We suggest that soon after your arrival to Cozumel you come by our office for Check-in You will be requested to review the dive schedule information that we have for you.
We will outfit you with rental gear (if required by you).
Aldora requires the use of dive computers and has a policy of providing one for any diver that does not have one (free from charge). In order to see that you have the same computer for your entire stay with us, we will give you one at Check-in and you will be responsible for it during your stay.
Presentation of C cards is also required at this time.
We will outfit you with rental gear (if required by you).
Aldora requires the use of dive computers and has a policy of providing one for any diver that does not have one (free from charge). In order to see that you have the same computer for your entire stay with us, we will give you one at Check-in and you will be responsible for it during your stay.
Presentation of C cards is also required at this time.
The Aldora office is just south of the Town's main square on Calle 5, 1/2 a block from the Ocean front main street. To reach us (dialing from Cozumel) our phone number is 872 3397. Our US number is (210) 569 1204.
Normal office hours are:
Weekdays 7:00 am to 4.00 pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Normal office hours are:
Weekdays 7:00 am to 4.00 pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm
We take care of it! Everyday we rinse, hang and pack the next day so it is always ready for you on the boat before the dives.
At the end of the day, we put it away for you and we'll keep it toghether in one of our mesh bags. Just leave it on your tank.
The only thing we ask you to take care of are wet suits and computer (even loaners)
At the end of the day, we put it away for you and we'll keep it toghether in one of our mesh bags. Just leave it on your tank.
The only thing we ask you to take care of are wet suits and computer (even loaners)
We normally leave the Aldora Pier (200 yards south of the town square and Ferry Pier) at 7:30 and pick up at hotels a short time later.
For afternoon trips we leave the Aldora Pier at 2:30PM and pick up at hotels a short time later.
Our policy is that if we are to be later than 30 minutes, then someone we will attempt to contact you or leave a message at the front desk of your hotel explaining the situation.
You can also reach us by calling us at our local number 872 3397.
Rest assured that we wish to get you out diving in a timely fashion too !!
We love being the first ones on the dive sites
You can also reach us by calling us at our local number 872 3397.
Rest assured that we wish to get you out diving in a timely fashion too !!
We love being the first ones on the dive sites
Unfortunately, there are a few days during winter season (early november through mid march) in which a strong north wind blows, creating big waves and the Harbor Master closes the port for dive boats.
If we know before time of this weather situations WE ARE THE ONLY ONES TO TAKE YOU TO THE WINDWARD SIDE OF COZUMEL. This is when part of our guarranty kicks in.
On days where we expect the weather to improve we ask our divers to come to our office at 12 noon, and expect to leave at 12:30.
If the hotel docks are too rough for safe loading, we will arrange for calm water loading the best that we can.
There is a risk that the Port may remain closed and we can't go out but that is the only way we can prepare for an opening and still get in some diving.
The port closing may also be accompanied by restricted dive schedules and dive sites.
If we know before time of this weather situations WE ARE THE ONLY ONES TO TAKE YOU TO THE WINDWARD SIDE OF COZUMEL. This is when part of our guarranty kicks in.
On days where we expect the weather to improve we ask our divers to come to our office at 12 noon, and expect to leave at 12:30.
If the hotel docks are too rough for safe loading, we will arrange for calm water loading the best that we can.
There is a risk that the Port may remain closed and we can't go out but that is the only way we can prepare for an opening and still get in some diving.
The port closing may also be accompanied by restricted dive schedules and dive sites.
Our first dive usually is over by about 9:30 am and we then proceed to enjoy a nice comfortable surface interval at a beautiful day beach resort that serves modestly priced (not cheap) food and that never makes our divers sick. There are beach activities such as wave runners, parasailing etc but we discourage physical activity...this is a time to kick back and off-gas the nitrogen.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT WHILE THE BEACH CLUB ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONSUMPTION WILL PRECLUDE US FROM TAKING YOU OUT FOR THE SECOND DIVE, AND THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS.
Non-diving spouses/friends/children are welcome to join us for the surface interval at the beach club. We leave Mr. Sancho's Beach Club at about 11am and enjoy a second dive at the choice of the divers. Usually out of the water by about 1pm we are back at the Aldora Pier by 1:30 pm.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT WHILE THE BEACH CLUB ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONSUMPTION WILL PRECLUDE US FROM TAKING YOU OUT FOR THE SECOND DIVE, AND THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS.
Non-diving spouses/friends/children are welcome to join us for the surface interval at the beach club. We leave Mr. Sancho's Beach Club at about 11am and enjoy a second dive at the choice of the divers. Usually out of the water by about 1pm we are back at the Aldora Pier by 1:30 pm.
