Join REEF's annual trip to Cozumel for a wonderful week of camaraderie, diving and citizen science! Due to the popularity of this destination, this is the second of two Cozumel trips scheduled for 2019. Enjoy some fabulous drift diving in waters that have been protected as a marine park for nearly 20 years. Cozumel is known for its many unique fish finds, from the endemic Splendid Toadfish, found only in this area, to the high abundances of interesting species like Cherubfish, Blackcap Basslet, 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 trip is sure to fill quickly.
Trip Type: Fish Survey - click here to learn more!
Pricing: $652 per diver based on double occupancy at Safari Inn. $836 per diver based on double occupancy at Casa Mexicana. Single occupancy pricing also available: $833 per diver for single occupancy at Safari Inn. $1,151 per diver for single occupancy at Casa Mexicana.
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: 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.
Price Includes: This trip 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 per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar and REEF survey materials.
Additional Fees: The following costs are not included in the price paid to REEF - All flights, transfers to and from the airport, all meals on trip (breakfast is included if staying at Casa Mexicana.) Optional Nitrox available for an additional cost. Optional additional afternoon dives are $40 per person, optional night dives are $55 per person. A $2.50 per person per day 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 will be collected by the hotel. Taxes and fees are subject to change. Gratuities are not included and are at each individual's discretion.
Travel 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.
About the Trip Leader: Tracey Griffin is a REEF fish expert who is passionate about marine life. A full-time resident of Cozumel, she has led the REEF Field Survey Trip there for many years. Tracey has completed more than 1,000 REEF surveys, is part of the Advanced Assessment Team in the Tropical Western Atlantic region, and shares her fish ID expertise in REEF Fishinars. Over the years, she has been involved with all of REEF’s projects including the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, Grouper Moon Project, and Invasive Lionfish Program.
How to Sign Up: To reserve your space on this trip or find out more, e-mail us at trips@REEF.org, or call us at 305-588-5869. If booking greater than 180 days prior to trip departure, a $500 deposit will be collected at the time of booking. If booking within 180 days of departure, the deposit and any other corresponding payments will be due at the time of booking. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
How to Get There: Participants should make arrangements to fly into Cozumel International Airport (airport code CZM), arriving on Saturday, Dec.7, and departing on the following Saturday, Dec. 14. 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.