!!!) The thought came... "Am I going to live like this untill I die?" and that thought scared the sh out of me, that night I couldn´t sleep, and I began to think how to get out. While on a weekend vacation on Real de Catorce, a town 9000 feet up in the high Sierra of northern Mexico I was offered a restaurant, at the same time I rented my business, divorced, moved there, met my wonderful wife (We´ve been married 7 years now) and started a new life. I moved to Cozumel because my love for diving and because there´s everything you need: good medical facilirties, nice supermarkets, while at the same time is laid back and beautiful.

These pics are of Monterrey, where I was born and raised, it doesn´t even look like Mexico!

Had I stayed there I´d be making more money, but I wouldn´t be as happy and free.

Cheers, Alex