The afternoon trips leave the downtown Aldora Pier at 2:30 pm. Pick up at the south hotel zone piers occur shortly thereafter. Presidente and Fiesta Americana may be between 2:45 and 3:00 pm, and Reef Club, Allegro and Iberostar Resort about 3:15 pm. Due to daylight time constraints, while maintaining hour long dives and long surface intervals, the afternoon trip dive sites will go no further south than Palancar. The surface interval is the same as morning trips.
Night dives and twilight double headers leave at various times depending on season and sunset time. Night dives and twilight double headers can be made the day of arrival but we cannot guaranty that they will be available.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE SCHEDULE NIGHT DIVES ON WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY. IF YOU WANT TO DO NIGHT DIVES PLAN ON THOSE DAYS AND LET OUR STAFF KNOW. OTHER NIGHTS CAN BE ARRANGED BUT NOT ALWAYS.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE SCHEDULE NIGHT DIVES ON WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY. IF YOU WANT TO DO NIGHT DIVES PLAN ON THOSE DAYS AND LET OUR STAFF KNOW. OTHER NIGHTS CAN BE ARRANGED BUT NOT ALWAYS.
IT'S GREAT!!!!! ... check out our pictures section
The dive site is selected by the group itself. You get to choose and we do what the group wants as long as the weather alows it.
We have tried to match skill and interest types so that dive site selection is normally easy, and consensus is quickly found.
However the divemaster may veto certain requests if the water conditions are not safe, or if one in the group is deemed not skillful enough to safely complete the dive.
Generally, we will not take anyone to very aggressive dive sites such as Punta Sur unless we have prior knowledge of their diving skills. In those cases, other less challenging but equally exciting locations may be chosen.
It is also important to note that most of all the dives in Cozumel will be in performed in drifting conditions. That means the group must stay together during all parts of the dive, from descent to exit. Now we realize that there are different styles of divers and some like to zoom along and others (especially photographers) like to sit in one spot and check out the small action. We try very hard to meet those divergent desires on all dives but you must work with us. Generally the first dive is deep with less animal life and more of a tour, checking our big pinnacles and swim throughs. If one stays behind for a long time it is very easy for the group to get separated. The divemaster will do what he can to make everyone pleased but he cannot let the group get too far apart. That means that he must be able to see each diver at all times when in open water. If repeated attempts to keep the group together fail, the dive will be aborted.
The same conditions apply for the second dive but this is generally a slow dive in which critters and holes are closely examined. However, if the current is strong one must keep in mind that the rest of the group may get swept away while they lie comfortable out of the current behind a coral head. As in all dives, please stay within sight of the divemaster.
The dive site is selected by the group itself. You get to choose and we do what the group wants as long as the weather alows it.
We have tried to match skill and interest types so that dive site selection is normally easy, and consensus is quickly found.
However the divemaster may veto certain requests if the water conditions are not safe, or if one in the group is deemed not skillful enough to safely complete the dive.
Generally, we will not take anyone to very aggressive dive sites such as Punta Sur unless we have prior knowledge of their diving skills. In those cases, other less challenging but equally exciting locations may be chosen.
It is also important to note that most of all the dives in Cozumel will be in performed in drifting conditions. That means the group must stay together during all parts of the dive, from descent to exit. Now we realize that there are different styles of divers and some like to zoom along and others (especially photographers) like to sit in one spot and check out the small action. We try very hard to meet those divergent desires on all dives but you must work with us. Generally the first dive is deep with less animal life and more of a tour, checking our big pinnacles and swim throughs. If one stays behind for a long time it is very easy for the group to get separated. The divemaster will do what he can to make everyone pleased but he cannot let the group get too far apart. That means that he must be able to see each diver at all times when in open water. If repeated attempts to keep the group together fail, the dive will be aborted.
The same conditions apply for the second dive but this is generally a slow dive in which critters and holes are closely examined. However, if the current is strong one must keep in mind that the rest of the group may get swept away while they lie comfortable out of the current behind a coral head. As in all dives, please stay within sight of the divemaster.
YES !! Nitrox is available for diving with Aldora. The cost is $10 per tank. Normally we restrict the use of nitrox to nitrox certified divers and dives not exceeding 100 feet depths. Nitrox certification is also available at Aldora Divers.
YES ! Every Aldora Guide is a PADI / SSI or IANTD Scuba Instructors.
This opens a great number of training possibilities that are just not possible with other operations. Primarily, it means that you can receive top notch specialty dive training, one on one, while enjoying your wonderful world class dives with Aldora. After all, what better way is there to become an underwater naturalist than on hour long dives, guided every step of the way by enthusiastic instructors.
The same holds true for numerous other specialties such as underwater photography, drift diving, night diving, wreck diving, (yes, there is a wreck dive available in Cozumel) enriched air nitrox, etc.
