Diving in Montezuma

The Central Pacific Ocean is home to many different reefs, the majority of these are made of volcanic and coral formation with depths ranging between 8 and 35 meters (25 - 115 feet).  The temperature of the water varies between 26 and 29 degrees Celsius (78 - 84 F) with a visibility ranging from 10 to 30 meters (30 - 100 feet) depending on the season.

There are numerous dive sites all along the coast, including in and around Tortuga Island, famous for its excellent visibility and large variety of coral and tropical fish.  Each day, we make a careful selection of our dive sites based on changes in currents and visibility among other factors.  Our 32 foot boat is fully equipped with dive and safety equipment, indoor cabin, bathroom, kitchen and sundeck. 

The Fish!

Each day is a different experience and the fish you see will vary.  That said, we commonly see several of the following: Spotted Eagle and Manta Ray, Zebra, Jewel and Fine-spotted Moray Eels, Blue-spotted and Golden Jacks, Trumpet Fish, Rainbow Runner, Blue-and-Gold Snapper, Spotted and Rainbow Scorpionfish, Bloody Frogfish, Mexican Goatfish and Mexican Hogfish (not making this up!), Bicolor Parrotfish, Angelfish, Pacific Boxfish, Spotted Sharpnose and Spotted Green Puffer, Freckled and Spotted Porcupinefish, as well as White Tip Sharks (non-aggressive), Dolphin, Starfish and many more surprises around every corner!

 

         

 

 

The Dive Sites!

Aquarius – This site gets its name from the huge quantity and variety of tropical fish which surround divers during their immersion (I think they meant to name it “Aquarium”).  The area is comprised of canyons and large elephant ear corals.  The depth varies between 3 and 30 meters which makes this site an excellent spot for divers of all levels of experience.

Bye Bye Reef – This exciting dive follows a current between large volcanic rock walls on the eastern tip of Tortuga Island.  Here you will come across many Spotted Jacks, Manta Rays and Eagle Rays.

Cocalito – In front of the famous “El Chorro” waterfall, this area offers three different sites with between 8 and 16 meters depth.  Here you will swim through clouds of tropical fish and White Tip Reef Sharks (non-aggressive).

Cañones – This site was appropriately named for the numerous canyons that cover the ocean floor.  In the caves you will find many lobsters, various types of Moray and Parrotfish.  The depth ranges from 5 to 30 meters and has excellent visibility.  It is also common to see Giant Turtles and Southern Stingrays.

La Chancha – Located at the mouth of Bahia Ballena (Whale Bay), this site is famous for its incredible Gorgonias, Scorpion Fish and Eagle Rays found at depths of 8-24 meters.

Franklin Chang – This recent ship wreck lies at a depth of 23 meters, with its top reaching up to 17 meters below the surface.  It is quickly attracting more and more marine life including hundreds of different Snappers and Jacks.

We offer the CMAS 1 Star Diving Certification, recognized as the equivalent of PADI’s Open Water Diving Certification.

• Week 1
• Monday - 2.5 hours of classroom instruction
• Tuesday - 2.5 hours of classroom instruction
• Wednesday - 3 hours in training pool
• Thursday - 3 hours in training pool
• Friday - 2 hours in training pool - Review and Skills Assessment Test
• Saturday - 2 open water dives
• Sunday - 2 open water dives


• Week 2
• Monday - Day off from Scuba/Alternate dive day
• Tuesday - Last open water dive for certification (early morning or late afternoon)
• Wednesday - Fun Dive (2 tanks; early morning or late afternoon)
• Thursday - Fun Dive (2 tanks; early morning or late afternoon)
• Friday - Day off from Scuba/Alternate dive day

Please note that due to weather, logistical and sometimes unforeseen constraints, we may alter the above schedule to complete the course in the most efficient and safest manner possible. 

1 Star Diving Program (equivalent to PADI Open Water Dive Certification)

The content of your classroom study will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Course aims and administration
• Introduction to diving equipment
• Elementary signals
• Pressure/volume relationship
• Principles and use of Scuba
• Basic physiology
• Buoyancy devices
• Diving suits and ancillary equipment
• Equipment Care
• Self rescue and buddy rescue
• Safe diving practices
• Site selection and conservation

• Intro to equipment
• Scuba and snorkeling skills
• Rescue skills
• Scuba skills review
• Scuba skills assessment

Please see our Rates and Dates page for program fees and schedules.

2 Week Scuba Program

2 Week Spanish and Scuba Program

• 2 hours of Spanish classroom instruction, M-F
• 2 hours of applied learning (in class or outside), M-F
  
• Spanish books and instructional materials
• Theoretical and Practical Scuba Training
• Copy of Scuba course on CD-ROM
  
• Basic CPR training
  
• 6 Scuba dives
• Snacks and drinks on boat
• Official certification card in hand before you leave
  
• Guided waterfall hike
• 13 nights accommodation at La Escuela Del Sol 
• Snacks and drinks on boat
• Optional zip line canopy tour or guided horseback riding to private waterfalls

3 Week Spanish and Scuba Program

• Includes all features of 2 Week Program plus:
• 1 more week's accommodation (20 nights total)
• 1 more week of Spanish classes
• Optional fun dives (1 tank $60; 2 tanks $90)
  

2 Week Yoga and Scuba Program

• 90 minutes of Hatha Vinyasa-style Yoga daily (M-F)
  
• Guided waterfall hike
  
• Theoretical and Practical Scuba Training
• Copy of Scuba course on CD-ROM
  
• Basic CPR training
  
• 6 Scuba dives
• Snacks and drinks on boat
• Official certification card in hand before you leave
  
• 13 nights accommodation at La Escuela Del Sol 
  
• Optional zip line canopy tour or guided horseback riding to private waterfalls

3 Week Yoga and Scuba Program

• Includes all features of 2 Week Program plus:
• 1 more week's accommodation (20 nights total)
• 1 more week of Yoga classes (M-F)
• Optional fun dives (1 tank $60; 2 tanks $90)