More about Scuba Club Cozumel
Uninteresting hotel and food, but good for diving
by TripAdvisor Member zxg
This is not a charming hotel: motel-like rooms and pool, hard futon-style mattresses, bland food, and a concrete slab along the whole of the waterline. Try to stay in a room numbered over 40, as the decks and views are much nicer than the low numbered rooms.
Scuba Club has a lot of neat stuff for divers, though: wetsuit drying poles on the room decks, waterproof covering on interior benches for wet bathing suits and towels, gear storage lockers right on the waterfront, easy dive boat pick-up, and shore access to interesting (if shallow) day and night diving. There is a small refrigerator in each room, and the hotel is close to a WallMart-like store for provisions. There are quality rentals inside the hotel and a good dive shop across the street, although customer service from the rental operation was pretty bad.
The boat staff and dive masters were very competent and friendly There are 2 included dives a day. The first dive each morning is 40-60 minutes away from the resort by boat, so our boats tended to get out there last. Surface intervals are on the boat. Sometimes dives are available in the afternoon for extra money.
Scuba Club is fairly close to town, which will only interest you if you like Senor Frogs and the kind of jewelry and souvenir shops that cater to cruise ships. Much more fun is a rented Vespa loop around to the beautiful undeveloped side of the island.
People often talk about what a great value this place is. It is significantly cheaper than other all-inclusive dive operations we have been to, and fellow divers tend to be great people so almost ANY dive resort is going to lead to a fun vacation. But to me the extras at the other places (3-dive days, valet gear service, great food, charming rooms, beautiful beach) were worth the extra money.
Scuba Club Cozumel is a great value
by TripAdvisor Member ScubagalOmaha
This was our 3rd trip to Cozumel, however it was the first time we stayed at and went diving with Scuba Club Cozumel. The package included 5 days of 2 tank boat dives, unlimited shore diving, and all meals. Not included are coffee (except at breakfast), tea, iced tea, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and tips. Be sure to plan accordingly and bring enough money for tips. Envelopes are provided so you tip at the end of your stay. The rooms all have a small refrigerator, so we made a couple of trips to Chedraui (the Cozumel version of Walmart) to stock it with bottled water, cervesas, etc.
The water at Scuba Club Cozumel is potable, however it is not drinkable. Our floor (and I assume every floor) had a water cooler that was restocked, so we simply refilled our water bottles when they were empty. We were in room 9 on the 2nd floor. Almost every room at SCC is different. No phones or TV’s in the room. We actually found the hard beds comfortable. SCC has twice daily maid service, they always provided plenty of towels. The rooms have showers only, no tubs. The water pressure in the shower was great (sometimes an issue on islands), and we always had hot water.
We really appreciated the drying racks on the balcony. After diving we would hang our wetsuits out to dry. There are lots of steps and uneven areas throughout the property, so be sure to watch your step. Scuba Club Cozumel has Wi-Fi access in and around the downstairs bar area. Laptops and PDA’s set up for wireless connections have free access 24 hrs a day. They also have a TV there, if you want to catch up on the news.
The staff was extremely friendly and very accommodating. Sophia is a sweet lady. I will admit, after dinner SCC is a pretty quiet place. One evening they had a Mexican Beach party. That was lots of fun. Otherwise we seemed to retire to our room early after a day of diving, unless we were doing a night dive. Some live music or something like that would be nice a couple of evenings. After dinner I would try to sit in bed and read for a while and found I would fall asleep almost immediately.
The food at SCC was very good, and I must admit we were both pleasantly surprised. No coffee makers in the rooms, however the staff always had coffee available before 6:30AM, some mornings shortly after 6:00AM. Breakfast was served buffet style, with an assortment of fruits, cereals, scrambled eggs, omelets, French toast, and usually one mexican dish. Lunch was sit down, with a salad bar available. The chiles rellenos and pollo pibil were very tasty, especially after a full morning of diving. Dinner was very good, with 2 choices of entrée, an appetizer and/or salad, and dessert. The service was excellent.
