Blue H2o Cozumel Ocean Tours — Local services in Isla Cozumel

We had a great experience with Blue H20 and this was even before we arrived at the ferry on the day of the shark tour. We had several questions as we were trying to coordinate our schedules and in trying to decide the best times for us to make the tour. They were very responsive to our emails and offered helpful communications to our questions, in the end allowing us to reserve a time that worked best for us. Prior to the tour they emailed instructions on where to meet, what to expect, what to know about the whale sharks as well as how the tour would be operated. The most important thing that stands out to us and our tour with Blue H20 is the education they give you about the sharks. And the fact that they adhere to the government guidelines (they provide that document for you as well) to help promote safety of the marine life. On the day of our trip, we woke up excited and ready to go! It began with catching the 7am ferry to Playa del Carmen. Our guide, John, was waiting for us just as they said he would be! Finding him was easy. Once he had gathered all of us together we headed over to the shuttle they had waiting for us. Once we were loaded up we were offered fresh fruit, some snacks and a personal bottle of water for the trip to Cancun. We had taken our own Dramamine but they did offer that as well. Once we arrived at the Cancun marina, they ushered us to our boat and away we went. Our boat captain and guide were friendly, considerate and took excellent care of us for the entire trip. They made sure each person got into their life vest and checked on us continuously throughout the ride to be sure we all were comfortable and doing ok. Once we spotted our first whale shark they slowed the boat and reminded us all of the rules and explained what we would do, and how we would do it, once we entered the water. They were absolute PROS at lining up the boat to give us the best viewing advantage of the whale sharks. They coached us and guided us- helping us make the most of the experience. We had several opportunities to swim so each person was able to go into the water several times and enjoy their turn to the fullest potential. After the swim we re-charged with some delicious sandwiches and cool drinks-a sort of boat picnic. The sandwiches were fresh and quite delicious and much appreciated after our swims. Once our lunch was done our boat captain drove us over to a place just off one of the beaches at Isla Mujeras. While there, we were able to step off into the waist deep waters and float leisurely while our guides prepared fresh ceviche and guacamole. Both of which were tasty and plentifully served. They topped that off with a few cold beers! Needless to say, that was a fantastic way to end an already incredible experience. We arrived back in Playa del Carmen at their estimated time (again, in the “what to know” documents) and John escorted us back to the ferry and made sure we all secured our passage back to Cozumel. Thank you Blue H20….for your attention to detail, your high level of customer service, the friendliness of your staff, your safe-guard of the rules set in place to help protect the whale sharks, your organization in everything from start to finish and most especially, thank you for an awesome experience that we will NEVER...

HIGHLY RECOMMEND. From the moment of initial the contact, their level of communication and professionalism was superb. I had originally inquired about a tour on a different day than when we actually went. John was transparent and let me know that due to the recent storm, it would be best to wait a few days in order to have the best chance of seeing the whale sharks! This was so appreciated. These guys are not in it just for the money, and want you to have the best possible experience. It’s also very evident how much John and our guide (Mateo) care about these sharks. Once we finally reached where the whale sharks would be, they did not settle where almost 100 other boats were sitting and took their time to explore other areas and put us in the water when it was safe and appropriate to do so. John also commented how stressful that many boats and people is for the sharks, and did not wish to further contribute to that. As someone who practices cruelty free tourism, 5 stars alone for having the animals best interest first. My boyfriend and I got to swim 3 different times with the whale sharks. Under no circumstances are you allowed to touch the sharks. Believe me, they’re already very close to you. Swimming next to these gentle giants cannot be put into words. You simply have to experience it yourself. Our boat driver was also safe and took care of us the whole time. This is a 2 hour boat ride one way into the open ocean from Cancun, and even on a calm day you can experience some considerable swells. One person on our boat got seasick. I took Dramamine ahead of time as a precautionary measure and I’m glad I did. Even if you don’t normally get seasick, I would recommend doing this... Dramamine is offered free of charge as part of the tour. It’s better to be safe than sorry! We were provided sandwiches on the boat for lunch (delicious) as well as soda and water. After swimming with the whale sharks, we boated to the island of Isla Mujeres to swim in the crystal turquoise waters off Playa Nortes. Mateo hand made guacamole and shrimp ceviche that was served to us on a floating table with ice cold beers, or soda. It was an amazing way to end the trip before heading back to the marina. I should also mention that this tour included round trip transportation from our hotel in Playa Del Carmen, even though the tour company is based out of Cozumel. I cannot recommend these guys enough. Thank you for a wonderful...

From the first emails and phone calls to the final goodbyes, for four years I have been diving exclusively with John and would recommend anyone I know to do the same. His calm confidence and friendly disposition above the surface are just the sort of thing to put you in the right state of mind to have an incredible aquatic experience in the Mexican Caribbean!

It's under the water that John's experience as a guide shines. Due to his extensive knowledge of the island which can only be attained by decades of diving on these reefs, he is able to point out critters both big and small that even some of the most experienced divers would simply overlook. From drift dives, to eagle ray dives, to my personal favorite, lionfish dives, John has the gear and equipment to make it the best experience possible. He is one of the few guides on the island that has underwater DPVs (diver propulsion vehicles) or scooters with which some of the dives he does would not be possible. If you have never used a scooter before, or have any chance to learn a new skill or relearn and old skill with John, he will quickly and easily show you how to use it.

Looking forward to coming back and diving with John the next time!

1.27.2020 Edit: After visiting the island of Cozumel yet again, I owe it to John and the fine folks reading this review to understand how great Blue H20 really is. If you're looking to explore the islands treasures in comfort and knowing that you're in good hands - look no further. From beginning divers just getting through their open water dives to advanced multi-level deco diving: John is your guy. He's reliable, witty, pleasant, and above all safe and knowledgeable. His independent nature allows him to accommodate every customer's needs without having to wade through company policy and middlemen - you'll deal with John directly from first contact to debriefing your excellent dives.

John remains culturally, socially, and environmentally aware of this unique island paradise which all have the effect of making your trips more...