Scuba/Snorkel plans in Grand Cayman or Cozumel

[Tmaxx1]

I will be taking the Princess Regal ship to Grand Cayman (Georgetown) and Cozumel the end of Feb. For Grand Cayman, the ship arrives at port at 7am and leaves at 4pm. For Cozumel, the ship arrives at port at 10am and leaves at 10pm.

I want to go scuba in one location (either Grand Cayman or Cozumel) and snorkeling in the other. I have been scuba diving once 20 years ago on my honeymoon and loved it but have never been again. My wife, daughter (15) and I have been snorkeling many times on other cruises. I am working on convincing them to go on a discover scuba dive in either Grand Cayman or Cozumel :)

Which location would be better for scuba for my situation?

Recommendations for scuba provider that has a discover scuba dive option?

 

I was looking at the Acquarius Sea Tours snorkeling/stingray/starfish package for $50pp if we decide to snorkel in Grand Cayman. I'll see what everyone's feedback is though before deciding.

 

Thanks.

Tim

[Capt_BJ]

Sunset House does a very nice 'discovery' program IMO

 

contact them by e-mail .......

[ABQrobin]

First....are you certified to scuba dive or are you looking for a Discover?

If you haven't been diving for 20 yrs, even if fully certified, you cannot dive at either location without a refresher or just doing the Discover.

 

Cozumel is best for scuba diving, Grand Cayman is great for both. GC has shallower reefs and less current, so snorkeling is better there.

If you want to do a Discover, then maybe Cozumel would work...then you can snorkel at Grand Cayman.

[shipsasailin]

Just a question for a non scuba person who is interested in learning. What is a “ discover” ?

Thank you

[ABQrobin]

Just a question for a non scuba person who is interested in learning. What is a “ discover” ?

Thank you

 

Discover scuba is a one-day beginner lesson, that shows you how to basically operate the equipment, clear mask, and warn you of what NOT to do in order to stay alive. Then they take you in the water for a dive with your instructor. It is not a certification at all, just a "discover" what its all about.

[Capt_BJ]

see https://www.padi.com/padi-courses/discover-scuba-diving

 

Have you always wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater? If you want to try scuba diving, but aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into a certification course, Discover Scuba Diving is for you. PADI dive shops offer this program either in a pool, off a beach or from a dive boat. You can try scuba close to home or while you’re on vacation at a dive destination. While not a scuba certification course, Discover Scuba Diving is a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world.

To sign up for a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience, you must be at least 10 years old. No prior experience with scuba diving is necessary, but you need to be in reasonable physical health.

Years back this was often called a resort course

With an instructor you learn some of the basic safety rules of SCUBA and then get familiar with the equipment and learn some basic skills like clearing a mask and breathing thru the regulator. Typically this takes about an hour and may happen in a pool or shallow water. Then under CLOSE supervision you make a shallow dive (30 foot range is common) usually for around 20 to 30 minutes. Some places will allow your to book additional shallow ESCORTED dives.

IMO if you have never dove or don't have much snorkel time it is a wise investment b4 you commit to a full class. Some folks quickly learn SCUBA is NOT for them! I love it and was first certified in 1973 but it is not for everyone.

dd on a Discovery 2011

 

dd during internship at CocoView resort Roatan two years later

 

dd with the film crew of SCUBA Nation TV show in Blue Room Curacao two years after that

Edited December 31, 2017 by Capt_BJ

[sckal]

I will be taking the Princess Regal ship to Grand Cayman (Georgetown) and Cozumel the end of Feb. For Grand Cayman, the ship arrives at port at 7am and leaves at 4pm. For Cozumel, the ship arrives at port at 10am and leaves at 10pm.

I want to go scuba in one location (either Grand Cayman or Cozumel) and snorkeling in the other. I have been scuba diving once 20 years ago on my honeymoon and loved it but have never been again. My wife, daughter (15) and I have been snorkeling many times on other cruises. I am working on convincing them to go on a discover scuba dive in either Grand Cayman or Cozumel :)

Which location would be better for scuba for my situation?

Recommendations for scuba provider that has a discover scuba dive option?

 

I was looking at the Acquarius Sea Tours snorkeling/stingray/starfish package for $50pp if we decide to snorkel in Grand Cayman. I'll see what everyone's feedback is though before deciding.

 

Thanks.

Tim

 

 

Tmaxx, I think you may be on the Feb 25th cruise as I am. Right now, I've not figured out anything in Cozumel. But if you found a good Discover Scuba there and wouldn't mind a tagalong, that'd be great! I wound up using Captain Marvin's in Grand Cayman based on suggestions and recommendations. Hope it's a good one. Still completely unsure what to do in Falmouth

[shipsasailin]

Discover scuba is a one-day beginner lesson, that shows you how to basically operate the equipment, clear mask, and warn you of what NOT to do in order to stay alive. Then they take you in the water for a dive with your instructor. It is not a certification at all, just a "discover" what its all about.

 

 

Thank you for your response. It is helpful!