Cozumel is known for its many unique fish finds including the Cozumel-endemic Splendid Toadfish as well as high concentrations of other interesting species like Cherubfish, Blackcap Basslets, and Sargassum Triggerfish. When not diving, you will enjoy all the wonderful food and culture that Mexico has to offer, as well as daily seminars by Cozumel local and fish id expert Tracey Griffin. Reserve your spot today because this popular trip is sure to sell out quickly.
Project Focus: This purpose of this trip is to conduct fish surveys to support REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Click here to learn more about participating in fish surveys on a REEF Field Survey Trip!
Best Suited For: Divers or non-divers. This trip is not recommended for snorkelers because most boat dives will be drift dives, however Cozumel is a popular tourist destination with plenty of land-based activities for non-divers to enjoy.
Accommodations: Two accommodation options are available on this trip. Safari Inn is a small, locally owned hotel located on the waterfront. All rooms have air-conditioning and private bathrooms with showers. King beds or twin beds are available. Casa Mexicana's rooms are air-conditioned with free Wi-Fi and have private bathrooms with showers. The Casa Mexicana package includes a breakfast buffet. Both hotels are located across the street from Aqua Safari pier, where the dive boat will pick up divers each morning.
Diving: The dive operator for this trip is Chili Charters, a longtime REEF partner. The trip package includes 5 days of 2-tank morning dives, starting on Sunday, Dec. 5 and ending on Thursday, Dec. 9. Average water temperature is 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit. A 3mm wetsuit is recommended. Visibility is usually excellent, ranging from 75-125 ft. at most dive sites. Most diving in Cozumel is drift diving, so it is recommended to carry a surface marker buoy.
Trip Leader: A full-time resident of Cozumel, REEF volunteer Tracey Griffin has led the annual Cozumel Field Survey Trip for many years. She has completed more than 1,000 REEF surveys, is a REEF Fishinar instructor and an Expert surveyor for the Tropical Western Atlantic region, and has actively participated in all of REEF's programs including the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, Invasive Species Program, and Grouper Moon Project.
Pricing, Inclusions, and Other Fees
Safari Inn: $662 per diver based on double occupancy; $845 per diver based on single occupancy.
Casa Mexicana: $854 per diver based on double occupancy; $1,218 per diver based on single occupancy.
Please inquire for non-diver pricing.
Your Package Includes: The trip package includes 7 nights of accommodation, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives, deluxe breakfast buffet included in Casa Mexicana package, daily gear storage, tanks and weights.
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $300 will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar, and REEF survey materials. The REEF Program Fee applies to all divers and any attendee age 18 or older.
Additional Fees - Not Included: All flights, transfers to and from the airport, all meals on trip (breakfast is included if staying at Casa Mexicana.) Optional Nitrox or extra dives available for an additional cost, paid directly to Chili Charters. A $5 US per person per day (cash only) marine park access fee will be collected onsite. As of February 2019, a Sanitation Tax of $25 MX (approximately $1.50 USD) per night per room (cash only) will be collected by the hotel. $2-3 daily dock fee per person will be collected onsite by Chili Charters. Taxes and fees are subject to change. Gratuities are not included and are at each individual's discretion.
Registration
To reserve your space, email trips@REEF.org or call 305-588-5869. A $250 per person deposit will be due to confirm your reservation. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
Cozumel Travel Info
Insurance: Travel insurance is not included. REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. REEF partners with both DiveAssure and DAN to offer travel insurance packages specifically for divers. REEF will receive a portion of the proceeds from travel insurance purchases when you click on the following affiliate links for DiveAssure or DAN.
How to Get There: Participants should make arrangements to fly into Cozumel International Airport (airport code CZM), arriving on Saturday, Dec.4, and departing on the following Saturday, Dec. 11. Participants are responsible for booking their own air travel. REEF is not able to book airfare.
Transfers: Transfers to and from the airport are not included in the trip package, however taxis are readily available at the Cozumel airport. The fare for a ride from the airport to Safari Inn or Casa Mexicana is approximately $8 one way.
Passports, Documentation and Visas: Visitors to Mexico are required to have a current passport with at least one blank page. U.S. citizens visiting Mexico for less than 180 days do not require a visa. Please refer to the appropriate consulate for requirements to enter Mexico.