COZUMEL - Feb '98
This was my first trip to Mexico and my first experience with warm water
diving as well. Dad, Chris, and I set out with two guys from Minnesota
to compile our boatfull for the afternoon trip.
Our first dive was at the Santa Rosa Reef, near the southern end of the
island. Upon entry myself and another guy were able to get a glimpse of
a turtle passing underneath, but it was gone quickly and no one else got
to see it. At a depth of 85' the visibility was amazing, you could see
forever in any direction! We were led through a series of large crevasses
and caves where we saw a variety of tropical plants, coral and sponge.
There were many varieties of fish like the very colorful Angelfish that
come in the most bizarre shapes and patterns.
Our second dive was at the Planacar Reef. This area is popular for drift
diving and there were many divers in the water. The Groupers are common
here, following you with their slow dopey movements. We saw a lobster tucked
away in the side of a rock, larger varieties of tropical fish, puffer fish,
butterfly fish and even Barracuda! Dad saw the Moray Eel.
Both of these dives were great, but I think I like the warm water part the
best!!
Cheryl Dawson
Night Diving in the Caribbean
This dive was on the Barrier Reef of the Island of Cozumel. All of
my previous dives here were in daylight. This was my first night dive in
tropical waters. There were to be four divers and the dive-master but my
buddy Ross, from Minnesota, lost his mask on his back entry and the divemaster's
spare mask did not fit him. The rest of us kept a look out for his mask
on our travels. The dive lights seemed to shine on forever with colors
more brilliant than on the day dives. We saw four small Stingrays, no less
than half a dozen juvenile moray eels, and a few sharp tail eels (Spotted
Sea Snakes). Amongst the coral were numerous tropical fish, some shying
from the light and others coming out for it. Apart from all the rest, the
most interesting was a Splendid Toad Fish and the Island of Cozumel is
the only place in the world where it exists. The one I saw was about twenty
five cm. long, looking somewhat like a Irish Lord, with tentacles protruding
from its lower lip....... definitely different.
All of my diving in Cozumel '97 and '98 was with 'Caballito Del Caribe'.
I found them to be a good charter operation. They are safety minded, have
reasonably good equipment, and are generally willing to take you to what
you would like to see.
The one thing about diving on this reef is looking forward to Australia
and diving the largest reef in the world. On that note, I hope everyone
has excellent dives no matter where you dive.
Steve R. Dawson
BERMUDA- Brent and Stella
I know, I know, it has been a few months since Stella and I went to Bermuda.
First we got off the plane and could cut through the air with a knife, so
humid. We were there only for 8 days, so it was very busy sight seeing and
stuff .
Bermuda is a very beautiful place to visit. All the houses are pastel colors
with roofs that are stepped to catch all the rain water possible. Rain water
is the only water that they use in Bermuda for everything, and it is stored
in 30,000 gallon tanks. I guess you would say that they don't want to run
out!
So on the day of the dive Stella and I went out on a 45 foot dive boat
, which was excellent for diving.
I did 2 dives in Bermuda which were all on wrecks. I saw 3 large Spiney
Lobsters which looked very tasty. I also saw a Heart urchin, Spotted Eagle
Ray , Sgt. Majors , and lots of Parrot Fish. I missed the big Grouper,and
no, there were no sharks! The Barracuda were neat to see at a distance.
That does it for the diving , oh yes I almost forgot about the 200 ft
+ vis. the 80 degree water and the pink sand beaches.