Cozumel photography?

At this point I have about 90 dives and 1 photo trip under my belt, that trip being to Kona, Hawaii. I'd like to take some more photos, but for all-to-common reasons, I'm looking at something a bit cheaper this time. Cozumel came up.

However, while it's a lot cheaper than the live-aboards we're used to (Aggressor, Aqua Cat) and the airfare is reasonable (about $600 when you consider luggage fees), I gather it's mostly drift diving. Drift diving isn't that big a deal... if you're not lugging around a 40D DSLR housing and two strobes, and trying to get up close for a macro shot.

I'm also wondering about standard diving procedures for the area. Some places want everyone to tag behind the dive master in a group. Which makes it difficult to go at your own pace for photography.

We've had recommendations for the Occidental Grand Cozumel or the Iberostar, which I gather are at the southern tip of the island. They seem pricey, but on the other hand I'm not sure what you're really getting from some of the places that advertise $700 / person for 7 nights / 5 days of diving.

- Gus

At this point I have about 90 dives and 1 photo trip under my belt, that trip being to Kona, Hawaii. I'd like to take some more photos, but for all-to-common reasons, I'm looking at something a bit cheaper this time. Cozumel came up.

 

However, while it's a lot cheaper than the live-aboards we're used to (Aggressor, Aqua Cat) and the airfare is reasonable (about $600 when you consider luggage fees), I gather it's mostly drift diving. Drift diving isn't that big a deal... if you're not lugging around a 40D DSLR housing and two strobes, and trying to get up close for a macro shot.

 

I'm also wondering about standard diving procedures for the area. Some places want everyone to tag behind the dive master in a group. Which makes it difficult to go at your own pace for photography.

 

We've had recommendations for the Occidental Grand Cozumel or the Iberostar, which I gather are at the southern tip of the island. They seem pricey, but on the other hand I'm not sure what you're really getting from some of the places that advertise $700 / person for 7 nights / 5 days of diving.

 

- Gus

I have not been there since the Hurricane sat on the island several years ago and ruined all the scuba. I have not heard how much it has recovered. I used to stay at the Colonial hotel right in town http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1..._Peninsula.html I liked being able to walk around town and eat anyplace I felt like instead of being locked into a resort meal plan. I also like the ability to walk around town and talk to the different dive shops to see who I liked most. The only draw back is that when you stay in town you get on the boat first and have the longest ride before you get to dive.

I liked being able to walk around town and eat anyplace I felt like instead of being locked into a resort meal plan. I also like the ability to walk around town and talk to the different dive shops to see who I liked most.

Not being locked into a resort meal plan - particularly the ones that say buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner - sounds good. I'm not sure I'd know what to do about comparing dive shops, though. I've always found it hard to tell what they're going to be like until I've actually gone on a dive. And I think I'd feel a bit under pressure, trying to find a suitable operation on short notice.

- Gus

Not being locked into a resort meal plan - particularly the ones that say buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner - sounds good. I'm not sure I'd know what to do about comparing dive shops, though. I've always found it hard to tell what they're going to be like until I've actually gone on a dive. And I think I'd feel a bit under pressure, trying to find a suitable operation on short notice.

- Gus

Hi Gus,

Even though it's an all-inclusive, you might consider Scuba Club Cozumel. I've been there twice in the past couple years, both times as a particpant in Bonnie Pelnar's Underwater Photography Workshop. I have a big DSLR with an aluminum housing and use two strobes. It's not been a problem to take images with the rig even in the current for which Cozumel is well known. Macro, though, I've found. can be difficult especially if you're using a lens like the 105mm. The usual way to dive in Cozumel is with a Divemaster and yes, you're pretty much expected to stay with the group. However, what I like about Scuba Club Cozumel is there is an opportunity to do shore diving right in back. Just sign out a tank and you can go in the water pretty much anytime. You can take images at your own speed without having to pay attention to where the divemaster leads you. Some friends of mine have taken some killer macro shots on these shore dives.

