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Dive Review of Scuba Du/El Cantil in
Cozumel and the Mexican Yucatan/Cozumel

Scuba Du/El Cantil: "A Plethera of Eagle Rays", Jan, 2015,

by Rose Mueller , TX, US (Sr. Contributor Sr. Contributor 27 reports with 13 Helpful votes). Report 8104.

No photos available at this time

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

Accommodations 4 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude 4 stars Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving 3 stars
Snorkeling 5 stars
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 3 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments It is alwasy a risk to go to Cozumel in January. The weather can change quickly. We encountered a lot of wind, but the port remained open during the week. The water was very cold, but it did bring the eagle rays. It used to be that the only guarantee of seeing them was to go to Punta Sur or San Juan. We encountered three or more on every dive at every location. Perhaps the best dive for watching them feed was San Francisco Wall. There were two smaller ones that played, ate, posed and delighted us for some time before they were on their way. We dove a new area that we could call "Pufferville." I've never seen so many puffer fish on a single dive. There were over 30 that I counted. I saw many large drum fish. My husband speared several lionfish and had a snapper that followed him like a pet dog. If only they could point out the lionfish! Strangely there was no current that accompanied the full moon. I don't remember Cedral Wall where I actually could see it and enjoy its beauty. The reefs and new corals are in exceptional health. We couldn't believe the beauty of Colombia Reef. Scuba Du, as always, is very accommodating. Our dives were usually about an hour and 10 minutes. Jose Luis was our guide. I must say he is genuinely, one of the happiest people I've known. He loves Cozumel, the reef, the clients and his company. It speaks volumes for the owner, Jorge de la Fuente. It is such a pleasure to be with someone in Mexico that is there out of desire in lieu of an anticipated tip. The last day ended on an exciting note with an 8' green moray and a 7' nurse shark sleeping under a ledge. Victor is still at Scuba Du caring for the gear. It is spotless and CLEAN for each day. El Cantil is the handiest place to stay. It is an easy walk to town and the supermarket. The pool facilities are nice as is the ease of snorkeling. We found a new restaurant, Le Chef, and enjoyed the lobster and bacon sandwiches. The deep fried whole snapper at La Choza is still hard to beat. We completed our 1350th dive while there. It remains one of our favorite destinations.
Websites Scuba Du   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience Over 1000 dives
Where else diving I am a VERY fortunate diver, having been most of the places that are great!
Closest Airport Cozumel Getting There Houston-Cozumel

Dive Conditions

Weather windy, cloudy Seas choppy, no currents
Water Temp 77-79°F / 25-26°C Wetsuit Thickness 5
Water Visibility 50-70 Ft/ 15-21 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Scuba Du is proactive about assessing a diver's ability. As we've had so many dives with them, there is no restriction except those that are self imposed.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks 1 or 2 Mantas None
Dolphins 1 or 2 Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 5 stars Tropical Fish 4 stars
Small Critters 4 stars Large Fish 4 stars
Large Pelagics 5 stars

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

Subject Matter 4 stars Boat Facilities 5 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 4 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments There are soaking tanks on the big boats as well as at El Cantil. The captains are careful with the camera equipment. Many photographers come to Scuba Du so they are very understanding. Jose Luis is also an excellent photographer.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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