Living Underwater Cozumel, Mexico
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the best time of the year to go to Cozumel?
Cozumel is great all year around! Summer and early fall months are the most humid and daytime temperatures are in the 90’s. When it rains, it’s usually a passing shower. Late fall and winter are cooler with daytime temperatures in low to mid-80’s. Winters are generally the driest time, but the island does experience the occasional Norte, bringing with it blustery winds. They are infrequent and short lived.
What is the water temperature?
In the winter months water temperatures average around 78F. The warmest time is June to October when water temperatures reach into the mid-80’s.
What time zone is Cozumel in?
Cozumel is located in the Central Standard time zone. The island does observe daylight savings time.
Should I book my diving in advance or can I wait until I arrive in Cozumel?
We strongly recommend that you book your diving in advance and suggest at least 60 days out. In order to maintain our high level of personalized service, and provide our divers with the best experience possible, we limit the number of divers in our groups.
Where is the dive shop located?
Living Underwater does not have a retail shop. When you arrive in Cozumel and are settled into your hotel, just give us a call and we’ll come and meet you at your hotel to collect your dive gear and discuss your diving plans for the next day.
How big are the boats and what amenities are onboard?
Our boats are panga style, "fast boats." They are fitted with canopies for shade. For your comfort, we also provide seat cushions, bottled water, fruit, snacks, towels and jackets. Our boats do not have restrooms; however, we do spend surface intervals at a beach club where you may use the facilities as well as order food and beverages.
What time does the boat leave for morning dives?
Our daily schedule depends on what our divers want to do. In order to take advantage of the best diving conditions we do suggest a 7:45-8:00 am departure. The exact pick up time will depend on your location.
Can I book afternoon and night dives?
Afternoon and night dives can be booked. A minimum number of divers may be required. Please ask for details.
Is the diving in Cozumel appropriate for new or less experienced divers?
There are dive sites in Cozumel appropriate for all experience levels.
Does drift diving require any special training?
If you are new to drift diving we’re sure you will get the hang of it in just a few dives. Your divemaster will review the basics of drift diving with you, and will be happy to have you stay close by and offer any assistance you might need until you are comfortable.
If you’d like to become more proficient and confident with drift diving, we do offer a Drift Diving specialty course. (See the Diver Education section of our web site for details.)
What’s the difference between a low-pressure, steel 95 or 120 cu ft tank and an Aluminum 80 cu ft tank?
Our low-pressure steel tanks are larger in size then the standard aluminum tanks you are probably used to diving with. They are also negatively buoyant, which means you won’t need as much weight on your belt or in your weight pockets. Although they are heavier then an aluminum tank, they are very well balanced and most divers find them to be even more comfortable then the lighter, smaller AL80 cu ft tanks. Our steel tanks also hold more air then a standard AL80, which translates to longer bottom times. And with the pro-valves, our tanks can accommodate either a yoke or DIN first stage without the need for an adapter.
Is there anything for non-divers to do in Cozumel?
Cozumel offers great beaches, snorkeling, non-motorized water sports and activities, horseback riding, ATV and Jeep tours, Mayan ruin sites, shopping, a variety of dining, and we are a short ferry ride from the mainland. The Riviera Maya is home to the Mayan ruins of Tulum and Coba, Xcaret and Xelha eco-parks, zip line tours, jungle tours, Actun Chen dry caves, numerous cenotes and beautiful beaches, restaurants and shopping.
Is Cozumel child-friendly?
Cozumel is very child and family friendly. You will feel comfortable taking your children as you explore the island, its restaurants and beach clubs. The larger resorts have “kid’s clubs” with organized, supervised activities, and some even offer babysitting services. You will also have no problem finding essential supplies and familiar foods in our larger grocery stores.
Will I have a hard time on the island if I don’t speak Spanish?
No Spanish? No problem. Hotel, restaurant and retail staff will speak English. As you venture further into town and off the beaten track you will find that fewer people are proficient in English. Cozumelenos are very friendly and hospitable so even if you have a language barrier you will feel welcomed and find people willing to help you.
Is it easy to get around without renting a car?
In the hotel zones and in town you will never wait long for a taxi. Fares are determined by zones and are very reasonable. Familiarize yourself with the zones you are traveling in so you know what the fare should be. Always ask the driver how much it will be before you get in, and don’t hesitate to question him if the price is not what it should be. If you plan to take a taxi to a beach club or to the east side of the island, it’s best to arrange a pick up time with your driver as it can be harder to get a taxi from these areas.
What about money? Are credit cards accepted? Are there ATM’s in Cozumel?
You will always do best using pesos, but US dollars are widely accepted. If you pay in US dollars you’ll most likely get your change in pesos. Stores and restaurants that accept dollars usually do so at a rate of 10 pesos to the US dollar. In town you will see several money exchange locations (cambio). They post their rates and will exchange US currency and traveler’s cheques to pesos.
ATM’s are easy find and will dispense pesos. Some banks do charge you currency exchange fees and/or service fees for using ATM’s in Cozumel. Check with your bank in advance.
Credit cards are not accepted at all stores or restaurants.
Is Internet access available to tourists?
Yes. Many hotels, resorts, villas and condos now offer Internet access to their guests either free of charge or at a nominal fee. Some even have wireless available. If your accommodations don’t offer Internet, there are several public Internet centers in Cozumel. They are located in town, as well as in the areas south of town. Ask at your hotel’s front desk for the nearest location. Rates are reasonable and you will be charged by the length of time you are online.
Where can I buy groceries, drinks, snack, etc?
If you’re staying in a hotel or beachfront condo, Chedraui will be your most convenient grocery store. Tourists often call it the Mexican Super-Walmart. It’s located just south of town on the waterfront as you head toward the southern hotel zone. It is directly across the street from El Cantil and Cozumel Palace. San Francisco’s is the other popular grocery store on the island. It also has a variety of departments and offers everything you will need in one store. San Francisco’s is located in town on Avenida 30. If you are staying further north in town, there is also a San Francisco’s at Avenida 65 and Calle 27. For the more adventurous, there are a number of smaller stores located throughout the neighborhoods, and El Marcado, the Central Market, which is open 7 am to 1 pm and is located on Salas between Avenida 20 and 25.
What if I have a medical emergency?
Cozumel has modern hospital, medical clinic and dental offices staffed by reputable, English speaking doctors and staff. For divers there are also hyperbaric medicine and recompression chamber facilities. We strongly suggest that you travel with adequate dive accident and medical coverage.
