Clark White
Explorer
Well I am extremely delinquent in getting these posted, but I suppose better late then never right? Here is the original thread I started, though there isn't much there ( http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36129 ). I am starting a new thread since this one will be primarily pictures.
Two friends (James and Kelsey) and I flew down to Cozumel for 3 days diving and a day at Chitzen Itza. James and Kelsey were newly certified and this was their first dive trip after finishing their check dive at Lake Pleasant AZ. We did two dives per day, the first being Palencar Caves at 80ft, with a second dive at Chankanaab reef (45ft).
Me
James
Kelsey
We returned to the hotel and had an awesome dinner (though too expensive). The next day we awoke for our second and third dives. The first was at Palencar Gardens (again at 80ft) and then Yucab Reef (45ft). We were lucky enough to have a professional videographer along for both dives and so we have a copy of her footage (I will try to get it down to a size where it can be uploaded). That evening we managed to find a hole-in-the-wall place and had some outstanding tacos and soda for less then $10 total (much more like what I am used to in Central America, unlike $20 EACH the previous night).
The third day we were invited to dive Punta Sur, which is a cave dive starting at 80ft and exiting at 120ft. This involved much debate with the dive masters and my self as James and Kelsey were obviously brand new to the sport and while I have plenty of experience I did not have the paperwork to support such a dive. However, after a long talk with the dive masters and the going over of much information, we all felt comfortable. We entered the caves at 80ft and descended through multiple small caves with beautiful formations. It was quite the swim to get there as there was a strong current all the way down to the entrance. When we exited we spy-rolled our way back up circling the reef. The only mishap out of all 6 dives was surfacing from Punta Sur I say a shark and reached for my slate, bumping the release for my right weight bag (thankfully it landed in sand and not the reef!) The irony here is that I already had plans to replace the Velcro when we returned, curse you Murphy! Punta Sur was such an awesome dive that none of the three of us have any clue what the second dive was that day.
The 4th day we took a taxi (this was actually the cheapest option, go figure) to Chitzen Itza.
El Castillo, the main temple
This lady was about 4' nothing and was selling hand made towels for covering your tortillas.
While we were eating our lunch under a shade tree a school grope came by with a bunch of elementary kids, all having a blast.
Me finishing packing up after lunch.
One of the many carvings and statues at Chitzen.
Two friends (James and Kelsey) and I flew down to Cozumel for 3 days diving and a day at Chitzen Itza. James and Kelsey were newly certified and this was their first dive trip after finishing their check dive at Lake Pleasant AZ. We did two dives per day, the first being Palencar Caves at 80ft, with a second dive at Chankanaab reef (45ft).
Me
James
Kelsey
We returned to the hotel and had an awesome dinner (though too expensive). The next day we awoke for our second and third dives. The first was at Palencar Gardens (again at 80ft) and then Yucab Reef (45ft). We were lucky enough to have a professional videographer along for both dives and so we have a copy of her footage (I will try to get it down to a size where it can be uploaded). That evening we managed to find a hole-in-the-wall place and had some outstanding tacos and soda for less then $10 total (much more like what I am used to in Central America, unlike $20 EACH the previous night).
The third day we were invited to dive Punta Sur, which is a cave dive starting at 80ft and exiting at 120ft. This involved much debate with the dive masters and my self as James and Kelsey were obviously brand new to the sport and while I have plenty of experience I did not have the paperwork to support such a dive. However, after a long talk with the dive masters and the going over of much information, we all felt comfortable. We entered the caves at 80ft and descended through multiple small caves with beautiful formations. It was quite the swim to get there as there was a strong current all the way down to the entrance. When we exited we spy-rolled our way back up circling the reef. The only mishap out of all 6 dives was surfacing from Punta Sur I say a shark and reached for my slate, bumping the release for my right weight bag (thankfully it landed in sand and not the reef!) The irony here is that I already had plans to replace the Velcro when we returned, curse you Murphy! Punta Sur was such an awesome dive that none of the three of us have any clue what the second dive was that day.
The 4th day we took a taxi (this was actually the cheapest option, go figure) to Chitzen Itza.
El Castillo, the main temple
This lady was about 4' nothing and was selling hand made towels for covering your tortillas.
While we were eating our lunch under a shade tree a school grope came by with a bunch of elementary kids, all having a blast.
Me finishing packing up after lunch.
One of the many carvings and statues at Chitzen.
