Dive Review of Aqua Safari/the Bel Mar Hotel in
Cozumel and the Mexican Yucatan

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Aqua Safari/the Bel Mar Hotel, Mar, 2006, by Cindy Naiditch, NH, USA . Report 2488.
No photos available at this time
Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Accommodations		Food
Service and Attitude		Environmental Sensitivity	N/A
Dive Operation		Shore Diving
Snorkeling	N/A
Overall Rating
Value for $$	N/A
Beginners
Advanced
Comments	As new divers (7 dives for me, 25 for my partner), I was nervous about my first boat dive, my first salt water experience, and, later, my first night dive. The staff and crew of Aqua Safari couldn't be beat for consideration, helpful hints, and keeping a close eye on my partner and I, while at the same time, allowing more experienced divers to dive their own computer/profiles. We were asked to notify the divemaster when we reached 700psi in our tanks, a precaution that may have annoyed more experienced divers, but gave us "newbies" a more comfortable safety zone for surfacing. Assistance in getting back on the boat was greatly appreciated. While we were always the first to surface, we were never made to feel like we had messed up the other divers' diving experience--they came up based on own profiles. Aqua Safari has their own pier, right across the street from the shop, making it an easy on/off process. All gear was rinsed and stored in their facilities, reducing the hassle of hauling it to the room. Our hotel--the Bel Mar-- was right next door to the shop, making it extremely convenient. The hotel was clean, the staff was courteous, and the continental breakfast appreciated. The hotel had both a safe (small but adequate for wallets) and a small refrigerator, allowing us to store snacks and lunch food. Coming after the big hurricane(s) we were concerned about damage and accomodations. Not to worry! The island has recoverd in the tourist/town area amazingly fast. Signs of significant damage elsewhere however was quite evident. The reefs took a bit of battering and sand in and on the coral was evident. The continual "invitations" to come into the shops became extremely irritating after a while, causing us to walk along the water side of the street rather than brave the shopkeepers' assaults. But overall, well worth the trip. Already making plans to go back, and will dive with Aqua Safari again.
Reporter and Travel
Dive Experience	0-25 dives
Where else diving	[Unspecified]
Closest Airport		Getting There
Dive Conditions
Weather	sunny, dry	Seas	currents
Water Temp	72-75°F / 22-24°C	Wetsuit Thickness	3
Water Visibility	80-100 Ft/ 24-30 M
Dive Policy
Dive own profile	?
Enforced diving restrictions	Stick with group, safety stops, depth.
Liveaboard?	no	Nitrox Available?	N/A
What I Saw
Sharks	None	Mantas	None
Dolphins	1 or 2	Whale Sharks	None
Turtles	1 or 2	Whales	None
Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):
Corals		Tropical Fish
Small Critters		Large Fish
Large Pelagics
Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Subject Matter		Boat Facilities
Overall rating for UWP's	N/A	Shore Facilities	N/A
UW Photo Comments	I did not have any photo-gear. I did not notice any separate tables for camera gear, although freshwater buckets were provided --however other divers did use them for mask rinsing. The crew did appear to handle cameras with respect.

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Dive Review of Aqua Safari/the Bel Mar Hotel in Cozumel and the Mexican Yucatan

Aqua Safari/the Bel Mar Hotel, Mar, 2006,

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

Overall Rating

Reporter and Travel

Dive Conditions

Dive Policy

What I Saw

Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):

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

Dive Review of Aqua Safari/the Bel Mar Hotel in
Cozumel and the Mexican Yucatan