Cozumel Day 06 - Toadfish and Calm Seas

Woke to calm seas and a quiet dining area. Saturday is the main turnover day at Scuba Club so the larger groups were sleeping in and checking out. We enjoyed a longer ride out to the first site on the bow of the Reef Star (same big boat as yesterday). Two wall dives with beautiful coral formations on the first and good current and coral variety on the second. Not many fish today, but the dive master was able to find a Splendid toadfish for us on both. Lots more action out front tonight, we dove a little later and were the only ones in the water. One structure contained a moray, a king crab, a lobster (just out of frame) a fireworm and two shrimp.

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Cozumel Day 05 - Sharks, Octopus and Moray

A last minute change up had us on a different, larger boat today. We had the same great group of people and Julio (our guide). It was easier to get ready and everyone commented on the luxurious size of the head. Two spectacular dives today due to the sea life.
The first site had nurse sharks at the beginning and end, a slight current to play in, and loads of very curious photogenic fish. The second had less current and a spectacular middle and end with an octopus that was just sitting out (typically you just get a blob in the coral with eyes - Day 4 photos) and a huge Green Moray that was swimming freely. Gary went out for one last round of photos and video and Vicky shared a little of her extra air during the safety stop. 1st in focus macro shot for V, a Brittle star in a vase coral - YAY! If only she could have got that little purple cleaner shrimp...thanks to the backup photographer who captured it. Another lazy afternoon followed by Mexican Fiesta night where they grill and serve on the beach. We both loaded our plates with one of everything (except for the churros, we had two).

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Cozumel Day 04 - Lobster Condos

We surfed the waves of the 1,005 ft  Carnival Breeze on the way out this morning, it was really something to watch those waves rolling up then feel the force as they carried us forward. Two great boat dives, Santa Rosa and Yucab. There was a bit of a current on the second dive so we enjoyed cruising around at 50 ft and hiding behind the coral heads to take pictures.The sun was out so the light in the shallow depth was great! Lots of life on both reefs, large groupers, 'coral condos' of lobster, southern and yellow stingrays, school of barracuda and a very photogenic single with groupies.  After a warm, leisurely afternoon, we were ready to go down again. Spent just over an hour combing the bottom sand, vegetation and rubble looking for night life. Amazing what you can find when focused on a single beam of light.

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Cozumel Day 03

The weather was with us today, still windy but not rough enough to keep us in and no intermittent clouds to cover the heat of the sun. It's surprising how cold it is between dives with the wind, so having the sun shine really helps. Two great dives today, sites we dove before and remembered - Palancar Caves and Tomenos.
Highlights include a turtle photo bomb, a large lobster on the move and a very small, very pretty seaslug (the picture is actual size). We were back for lunch at 2, had a siesta, and lounged away the afternoon.
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Cozumel Day 02

Woke to a clear skies and lighter winds. We fueled up at the breakfast buffet and after watching the 5 boats load up and cruise off we decided it was time to organize our own adventure. Spent an hour kicking around the house reef taking photos of the various subjects  - rays, eels and a good variety of fish including several juveniles (Vicky's favorite). We both came up with big smiles on our faces, enjoying an easy dive that we will be doing again. After lunch we ventured out to buy drinks to stock the fridge and checked out the local dive shop across the way. A late siesta followed by another big meal finished the day. We start our boat diving days tomorrow so fingers crossed for good weather.

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Cozumel Day 01

Day 01 is actually two days with a layover in Dallas. Started the final leg with Starbucks and some good advice (see picture). A short 2 hour flight from Dallas and we've arrived! While sorting out the taxi from the airport we were approached by the typical come see our resort "spiel". This one actually looked interesting, so we spent a little time getting the real deets and managed to haggle a great deal. Free transportation to and from the airport, 3 Day rental car, a day at the all inclusive and a tequila tour for only $60.  Of course it requires 90 min of our time to listen over a free breakfast, but we have to eat anyway.  That's for next week so more details then. A short taxi ride later, we checked in at Scuba Club and ended up in room 9 (same as last time). Arrived just in time for lunch that was followed by coconut ice cream and an afternoon relax around the pool. Chatted up some other divers at dinner and found out the port has been closed the last 2 of 3 days due to wind which means the dive boats can't go out either. Seasonal wind is typical this time of year, so we'll see how the weather gods treat us. Tomorrow is organization day with an afternoon checkout dive on the house reef.

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