Day 5: Columbia, Chankanaab and Felipe Xicotencatl C-53

Day 5: Columbia, Chankanaab and Felipe Xicotencatl C-53

Three dive day today. The first was Columbia Gardens which had amazing coral formations with lots of swim throughs. We saw a nurse shark resting on the sandy bottom and good variety and abundance of fish. The second site was Chankanaab Balones which was a shallow drift dive with many coral heads to explore.

The highlight of the day was the Felipe Xicotencatl C-53,a minesweeper built in 1944 which was donated to the marine park and sunk in 1999 to form an artifical reef. The dive started on top of the ship then we went inside to explore the lower levels. There were many rooms to look in and the 4 of us hopped on the toilets in the lavatory for a photo op. We saw a large crab, a huge green moray and as we looked out one of the windows an eagle ray. When we finished the interior exploration we went outside and found the eagle ray again. Gary got some great still photos and a video. Once again we were fighting the current and had to surface shortly afterward (it's all about getting the good photos).

Day 4: Delilah and Paradise Reef

Day 4: Delilah and Paradise Reef

We woke up today to a completely calm ocean which continued all day. Our first dive was at Delilah Reef where we saw a very large eagle ray near the end of the dive. Gary must have burnt 200 psi trying to swim him down against the current to get the video. What appeared to be so effortless for the ray definitely was not for us. The second dive was at Paradise reef which has a great abundance and variety of fish. We saw many schools amung the coral heads and a couple large crabs.

A short time in the sun this afternoon, we're a little burnt from yesterday's boat trip (don't think the new sunscreen I bought for my face works). Finished the day with my first night dive off the shore. It sure was different at night, lots of crabs (arrow and hermit) running around, urchins, star fish and a really cool anenome which was loving eating all the baby fish that were attracted to our light :(

Day 3: Palancar and Tormentos Reef

Day 3: Palancar and Tormentos Reef
Started the day with breakfast at 7 to be ready for the dive boat at 8:15. Boarded the Reef Cat and we were on our way to the first dive at Palancar Reef. Highlights included a huge lobster walking along the sandy bottom between the pinnacle swimthroughs and two turtles. Unfortunatley, the bottom got churned up a bit and the photo didn't turn out but Gary did manage to get a great photo of another lobster hiding in the coral. We had a one hour surface interval and repositioned to Tormentos Reef. We were told the currecnt was stronger here and once we passed over the reef we'd be done so were advised to swim around and 'browse the reef'. The current was definitely stronger and it was fun just to ride along. We saw a large Midnight Parrotfish near the beginning, lobster, arrow crab and a Conch which we thought was really cool (never seen an occupied shell before).

Got back to Scuba Club around 1:30, had a huge lunch and spent some time in the sun. While we were lounging two pelicans came in for a sieta, perching on top of the pier lights and during the sunset a third joined them. A little time in the hammocks then it was time to eat again.

(A&N there is dessert for lunch and dinner - loving the coconut ice cream; I've started a really great hand tan again)

Day 2: Town and Shore Dive

Day 2: Town and Shore Dive

Went into San Miguel this morning to change money and buy a few drinks for the fridge. We started walking back to the hotel around 11:30 and by that time the cruise ships had unleased the passengers on the small town,thousands come through every day except Sunday. Just a few blocks away and the streets were quiet again. Shopped at Chedraui (similar to Walmart) on the way home and picked up our favorite beverages.

We did a shore dive this afternoon to check our weight and make sure all equipment good to go. Gary got a couple good shots of a small ray who couldn't seem to shake the fish swimming above it. Looking forward to the boat dives tomorrow.

(click picture to see album)

Day 1: Spokane to Cozumel

The day started with the alarm at 4:30 to get ready for our

5:00 shuttle to the 6:30 flight.

We were forced to rearrange the checked bags at the last minute due to an unforeseen addition of some Keen sandals which put us over by two pounds (redistribute or pay $75). After a little shuffling we were on our way (straight to Starbucks for coffee). Our first flight was on Lucy the Canadian Goose, all the Frontier planes have animals on the tails and wings.

Only one connection in Denver and we

arrived in Cozumel at 3:30 (1:30 our time).

We hopped a tourist shuttle to Scuba Club and were

greeted by the little bird to the right.

Wandered around the hotel, registered for diving and enjoyed a 3 course meal. Now time to hit the hay.