Scuba Cozumel uses larger boats, so travel time to the 1st dive site was usually an hour. Surface intervals were spent on the boat, they provided plenty of water and juice. Scuba Cozumel for the most part let us dive until we hit 700 psi, then we did our safety stop. Those who ran out of air early would signal the DM and surface on their own. Nitrox is available, as are rinse tanks and dive lockers. You need to bring your own locks for the lockers. We did the shore dive in front of Scuba Club Cozumel several times, during the day and at night. While it's not the best dive in Cozumel, we were surprised by the variety of life we saw.
Overall, Scuba Club Cozumel is a great value. It's not a plush resort by any means, and doesn't pretend to be. However, if you're looking for good food, fantastic diving, other divers to chat with, friendly service and a relaxing atmosphere, then Scuba Club Cozumel is the place for you.
Loved Scuba Club!
by A TripAdvisor Member
We live in Fort Worth, and had never been to Scuba Club Cozumel before this trip (from 14 to 19 October 2005). Let me say that we'll definitely be back, even though Hurricane Wilma shortened pur trip.
We've been coming to Cozumel for years, and were very, very pleased with our decision to vacation at Scuba Club Cozumel. The resort's website has a very descriptive slide show that provides good visual overviews of the property -- what you see on the website is what you see when you are there.
First, the accommdations. We were really pleased with our second floor room overlooking the courtyard. Rooms are not copycats of one another, yet they all share a Mexican style and flair. The rooms are tiled, with many hand painted Mexican tiles used on walls and fixtures. The bathroom sinks are painted to coordinate with the design of the tile.
One evening we had a problem with the air conditioner. We reported the problem to the front desk and maintenance staff arrived wtihin five minutes of our initial report. When they saw that it would require more extensive repair work, we were given another room for the night -- we did not have to move out of our assigned room -- just take a few overnight items with us. While we were diving the next day, the air conditioner was fixed.
The two rooms we stayed in were very quiet, with only the sound of the air conditioner being noticeable at times. If you are bothered by the sound of a window air conditioner, plan to bring foam earplugs with you.
The meals were not only good, they were excellent. Standard breakfast was served buffet style, but every day pancakes and french toast were fresh, hot and tasty. Lunch and dinner were ordered from a menu, and vegetarian options were available for both. The meals we had were excellent, and the dinners were as if they'd been prepared at a 5-star restaurant. And that's no exaggeration. We especially enjoyed the Mayan and Mexican dishes. Fresh fruit was available at breakfast and lunch, and a salad bar was also available at lunch. Also, be sure to try the coconut ice cream and mango sherbet!
And the Diving? Diving with Scuba Club was easy, convenient, and unique because the people you met at the hotel, ate with at meals, and saw in town, were the same people you dive with on the reefs. It was a lot of fun, like being with a new family of friends.
We were assigned to the same boat each day, and usually had the same people in our dive group. Groups on the dive boats are split up by experience level, so new divers and experienced divers are not usually grouped together -- unless they traveled as a group together.
The boats are large, with ample shade and room to spread out and relax on the drive to the dive sites. While some divers dislike the slower speed of these boats, I appreciate the greater comforts and the dry storage on board.
The dive masters were the greatest. At times, we've been bothered by dive masters at other operations who were too controlling during dives. A great deal of the pleasure can be robbed by a dive master who is constantly rushing the group along, or requiring that everyone stay in a line nose-to-fin like a string of circus elephants.
Our Scuba Club dive masters were just the opposite. They provided a good pre-dive briefing for each dive and kept an eye on us in the water. During our first dive they appeared to be assessing our skills to ensure that we didn't require additional assistance, but after that, they allowed us to each do our own dive in a relaxed, slow manner, giving us enough latitude to explore the reefs at our own comfort levels.
The boat crews were helpful in checking gear set-up prior to dives, assisting divers off the boat and back onto the boat, changing tanks between dives, and interacting with the guests. They were all personable and friendly, traits we've grown to expect from the people of Cozumel.