When I went there last summer, Scuba Club Cozumel had initiated a meal plan where you aren't locked into dinner at Scuba Club Cozumel. You can eat at any restaurant in town while enjoying the convenience of breakfast and lunch just mere steps from your room.

Hope that helps.

Ellen

Yes, that's definitely helpful on several fronts.

Last trip I went with a 10-22 and a 60mm macro. I got far more out of macro than wide angle, though of course that depends on dive location. Since my experience so far is that I prefer macro, it's a concern. I now have a 100mm f/2.8 macro. A little extra distance for macro doesn't hurt, and if my experience with the 60mm lens is any guide, bigger fish tend to run before you get too close for the 100mm field of view. But I haven't dived with the lens yet, so I had planned on taking both macros in case I was mistaken, and of course the wide-angle for bigger stuff (which was turtles and mantas in Hawaii).

How tough would you describe it, taking macro shots with a 105mm? Was it a matter of swimming against current, or could you only manage it if you managed to shelter from the current?

- Gus

How tough would you describe it, taking macro shots with a 105mm? Was it a matter of swimming against current, or could you only manage it if you managed to shelter from the current?

I'm glad I was helpful

Based on my personal experience, it would have been extremely difficult to take macro shots with the 105mm. I did use the 60mm macro lens quite a bit, though. The attached image is one I took with a 60mm lens in the currents of Cozumel.

As far as using the 105mm, I never even tried it. It also depends a lot on the current you experience on the dives you are on. I've been on dives in absolutely ripping current, where taking an image wasn't even an option. On those dives, it was more like "hang on for dear life!" OTOH, I've been on dives where the current was mild and I was able to wait for the right shot. Definitely bring the 105mm, though, as you will find it useful on shore dives next to the hotel.

It helps a lot if you find yourself in big current to go low beneath the coral heads. I tried that after the DM suggested it and found it make a lot of difference. It will be quieter there and much easier to get images. Swimming against the current is not an option, at least not as far as taking images. Maybe some have been successful at it, but I would think you'd have to be Arnold Schwartzenegger if it were even humanly possible!

One of the draws of Cozumel, IMHO, in addition to the awesome diving, is the friendly atmosphere of the locals, the restaurants which serve food at reasonable prices, great shopping opportunities [OK, I've bought some silver jewelry for myself and others at killer prices] with the opportunity to bargain, and the activities at the Town Square on Sundays. Everyone should go to Cozumel at least once!

Ellen

Hi Gus,

From my experience in Coz last year, the further south you can dive, the better. The shallow reefs along the west coast were toasted pretty good by the hurricane. Some of the shallow house reefs are completely covered now by sand. The Palancar area was spared for the most part and is still some pretty great diving. The wide angle opportunites on the deep structures there are special. I found it very easy to tuck in behind a coral wall and take all the time you need if your shooting with the 100mm. By the way I think you'll find the 100mm easier to shoot and capture macro subject that are a little skittish because you don't have to be as close as you do with the 60mm.

All that being said, I'd be thinking twice about going to Mexico right now. Not directly because of the flu scare but because of it's implications for the island. Cozumel lives and breaths because of the cruise ships stopping there. Before the hurricane took out the piers they used to dock up to 14 a week or more. They had rebuilt the piers and were back up to 7 or so last summer. If all the cruise ships continue to avoid all Mexican ports I'm afraid you'll be visiting a ghost town. Continental announced yesterday that it was cutting it flights to Mexico by 50%, and I'll bet it doesn't end there. It could work out great, you could have the reefs all to yourself, or there may be no place to eat. If you can manage to time your trip with the end of all this hysteria you could be golden. I'm sure not a Doctor and I have no idea where this is leading but it's something to think about.

It's sad because the great people in Mexico deserve better.

