I've been on multiple dives, and my travel companion has completed over 50--this was by far the least professional and least informed dive operation either of us has encountered. From the start, the experience felt disorganized and impersonal. The dive shop was packed, and many of the dive masters were not local, which became evident in their lack of knowledge about Cozumel's marine ecosystem. Despite diving in a protected marine park, no information was provided about the coral, conservation efforts, or the park's significance.
The dive master assigned to us was particularly unprofessional. When fitting my wetsuit, she remarked, "I'd give you a small, but I don't know if it'd fit over your boobs." Inappropriate and unnecessary.
This experience was a stark contrast to the local dive companies we later booked with, who were deeply knowledgeable about the coral, marine life, and how tourism has impacted the island. Moving forward, I'll be far more selective about booking with truly local operators. If you're diving in Cozumel, I highly recommend Sand Dollar Sports, where you can actively participate in coral reef restoration and support responsible tourism. read more