Q: Can non-divers come along?   Return to Top
A: Preference is of course given to divers, but non-divers are welcome, space permitting. Because the boat must follow the drifting divers, non-divers must stay on the boat during dives. Our surface interval will hopefully provide snorkeling time for guests.
          

Q: Do I need a dive buddy?   Return to Top
A: We do not require buddy teams. We give a thorough briefing and review hand signals on the boat. We dive as a group, with a divemaster in front, and at least one divemaster following the group, so someone is watching you throughout the dive. You do not need to surface with a buddy, because the dive boat follows the group and picks up each diver upon ascent. So, you don't need a dive buddy. But an emergency is not the time to locate the nearest diver. Please dive aware. It's always a good idea to know where the nearest diver is, and get an "ok" signal from a divemaster prior to ascending. Dive buddies are encouraged to monitor each other.
          

Q: When's the best time of year to see [fill in the blank]?   Return to Top
A: If there's something you're hoping to see, we'll do our best to find it... but we can never be sure that the critter will be where we expect it.
          

Q: What limits do you have for divers?   Return to Top
A: Do not pass the leading divemaster. Please do not lag so far behind the group that the divemaster at the end cannot effectively monitor the group. Do not exceed maximum depths given during the dive briefing. Begin your ascent when you reach 5-700psi. Complete at least 3 min safety stop at 15-20 feet. (Despite all that, our divers can easily average over 60 min per dive.)
          

Q: How "advanced" do I have to be to dive with you? Are beginners allowed?   Return to Top
A: We call ourselves "Advanced Divers" to to indicate that experienced divers will not be limited by inexperienced divers in the group, and to show our commitment to encouraging our divers to continuously improve their skills as divers and stewards of the underwater environment we are fortunate enough to visit.

Many dive operations plan the group's dive according to the least experienced diver. With Careyitos we plan the dive for our experienced divers then take any steps needed to allow beginners to also safely enjoy the dive. We give detailed briefings before each dive including how individuals can make a more conservative dive if they choose to. For example, divers who are not comfortable with tunnels are welcome to stay outside the tunnels with a divemaster and enjoy the spectacular sight of millions of air bubbles sparkling up through the coral from the hidden divers.
          

Q: Do you dive Barracuda and San Juan?   Return to Top
A: The northern sites are notorious for very fast, erratic currents. While that current can attract large pelagics, it also drives away the little tropical fish and scours off the bright coral polyps... and it is a dangerous place to be caught unprepared. (We're talking currents that are strong enough to toss you like a washing machine and pull your mask off. Not only will you not be able to swim against it, you probably can't remain stationary) We will consider diving the far north only with experienced divers who have dived with us already that week. The weather and currents must be right and expected to hold throughout our dive. Finally, all divers will be required to sign a waiver specific to the dive.
          

Q: Do you pick-up divers by boat?   Return to Top
A: We can usually pick-up divers at the hotels to the south of Caleta Harbor (for example: El Presidente, Fiesta Americana, Occidental Grand, Occidental Allegro & Iberostar) by prior arrangement and weather permitting. However, if our second dive site for the day is north of your hotel we will have to drop you off onshore at a pier where you can take a taxi back to your hotel, rather than take all the divers south to your hotel and then back north again. We cannot pick you up if your hotel is north of Caleta Harbor.
          

Q: What size and type of tanks do you use?   Return to Top
A: We have aluminum 80's for both air and Nitrox.
          

Q: Do you offer Nitrox?   Return to Top
A: Yes. Nitrox tanks are available for $10 each. Many of our divers choose to dive Nitrox only for the second dive of each day. The % is analyzed at the fill station, but you are welcome to bring your own analyzer if you wish.
          

Q: Why is Careyitos more expensive than those other dive operations?   Return to Top
A: You get what you pay for. We offer the best diving in Cozumel. 1) No cattle boats. We dive with 4-12 divers. 2) We know the reefs intimately and we'll take you to the best sites (not just the closest or "easiest" ones). 3) We don't rush you out of the water after 40 minutes. You won't find a better price for the bottom time. 4) We include real lunch… sandwiches, chips, fresh guac and salsa, fresh fruit, and drinks. 5) You'll have 2-3 expert divemasters, a Captain, and 2 first mates to provide personal service. 90% of our divers are repeat customers.
          

Q: How can you offer 75 minute dives? Do you stay really shallow?   Return to Top
A: Dive computers to monitor nitrogen levels, a 3 min safety stop, and our surface intervals (luckily lunch makes it go quickly!) allow us to safely achieve long bottom times. While our maximum depth may reach 130 feet, our average depth for the full dive is generally about 50 feet.
          

Q: Do I need my own dive computer?   Return to Top
A: We highly recommend that each diver have a computer. It is your responsibility to maintain a safe dive profile.
          

Q: What does "Careyitos" mean?   Return to Top
A: (Pronounced in English as "Care eh YEE tohs") The boat and dive operation are named Careyitos which is Spanish for baby Hawksbill turtles.
          

Q: Is the boat handicapped accessible?   Return to Top
A: There are three steps down from the dock to the boat deck. Please let us know any special requirements and we will notify you about how we will handle them.
          

Q: How can I make my air last for an hour at those depths?   Return to Top
A: Our crew will gladly teach you to utilize the current, perfect your boyancy, and control your breathing to maximize your efficiency underwater.
          

Q: Should I tip? Who and how much?   Return to Top
A: Your dive fees pay for boat maintenance, food, air/tanks, and crew wages. Gratuities are completely optional. IF you feel that we provided you the exceptional service that we pride ourselves on, perhaps taught you to extend your air consumption or found that close encounter with a turtle for you, while providing a safe and enjoyable day, tips are very much appreciated. Studies by Undercurrent indicate that 10-15% of your dive fees are considered normal.
          

Q: Is the crew multi-lingual?   Return to Top
A: All of the crew speaks English and Spanish.