Join the SCUBA SIG in . We have a fabulous time every year, but it will be even more fun if you join us this year, so make your plans now to be part of our group. As in previous years, this will be a do it yourself trip, but with all the fun and camaraderie of a typical Mensa dive trip.
The basic plan: Arrive Cozumel Wednesday December 2, depart Wednesday December 9, stay at Mar, dive with Dive with Martin. Book your own air and hotel, and make your own dive arrangements with Dive with Martin. You are certainly welcome to stay for less than a week (or to stay longer), but the core dates for the group are 12/2 –> 12/9. Details follow.
Getting to – United, American Airlines, and Delta all offer direct or connecting service.
Hotel – Casa del Mar http://www.casadelmarcozumel.com/. The Mensa group always stays at Casa del Mar, and there’s a reason we keep returning: super hospitality. By staying at Casa del Mar, we’re trading the convenience of staying in town for the convenience of being picked up at the hotel dock each morning. We will share taxis into town and back for dinner each evening. Casa del Mar is a charming property south of town, right on the water. The staff here is exceptionally friendly and hard working; they truly are like family and genuinely happy to welcome us back each year. The hotel has a swimming pool (with the requisite swim-up bar and hot tub) in a beautiful garden setting, perfect for après-dive sunning and relaxing while enjoying a gorgeous vista. There is a bridge over the road which allows access to their beach with palapas and hammocks, and a roped in snorkeling area. The clean and modern rooms are well appointed, and newly remodeled in 2025. Elevator now available! Wifi is available in all rooms. Each morning we will enjoy a delicious breakfast while seated under the spacious palapa of their ocean view restaurant.
Casa del Mar is offering us the following rates.
Superior room with balcony: Single $135, Double $150.
Ocean view room with fridge and balcony: Single $169, Double $178.
Two bedroom family room, parking lot view: $87 pp/per night
Deluxe Cabana, split level with fridge: Double $230, Triple $285
All rates include taxes, resort fee, eco tax (DSA). Daily breakfast included only if you book directly with Casa del Mar. See the SCUBA SIG Connect website for details on how to book at Casa del Mar.
Please note that it is not required to book through Casa del Mar. You may be able to find a better deal for an air/hotel package by checking the various vacation consolidator sites.
Diving – We will dive with Dive with Martin https://divewithmartin.com/. I have been using Dive with Martin for well over twenty years; it is one of 's finest dive operations, offering fast boats and personalized service. The DWM boat(s) will pick us up at the Casa del Mar pier each morning. DWM’s patient and professional staff (all fluent English speakers) will provide outstanding care and instruction. Dive with Martin offers dive gear at no extra charge. This is ideal for new divers who don’t have their own equipment yet; DWM can provide everything you need.
Dive with Martin is quoting us the following package rates (including mandatory fee):
5 days, 2 tanks: $540
6 days, 2 tanks: $648
Night dive: $50
1 day Refresher course, 2 tanks: $161 (Required if it has been more than 2 years since your last dive.)
Nitrox: $12/80cf tank, $18/100cf tank
Please note that while gas prices are going up, DWM has frozen these rates as a special favor to our group. A $50 deposit is required to book your diving; remainder due in cash upon arrival in . See the SCUBA SIG Connect website for full details.
Schedule – is in the Eastern time zone. You should plan to arrive on Wednesday or earlier. Thursday through Tuesday: diving! Each morning we’ll head out for a two tank boat dive; then we’ll have the afternoons at leisure (translation: lunch and a siesta). Other options include shopping, sun bathing/snorkeling at one of the many beaches including the beautiful Chankanaab Marine Preserve, touring the Mayan ruins, and many others. (I can personally recommend the Kaokao Chocolate Factory tour.) Excursions to the mainland to see Tulum, Xel-ha or Xcaret can be arranged for non-divers or those who don’t want to dive every day. We will do at least one boat night dive, most likely on Saturday. Each evening we will visit one of 's many fine restaurants for dinner. Margaritas on me the first evening at Wet Wendy’s. The following Wednesday afternoon we'll head back to the airport for our return flights.
Caveat – Although Casa del Mar is offering us a group rate, the SCUBA SIG has NOT reserved a block of rooms. Trip participants will need to book their own air and hotel accommodations. Divers need to book directly with Dive with Martin; mention the SCUBA SIG to be part of our group.
In summary – What better way to get the best out of a dive trip? It’s always more fun when you’re with a group. Catch up with old friends and make new ones! Great diving with great friends! It just doesn't get any better! You know you wanna go!
Ready to Go? Detailed instructions on how to book with Casa Mar and Dive with Martin are posted on the SCUBA SIG Connect Bulletin board.
https://connect.us.mensa.org/communities/community-home?CommunityKey=c09f3170-eb19-4da9-89c0-0197b1ce0178
Just let me know you’re coming, and LET'S DIVE!!
Questions? Email Ann Faget annfaget@yahoo.com.