Living Underwater Cozumel, Mexico
NEWS & NOTEWORTHY
We’ll be updating this page from time to time with items that we want to bring to the attention of our customers and future customers. Check back regularly to see what’s new and noteworthy. If you read a news item, come across a story online or hear of anything you feel would be of interest to Cozumel divers, please send us an email and let us know about it.
New Passport Requirements for US Traveler
Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
The proposed implementation timeline has two phases:
- In January 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.
- As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.
It is your responsibility to make sure you have the proper travel documents prior to leaving the US. We suggest that you monitor the US Department of State’s International Travel page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html as requirements and/or effective dates may change.
95-mile river links caves in Mexico
March 3, 2007
From Times Wire Reports
Cave divers in Mexico's Yucàtan Peninsula have discovered what may be the world's longest underground river, connecting two cave systems with a waterway of at least 95 miles.
A group of foreign divers exploring the area near the Caribbean beach resort of Playa del Carmen have yet to name the river but believe it could be connected to two other major systems, adding more than 125 miles to its length.
Prior to the discovery, the Palawan underground river in the Philippines and Vietnam's Son Trach River vied for the record as the world's longest.
Living Underwater opens US based Reservations Office
June, 2006
Living Underwater continually strives to provide the best possible service to its customers, both on and off the boat. With that goal in mind, Jeremy Anschel is pleased to announce that all reservations will now be handled by a US based Reservations Office.
"I’m pleased to introduce Melissa, our US based Reservations Manager. Melissa will be the first point of contact for our divers. She will be receiving their reservations requests and taking care of deposits, paperwork and any questions our customers may have before arriving in Cozumel," said Anschel.
Melissa added, "I’ve been diving with Jeremy on my trips to Cozumel over the past few years. In addition to my sales management experience, I’m also bringing my first hand insight as a repeat Living Underwater diver and Cozumel visitor to this position."
When customers complete the online Reservation Request form or Contact form, they can expect a reply within 24hrs. Procedures in Cozumel remain the same. On their day of arrival, divers should contact Jeremy and arrange a time for him to meet with them at their hotel or accommodations. Jeremy will come and collect all gear and discuss plans for the next day’s diving.
April 2006 Edition of Undercurrent
May, 2006
Living Underwater would like to thank Ben Davison and Undercurrent for their coverage of Cozumel’s post-Wilma recovery. Since their writer’s visit in February of this year, the island has continued to rebuild and improve. With only a few exceptions, all hotels and resorts are now open and welcoming guests. San Miguel’s shops and restaurants, the island’s beach clubs and tourist services are back to business as usual. And the resilient Cozumel reefs have also continued to improve and rebuild. Divers who were here shortly after Wilma will be amazed to see the changes both above and below the water on their next visit.
Read about Cozumel and Living Underwater in the April, 2006 edition of Undercurrent. The article, "Post Hurricane Cozumel" is available in full online at www.undercurrent.org.