Cheers,

Steve

We go to Cozumel once or twice a year and always stay at Scuba Club Cozumel. You'll find WA opportunities on the drift dives. For macro, it's better to shore dive - SCC has unlimited shore diving; just take a tank and go. You'll find lots of trip reports and pictures on my web page: http://chemistry.csudh.edu/faculty/jim/Jim'sWeb_Page.htm

I've stayed at the Iberostar. It is outstanding if you have kids (kids under 12 are free and there's entertainment and baby sitting) but not so for photography. They dive in groups and the DM's get a little edgy if you stay too long to take a photograph. The resort is nice and the food was better than most for an all-inclusive. Keep in mind you're not locked into the dive package offered by the resort and you can often match that with an independent group like Dive with Martin or some other operator. They will usually pick you up on the boat dock of your hotel by the dive boat. If it were just my wife and I and all we need is a roof over our heads while we're not diving there are much more photo-friendly operators South of San Miguel (The Iberostar is 7 miles North of Town).

All that being said, I'd be thinking twice about going to Mexico right now. Not directly because of the flu scare but because of it's implications for the island. Cozumel lives and breaths because of the cruise ships stopping there. Before the hurricane took out the piers they used to dock up to 14 a week or more. They had rebuilt the piers and were back up to 7 or so last summer. If all the cruise ships continue to avoid all Mexican ports I'm afraid you'll be visiting a ghost town. Continental announced yesterday that it was cutting it flights to Mexico by 50%, and I'll bet it doesn't end there. It could work out great, you could have the reefs all to yourself, or there may be no place to eat. If you can manage to time your trip with the end of all this hysteria you could be golden. I'm sure not a Doctor and I have no idea where this is leading but it's something to think about.

 

It's sad because the great people in Mexico deserve better.

Steve, I am here in MX right now and I can tell you there has not been ONE case of the flu in the entire state of Quintana Roo. We had a group of 13 arrive at our shop today for a week of diving and the beaches are loaded with tourist. Granted, I am on the mainland (where diving is MUCH better ) but in general, although flights may be limited, the deals are great! All the shops and stores are open and people are going about life as usual. I can not speak for everywhere but here in Quintana Roo, and particularly here in the Riviera Maya, WE DON'T HAVE NO STINKIN' FLU! The most helpful thing you can do "for the people in Mexico who deserve better" is to come spend your money!!!!!

Hi Gus,

I wouldn't let the risk of flu stop me. We have flu in LA too, so I'd rather be in Mexico. I honestly would be more concerned about flying at all, than the actual destination, but that would not stop me from going to Cozumel.

Cozumel is one of my favorite destinations, but at the same time I have to admit it can be miserable for photographers if you have certain expectations and dive with the wrong dive ops. If this is the first trip to Cozumel just about all the dive ops will keep a close watch on you for the first couple of days. When they see that you are a good diver they give you more latitude.

All the dive ops dive as a group, but some are much more strict than others when it comes to keeping the group together and following their lead. Others may take out even very small groups, especially now since business is slow you can probably find that pretty easily.

There are different kinds of dive boats there too. Big boats, small boats, fast boats, slow boats and cattle boats. You can't assume that all "fast boats" are a good thing or that all big boats are "cattle boats". Here is an article I wrote about that some time back when some of my friends asked about the boats: http://www.underwatercolors.com/Cozumel_dive_shops.html

For the meals your best bet is to go with a resort that offers breakfast and lunch, but allows you to be on your own for dinner. Especially if you're not staying close to town, you're going to want to have good food close by and fast just before and after diving. Down on the south end of the island there are not many choices. Even in town its really tough to find a cheap, good and fast place for breakfast. Scuba Club has a really nice 'light' plan that allows you to do this and their breakfasts and lunches are outstanding.

Airfares are REALLY cheap right now and there are a lot of summer packages. Scuba Club has specials that include rooms, diving, breakfast and lunch and you can do this easily for under $1500 including tips, etc. This time of year Cozumel is GORGEOUS!

Sorry if I sound biased about Scuba Club, but I've stayed at many different places in Cozumel and Scuba Club is one of the resorts I would always go back to in a heartbeat.