No ice diving, please
One of our favorite programs, and one that all serious divers will do sometime, is the Advanced Open Water Program. Basic certification got you just the minimum skills needed to get wet. The Advanced program should be viewed as the experiential finish to basic certification, and by many opinions should be required of all divers.
Now of course there are many whom have done deep dives, or night dives, or know how to navigate with a compass, that have not taken the Advanced Course. But there is a good chance that they have missed some important aspect of the theory behind those, and may not be as safe as they would like to be if forced to deal with situations on their own. Everyone can benefit from the things to be learned in the Advanced Open Water course. The course requires some academics, but not much and can be accomplished in just two days of regular morning diving with one night dive thrown in. If interested, please let us know during your Check-in.
Check our web page for available instruction programs and price list.
This opens a great number of training possibilities that are just not possible with other operations. Primarily, it means that you can receive top notch specialty dive training, one on one, while enjoying your wonderful world class dives with Aldora. After all, what better way is there to become an underwater naturalist than on hour long dives, guided every step of the way by enthusiastic instructors.
The same holds true for numerous other specialties such as underwater photography, drift diving, night diving, wreck diving, (yes, there is a wreck dive available in Cozumel) enriched air nitrox, etc.
No ice diving, please
One of our favorite programs, and one that all serious divers will do sometime, is the Advanced Open Water Program. Basic certification got you just the minimum skills needed to get wet. The Advanced program should be viewed as the experiential finish to basic certification, and by many opinions should be required of all divers.
Now of course there are many whom have done deep dives, or night dives, or know how to navigate with a compass, that have not taken the Advanced Course. But there is a good chance that they have missed some important aspect of the theory behind those, and may not be as safe as they would like to be if forced to deal with situations on their own. Everyone can benefit from the things to be learned in the Advanced Open Water course. The course requires some academics, but not much and can be accomplished in just two days of regular morning diving with one night dive thrown in. If interested, please let us know during your Check-in.
Check our web page for available instruction programs and price list.
Any special requests, such as dive schedules, divemaster preferences, or equipment issues should be communicated to the Office Staff. While friendly and wanting to help, divemasters are frequently busy and can forget things, so if you really want something, be sure to talk to our Office Staff who will note your requests.
You will meet our Office Staff during Check-in. Office staff will be present every day at the beach club during the surface interval. You can also contact our Office Staff directly at our local phone number 872 3397
You will meet our Office Staff during Check-in. Office staff will be present every day at the beach club during the surface interval. You can also contact our Office Staff directly at our local phone number 872 3397
On your arrival you will be able to confirm to us the dive days that we have set aside for you.
You should feel free to make changes as you wish.
Once agreed to in Cozumel, we will work real hard to make sure that on those dates you will be shown the "Best of Cozumel". That means we may turn down other divers or add boats and crews for those specific days.
That puts some responsibility on you to either make the dives, or give us enough notice to rearrange things. If you let us know of your intention not to dive on a day that you are expected to, with at least 12 hours notice, that allows us to make other arrangements and efficiently organize our trips.
For us to find out about changes at 7 am of dive day, or even worse to wait at the dock for someone that does not show up, is very disruptive of our efforts to provide quality service to everyone. A fair rule is that we require notice to our Office Staff prior to 6:30pm of the evening before your scheduled dive the next day. Otherwise, no show charges will apply.
You should feel free to make changes as you wish.
Once agreed to in Cozumel, we will work real hard to make sure that on those dates you will be shown the "Best of Cozumel". That means we may turn down other divers or add boats and crews for those specific days.
That puts some responsibility on you to either make the dives, or give us enough notice to rearrange things. If you let us know of your intention not to dive on a day that you are expected to, with at least 12 hours notice, that allows us to make other arrangements and efficiently organize our trips.
For us to find out about changes at 7 am of dive day, or even worse to wait at the dock for someone that does not show up, is very disruptive of our efforts to provide quality service to everyone. A fair rule is that we require notice to our Office Staff prior to 6:30pm of the evening before your scheduled dive the next day. Otherwise, no show charges will apply.
Every night we go to a lot of effort to assign you to the most appropriate boat and dive group that we can. That means that we may have to switch you between boats and divemasters on different days. Tipping is thus best done on a daily basis. On the island a 10% tip is customary but if you didn't receive good service you should not tip at all. On the other hand more than 10% would be a proper reward for truly outstanding service.
The divemaster will share the tips with the captain and others who make your enjoyment possible.
The divemaster will share the tips with the captain and others who make your enjoyment possible.
The best negotiated rate for a jeep or other rental car can be quite different from the "asking price" at most agencies. We keep track of and usually have some operator that is willing to give our customers those best negotiated prices. Low season it is about $50 per day and high $70 per day. Just ask the Office Staff for information on where to go and who to talk to. Aldora gets no commission or kick back on these recommendations.
