Frequently Asked Questions
Booking/Pre-Dive Questions
Do I need to be certified to dive with Challenge Diving?
No, you can do a Discover Scuba course with us without any training at all. We will teach you before getting in the water and will instruct you throughout the dive. This is 1-1 with a certified PADI Instructor.
You can also do PADI e-learning courses online through your local dive shop and complete the open water dives with us here. Eric is a PADI certified instructor who can get you certified while on vacation!
Which courses do you offer?
We offer a variety of courses and specialty certifications. For those beginners who just want to try out diving, we offer a Discover Scuba course. For those certified but who have taken some time away from diving, we can do Reactivate Scuba Refresher dives.
We offer PADI Open Water, Advance Open Water, Rescue Dive, and Divemaster Courses.
We also offer Enriched Air Diver, Wreck Diver, Deep Diver, Night Diver, Drift Diver, and Boat Diver Specialty Courses.
Where do I get information about PADI e-learning opportunities before our trip?
You can find detailed information about PADI e-learning opportunities on their official website: PADI Courses, Conservation, Membership, and Shop. PADI offers a variety of e-learning courses that allow you to start your scuba training digitally, at your own pace, and from anywhere.
Purchase the e-learning access through your local dive shop, and you can complete the dives with Eric Sr. while on vacation in Cozumel!
How do I book in advance to Dive, Snorkel, or Fish?
You can fill out a booking request on the Contact Us link on our website. This will allow Challenge Diving to check availability and get back to you to confirm.
Is it necessary to have dive insurance?
We strongly recommend a scuba diving insurance such as Divers Alert Network (DAN). This insurance should be secured before your arrival in Cozumel. Although the insurance is usually not needed, it is always good to be prepared for the unexpected.
Dive Trips
Where do we get picked up?
Our shop is located at Marina Cozumel - Asipona. Check our location: Challenge Diving Cozumel
We also pick up at hotels and piers south of the marina. There is often an additional cost to be picked up at the hotels. Please check with your hotel or the pier you plan to use and pay prior to pick up.
What is the water temperature in Cozumel?
Cozumel's water temperatures are warm and inviting all year, making it a great destination for diving and snorkeling. Here's a month-by-month breakdown of the average water temperatures:
High Season
January: 78°F (25°C)
February: 78°F (25°C)
March: 79°F (26°C)
April: 80°F (27°C)
May: 82°F (28°C)
Hottest Season:
June: 83°F (28°C)
July: 84°F (29°C)
August: 84°F (29°C)
Wet Season and our quietest time:
September: 83°F (28°C)
October: 82°F (28°C)
November: 80°F (27°C)
December: 79°F (26°C)
*Please note, sometimes current and weather conditions will close down the marina, regardless of the season. This is out of our control. We will do whatever we can to make sure you have amazing dives, whenever you visit.
How do you choose which dive sites we visit?
The captain and your diving crew will consider the skills and wishes of our customers and evaluate the present surface and diving conditions to choose the best Cozumel dive sites for each charter. Your safety is our top priority.
How many divers are on your boats?
Although the Sleeping Shark and Baby Shark hold 10 divers, typically there will only be 6-8 divers on at a time.
How many divers per dive master?
Although the requirement is to have one dive master per 8 divers, at Challenge Diving, we typically will have two diver masters whenever there are more than 6 divers.
Can non-divers ride along?
Non-divers can join in on the fun as long as we don’t have a boat full of divers that day. They will be charged $50 and will be able to enjoy the same surface interval snacks and drinks as their diving friends!
Do you offer Nitrox?
Yes, EAN 32% or 36% is our standard mix and is available for an additional charge for each tank. Divers must be Enriched Air certified to dive with these tanks. Challenge Diving can also certify you while on vacation. All prices are listed on our Rates page.
What do I do with my gear after the dive?
If you plan to continue to dive with us daily, all gear can be left on the boat. Our crew will rinse equipment and get your gear ready for you for the next day. We recommend you take your small items with you (cameras, dive computers, and masks) so they aren’t accidentally damaged while transporting equipment. Customer service is our priority and hassle-free diving is our specialty!
Surface Intervals
Should I bring food or drinks on the boat for surface intervals?
Yes, however, our boat captain provides amazing snacks while we do our first dive. This varies day to day, but there will always be fruit along with one of our specialties (tuna salad, guacamole, sandwiches, or dessert). Although you are allowed to bring food on the boat for between dives, we ask that you are thoughtful of keeping our boat clean so don’t bring things with crumbs or that will make a mess for the captain to clean up during our next dive. We also provide drinks (water and soda) although you can bring your own if you choose. Alcoholic beverages can’t be consumed before dives and will not be allowed during your surface interval. However, water, soda, and beer are included for the fishing and snorkeling tours.
Will there be a bathroom available?
Although we do not have a bathroom onboard, we often will stop at a surface interval location where a public restroom is available to you. Please let us know if this is necessary for you and we will plan in advance.
Additional Information
What are my payment options?
We accept cash (USD or Mexican Pesos) along with credit card. There will be a 5% transaction fee added to payments done with credit cards/PayPal.
What is your cancellation policy?
We totally understand that plans can change, and we’ll always do our best to be flexible. Here’s how our cancellation policy works:
7 Days or More in Advance
If you cancel at least 7 days before your first scheduled dive, you’ll receive a full refund of your deposit—no worries at all!Less Than 7 Days in Advance
If you need to cancel within 7 days of your first dive, we’ll refund 50% of your deposit.Less Than 48 Hours in Advance
Cancellations made less than 48 hours before your first dive unfortunately aren’t eligible for a refund.Same-Day Cancellations
We understand that plans can change, but please note that same-day cancellations will still be charged for the dives, as we've already made preparations to welcome you and ensure everything is ready for your dive.
How soon after my last dive can I fly?
Divers Alert Network (DAN) recommends you wait 18 hours before flying after your last dive. Your dive computer may also indicate the number of hours recommended based on your diving profile.
Where is the closest hyperbaric chamber?
In Cozumel, you have a several options for hyperbaric chambers. However, we recommend the following DAN certified chambers:
Cozumel International Hospital
https://www.hospitalcozumel.com/
Address: Calle 5 SUR / AV. Rafael E. Melgar Y 5ª AV. SUR CP. 77660. Cozumel Q.Roo Mexico
Phone: +52 987-872-1431
CMC Costa Med Hospital
Hyperbaric Chamber | Grupo Médico Costamed
Address: Calle Primera Sur No. 101, Cozumel, QR, Mexico 77640
Phone: +52 987-872-9400