We also enjoyed the shore diving at Scuba Club, as we like examining the small, juvenile fish. Right off the pier were the typical grunts and sergeant majors, but there were also plenty of tiny angels, damsels, skates, pipe fish, sea cucumbers, and more. There was really a good variety for such a relatively small area.
We found all of the staff on property to be smiling, friendly and helpful. They were willing to help even if what you needed was not part of their job description. For instance, one day as I was walking from the waterfront to the dive shop, my air tank started slipping loose. A fellow who was part of the grounds crew noticed the problem and rushed over to assist.
Unfortunately, the approach of Hurricane Wilma changed everything. The Scuba Club staff began securing the property on Wednesday, moving all potted plants or other potential "airborne missiles" to a secure area, and closing the waterfront. Guests in first floor rooms were moved to upper levels, and plate glass windows were boarded up. The hotel was very gracious in helping guests who wanted to leave early. In addition, the hotel posted notices to keep everyone informed about the status of the situation, which changed several times during the day.
We had flown to Cozumel on FunJet, and they only fly into Cozumel on Fridays and Mondays. The front desk staff graciously made numerous phone calls to FunJet on our behalf to check on flight schedule changes in light of the storm. Fortunately, FunJet sent a rescue plane to Cozumel on Wednesday afternoon for passengers scheduled to return on Friday, 21 October. Unfortunately, we only had about 30 minutes notice to pack, check out, and get to the airport. As we were checking out, the Scuba Club staff assured us that if our flight could not leave for any reason, we were welcome to return that evening and continue our existing reservation.
We will definitely return to the Scuba Club Cozumel, and we strongly recommend the resort to anyone who loves, eating, and meeting like-minded scuba-nuts.
First time stay
by TripAdvisor Member tww
Just returned from a stay (6 days) at Scuba Club Cozumel. It's easy to see why this place gets both positive and negative reviews.
My positive: the location is great! Within walking distance to downtown and grocery store. The room was adequate and overlooked the ocean, but many rooms did not. The Club was kept very clean and the staff very helpful. The beach diving, as far as testing equipment, was excellent. Easy access!! Things to see while beach diving - poor!! Most meals were fair to good. Breakfast was a buffet, lunch from menu or "daily diver's special", dinner from 3 choices usually meat, chicken or seafood. Being able to store scuba equipment and have rinse tanks handy was really nice.
My negative: dive trips were not that great. Sort of a "cattle boat" operation. Sometimes we had 20++ divers on one boat, however, before diving we were broken up into groups of 8-9 each having a divemaster. I have been diving many times in Cozumel with another operation. We "computer" dive until we have 300 pounds of air then safety stop, etc. Sometimes we stay down for 60-75 minutes depending on depth, etc. with a surface interval of 2 hours. On each dive with Scuba Club Cozumel I surfaced with over 1400 lbs of air. On our first dive (deeper like 80 feet max) we seldom stayed down longer than 30 minutes. On the second dive (1 hour later at 40-55 feet) we would stay around 45 minutes. These bottom times were to allow us to return to Scuba Club Cozumel for lunch. Scuba Club Cozumel wants you to pay for their help by suggesting a tipping guide (with amounts listed) at the end of your stay. I surely don't mind tipping but they included chambermaids, waiter staff, dive master, boat help, bellboy, etc. The list seemed to be never ending. They advertise as an all inclusive but this part is a little misleading.
Overall, not to bad. I would certainly not say "don't go" but next trip I will return to my previous dive operation. In fairness to SCC my previous dive operator knows the calliber of all divers on board (max of 8) and this is not posbble at SSC. I did not hear any complaints from people staying there. Most were very satisfied.
Scuba Club after Hurricane Wilma
by A TripAdvisor Member
Just returned from Scuba Club in Cozumel Mexico.
Our group was one of the first to visit Scuba Club after they reopened November 15, 2005. Hurrican Wilma's damage was still visible, but the people of Cozumel have done amazing things to get the island back to normal.
Cozumel dive sites appear to have weathered the hurricane and look very good.
Scuba Club is in excellent shape. I highly recommend Scuba Club to all who love diving and enjoy supurb service.