Depending on when you're planning to go, you're welcome to join my photo workshop in August. As far as Cozumel photography goes, you won't find better shooting opportunities than if you came diving with us for a week. SCC rolls out the red carpet for us and gives us much more flexibility as a photo group than I've ever gotten anywhere else. Here's some info... http://underwatercolours.com/cozumel_workshop.html. Maybe you can join us.

Bonnie

have to agree, do you realize how many people die every year from the common flu? Swine flu is not going to keep us from going to coz or the Yucatan. For your macro shots, house reefs are the easiest but if you get a chance to go to Paradise several times, you will have a ball, seahorses, pipe fish, etc. I love shooting jaw fish on the house reef of scuba club Cozumel. Take a trip with Bonnie Pelnar and you will have a ball. I also am going to try and do the Yucatan in August and visit with Karen Doody, Dive Aventuras, karen@diveaventuras.com; to do the cenotes and the local diving there. I also want to do the whale sharks at holbox, swine flu, go away, we're coming....

Steve, I am here in MX right now and I can tell you there has not been ONE case of the flu in the entire state of Quintana Roo. WE DON'T HAVE NO STINKIN' FLU!

That's really great to hear Miss Mermaid. The CDC will be happy too I'm sure, of course they may ask you how you know that.

From the Center for Disease Control website May 3, 2009;

CDC RecommendationsAt this time, CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. Changes to this recommendation will be posted at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/. Please check this site frequently for updates.

If you must travel to an area that has reported cases of H1N1 flu (swine flu):

Stay Informed

• Check updates from these sources:
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
    
  • Secretaria de Salud,
    
  • World Health Organization
    
  • Pan American Health Organization
    

  [*]Monitor announcements from Mexico’s Ministry of Health and local government, including information about affected areas, as not all areas are equally affected.

  [*]Follow local public health guidelines, including any movement restrictions and prevention recommendations.

  [*]Be aware that Mexico is checking all exiting airline passengers for signs of H1N1 flu (swine flu). Exit screening may cause significant delays at airports.

If you folks will read again what I wrote. I tried to explain that I was not concerned about the flu but the ramifications it might have on a nice family dive trip vacation in the coming weeks. I also tried to explain that should he decide to go it could turn out to be great. I'd bet that by the time Bonnie and the crew show up everything will be great. But I don't have a crystal ball and pretending everything is just fine now is not going to help you when your stuck in the hotel under quarantine because somebody sneezed on your flight. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124137876507580987.html

The potential fiasco factor is just too high for me to recommend it today. You folks want to head to Mexico next week? Go for it, have a great time. Just do me two favors;

Buy trip insurance and have a margarita for me.

Steve

have a margarita for me. Steve

Most excellent point Steve, very important to keep your blood alcohol level high so as to avoid blood clots while on holiday...

AND, as far as I know, you can't catch the flu underwater so just DIVE DIVE DIVE!

AND, as far as I know, you can't catch the flu underwater so just DIVE DIVE DIVE!

Best answer I've heard yet!

Cheers,

Steve

HI All -

Ive just returned from Cozumel and Im very happy to report that there is no swine flu on the island. The media and our government has done a good job of misleading our country. There is not this much disturbance and claim for the long battle of cancer. The people on the island who live there rely on the tourist for their well being, too bad our government and media do not view this correctly! I suggest you visit the island and dive with Liquid Blue Divers - contact Michaela and tell her I suggested you call and dive with them. Steel tanks - no more than 6 divers and personalized service. I have been diving with them since 2005 and never a problem.

www.thebigpicturelibrary.com/stevenanderson

I have to give another Scuba Club recommendation as well. Shore diving whenever, and I never had any problems (from the dive masters) straying from the group a little to get a good macro shot. I did however prefer the 60mm over 105mm for ease of use in current. You will learn how to time your shots and doing flip turns for getting the shot (you'll understand once you do it). We have done some dives with no current and some where you just hang on to your camera and enjoy the ride.

If you get a chance to dive the Cenote's I would highly recommend it.