Jan 2021 Edition
The Cozumel Drift
Hola Amigo !
BIENVENIDOS ... or welcome to The Drift. If you are new to the Scuba Shack and Village Tan Kah family, this is our newsletter that keeps you up to date with what is happening here on COZUMEL, as well as your favorite dive shop and hotel. We sure hope that you like it!

A HUGE GRACIAS to everyone for coming to visit us recently. We have been busy with divers, and rain, and wind and.... well, the weather !

WOW, what the difference 1 day can make. So glad I did not send this yesterday......
We have great news !!
Cozumel has your COVID testing needs covered!
As you may have seen, the US government and the CDC will begin requiring people traveling to the US to have a negative Covid test to enter. Actually, Canada instated this as of Jan 7, 2021. Many countries are requiring this to enter.

This requirement will begin Jan 26, 2021. What does this mean for you? Well, if you will be here and depart before Jan 26, nothing. You travel as planned. if you are coming here and will return back home on Jan 26 or later, we will schedule a test for you days before your departure. That is all. It is seriously that easy.

Sounds to good or easy to be true? Well, there is a lot of info - so check out the Scuba Shack COVID UPDATE page where we have consolodated the info. There is a lot and it is rapidly changing. I mean, it was ONLY announced yesterday. So stay tuned. We will be sending info as we get it - testing, pricing, etc.

Keep checking with the CDC for what is happening on that side of the border(we are too). We will keep you informed with what is happening here in Cozumel. As well as insure to make this as easy as possible for you.
Last week, I was so happy. We had exactly 0 (zero) patients in the hospital due to Covid. YEAH! But then, as expected. there was a small uptick in the number of cases after the holidays and many parties. People here are getting tired of social distancing too.
Since Dec 25, there have been 35 new cases - ouch! That is a lot for this tiny island. Although if you look at the bigger picture, there have only been in total 551 cases here for a population of 100,000 permanent residents. So in reality, we are still doing quite well.
More airlines have announced flights to Cozumel!
Frontier Airlines
After a 5 year hiatus, Frontier will finally return to the island of the swallows, with a direct flight every Saturday from both Denver and Chicago O'Hare. Flights begin from both cities as of Feb 13, 2021 and continue through Aug 7 for Denver, and Aug 14 for Chicago. Both routes will resume flights every Sat beginning Nov 20 and through the 2022 winter season.
Southwest Airlines
After a short break due to the pandemic, Southwest will resume daily flights to Cozumel from Houston Hobby beginning Mar 11 and continuing through Aug 16. YEAH !!!! Now, this seems a bit aggressive to me. Will they have enough flyers to maintain a daily flight? Hmmmm.... so be careful and maybe choose more traveled days than less traveled days... ?? You don't want to get a surprise as your date gets closer and there is a schedule change.
Sun Country Airlines
Now that Delta has closed up shop here in Cozumel, it sure does make it difficult for Minnesotans to find a direct flight to Cozumel. Thank goodness that Sun Country did not cancel as well. They are still operating for the high season, with their direct flight from Minneapolis to Cozumel. They are currently offering flights on Wed and Sun. And as of Feb 19, Mon and Fri will be added in, for 4 flights a week. This schedule will be offered through Apr 10.
Resusable Masks!
A definate MUST for scuba divers
Just look at the amount of waste beach goers and divers need to clean up from disposable face masks. As divers, we hope that people will become more conscience about what they throw away, and what can is reusable, and what can be recycled. Reusable is the best option. And we are offering handmade linen masks from a local lady here on the island. This way, you don't polute the ocean, you help infusemore money into the economy, and everyone stays working! It's as easy way to impress your friends and family. And only $5 USD each. Come on down and get some really useful souvenirs .
Marine Park Fee Increases for 2021
As reported, the Marine Park fee increased as of Jan 1, 2021 from $ 2 USD* to $ 5* USD pp - PER DAY. We are still unclear why the gov. rammed this increase through so quickly, well not really but... And the year long Marine Park Passport has increased to $ 79* USD - OUCH ! Still, if you will be diving more than 15 days a year (beginning from the purchase date) then yes, it is worth it. Otherwise, the daily rate is the way to go. And yes, the website is now working again. They were changing the prices...

I am so sorry about this. It almost makes me want to just become an illegal operator... but I won't. It makes me seriously wonder sometime.

* This is calculated using the current exchange rate of $ 19 pesos = $ 1 USD.
This Months Feature Article
Anemones are the Cracker Jacks of the sea; there’s almost always a prize inside! If you can approach stealthily, and hang out fairly motionless, you’ll often find anemones inhabited by small shrimp or crabs.

Spotted Cleaner Shrimp like the one shown in this picture inhabit Giant Anemones, Branching Anemones and Corkscrew Anemone.

Click the Button to read more about - The Cracker Jacks of the Sea:
For your loved one
Next month, it is Valentine's Day. How about surprising that special someone in your life with a diving weekend in Cozumel? We have Valentine's Packages available. Or if they are already planning on coming, how about a Nitrox or other Specialty course for them to try. Or a twilight dive for 2?? We can tailor make your gift certificate to meet your needs. The options are limitless.
Fun in the sun ....
Who doesn't love going to the beach after a morning dive trip? And what is your favorite thing to eat? Well, according to Larry Sipley - conch ceviche. Other options are fish, shrimp, or mixed.

Many people shy away from ceviche thinking that it is raw fish. But really, the acid from the lime juice actually cooks the fish. It becomes white and flaky, just like you cook any fish, or seafood.

Ceviche has a long history and is prevalent all throughout Central & South America. Even the Philippines has their own version. Click on the picture to read more.
Where is the best place to get ceviche on the island?
There are so many great places to get the ceviche here... some of my favorites are -
  • right here at Scuba Shack, with lionfish that Rudy catches on the dive
  • Other side of the island - Welcome to Miami - the shrimp ceviche is awesome, and so are the Mojitos - best on the island !
  • For sunset - La Monina, on the north side of town
  • Best conch ceviche - El Moro in town - a Cozumel tradition
  • Close to Village Tan Kah - Ernesto's shrimp ceviche

Missing the beach, Cozumel and ceviche? Make your own. Here is the traditional -
Could we speak the language of dolphins?
As I was completing my daily click on FREE THE OCEAN to help remove plastic from the ocean, I was directed to the TED talks by Dr Denise Herzing. She is the Jane Goodall of dolphins, apparently. And the talk was quite interesting... only 14 minutes. Enjoy her knowledge and images.
We hope you can make a visit soon !
Roberta's Scuba Shack


+52-987-872-4240 - Phone

+521-987-114-3568 - Cell and WhatsApp
Village Tan Kah


+52-987-872-4240 - Phone