Don't hesitate to visit Cozumel now.
Great Place for a Dive Vacation
by TripAdvisor Member dorset47
First time visit. I was impressed by the large number of returning guests. After a week, I knew why - the place is very professionally run and a great value. Newly renewed after the hurricane so everything was freshly painted etc.. Except for the main dock being out of commission, there was very little sign of the damage.
Boats picked us up at a smaller dock on the property. Shuffling tanks etc as the boats arrived in sequence required some hustle by the staff, but they did well.
Diving was great - good vis every day. Divemaster Alberto was very competent and fun to be around. Found a couple of Splendid Toadfish etc.. Shore dive was fun at night. We just prowled around the surf zone and saw a scorpion fish, squid and a lot of sleeping parrotfish.
Our room was clean and spacious. A/C was a bit noisy and wasn't real good at controlling humidity, but we weren't in the room except to sleep.
Food was good. Not gourmet but tasty and nicely presented.
All staff were friendly and very accommodating. Nearly all were excellent English speakers.
Stayed at Scuba Club three times
by TripAdvisor Member discusdoc
I have gone with a group of about 20 people to the Scuba Club for the past three years and plan to go again this year. The rooms are Spartan but clean. The food is very good. Meals are included but drinks are extra. The hotel is across the street from a shopping mall, so you can buy inexpensive drinks there. I work part-time as a freelance author. The hotel has wireless internet, which makes it easy to work after the dives.
The diving is first rate. The dive boats are excellent and the guides are very professional. Cozumel is a terrific place to dive. I just returned from Belize. While the diving was a bit better there, it cost three times as much as the Scuba Club. I highly recommend this all-inclusive hotel.
If you are here to dive, this is the property for you
by TripAdvisor Member econn
Scuba, scuba, scuba. This is the topic a breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a few anecdotes of our home lives, or the trip we took to the Mayan ruins at San Gervasio, or the scooter ride to Coconuts on the wild side of the island. The property is clean, well laid out, with every room getting an ocean view. Rooms are simple, with the understanding that you are not there to sit and hang out in the room, you are there to dive. Clientele are couples, small families and a few large dive groups.
Staff is second to none. Jose and William set you up at the dive shop, and Francisco or some of the other dive masters take you to the best dive spots off the island. Safety is number one priority, but it does not detract from seeing some beautiful reefs and walls. They make an effort to find some of the exotics like the Spindle Toadfish and of course, the Eagle Rays. You generally stay with your assigned boat for the duration of your stay, which means no repeats on your dive destination, unless there is an overwhelming cry to go back.
This was our first time so I had nothing to compare it to, Cozumel wise. Some reefs and walls were dusted with sand, others were opened up, to afford new looks at an old dive spot. Paradise, which was always a hohum spot, has become the aquarium of Cozumel. Schools of grunts, and playing angelfish all along the drift dive. Lobsters are not plentiful, at least on our dives, but they may be coming back.
Food was also excellent, and no shortage. Even at a late seating, you will have all the entrees available. I suggest a healthy portion of the fish. All local catch, sustainable fish. Wait staff was on par with the dive staff. There to take care of your every need.
Evening activities are low key. If you want action, you will have to walk or scooter into downtown San Miguel. Otherwise, spend the evening sipping a glass of wine and download the day.
Great scuba resort
by TripAdvisor Member WowWanda
Just returned from a 5 day trip to Cozumel and stay at Scuba Club. Went with 5 certified divers and had superb service at the dive shop. Our divemaster, Francisco was safety conscientious, sited all sorts of marine life, and had a great attitude.
We dove 3 days, both day, twilight and night dives. Hotel worked fine (we had 2 rooms 3 women in 1, two in another). I was in # 49 and faced the dive shop. Larger room and it did accommodate the three of us nicely (larger bathroom-w/separate toilet & shower) and very clean. Water coolers are placed outside the rooms, but very convenient. No problem with water. Food delicious, service excellent. Most guests were divers and many returns. All guests were friendly and shared dive experiences freely. No negative comments.
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