Scuba Tony Cozumel - Boutique Diving with Small Groups

Diving with Scuba Tony

Scuba Tony operates as a boutique dive shop with a simple philosophy: small groups, personal attention, and early access to the reef. With no brick-and-mortar storefront, they run entirely online, meeting guests directly at Marina Fonatur for daily dive departures.

The operation specializes in small-group diving with a maximum of six passengers per boat. This intimate approach allows for personalized service and the flexibility to choose dive sites based on group preferences, diver ability, and ocean conditions.

Scuba Tony offers both PADI and SSI certifications, giving divers flexibility in training agency choice while often providing better pricing through SSI's digital platform. From first-time Discover Scuba experiences to advanced certifications and two-tank fun dives, they cater to all experience levels.

This guide covers everything you need to know—from their unique booking model and small-boat philosophy to course offerings, pricing structure (subject to change), and what real guests say about their experience.

Why Choose Scuba Tony?

Small Groups, Maximum Six Divers

Scuba Tony limits each boat to just six passengers. This creates a concierge-style diving experience with personal attention that larger operations simply cannot match. Smaller groups mean safer dives, more individualized guidance, and less time waiting for everyone to gear up.

Early Morning Departures

Their boats depart early, beating other operators to the reef. This means you experience undisturbed dive sites with more active marine life before the crowds arrive. It also gives you first access to beautiful surface interval locations.

No Brick-and-Mortar Overhead

Scuba Tony operates without a physical dive shop. Everything runs online, which keeps costs down and allows them to focus entirely on the diving experience rather than managing retail space. You receive detailed instructions when you book and meet the team directly at the marina.

Flexible Booking Options

They offer three ways to join boat dives: reserved spaces at standard rates, last-minute spaces at discounted rates when available, and private charters for groups wanting exclusive access. This flexibility accommodates both planned dive vacations and spontaneous decisions.

Premium Rental Equipment

As an Aqualung partner, all rental gear comes from Aqualung's premium lines. BCDs feature integrated weight pockets for comfort and convenience—no more fumbling with weight belts. The equipment is regularly maintained and periodically renewed.

The Scuba Tony Experience

Meeting Location and Logistics

All dives depart from Marina Fonatur. Upon arrival, you'll find the boat ramp, walk down the sidewalk on the left side, turn left past the first long dock, and look for the large SCUBA TONY sign with benches under a shaded canopy. This is your meeting point.

For guests staying at oceanside hotels—including El Presidente, Landmark, Costa Del Sol, Dreams, Secrets Aura, Allegro, Occidental Grand, and Iberostar—Scuba Tony offers pier and shore pickups. Guests staying north of the departure location must board at Marina Fonatur.

Daily Schedule

Morning departures leave at 7:30 AM, making Scuba Tony the first boats on the reef. Afternoon departures leave at 1:00 PM. Twilight and night dives depart around 4:00 PM depending on the season.

Dive Site Selection

Unlike operations that guarantee specific sites, Scuba Tony decides where to dive after all divers are onboard. Sites are chosen based on diver requests, experience levels, and current ocean conditions. You can note preferences in the special request box when booking, and they'll do their best to accommodate.

For divers still deciding which reefs fit their experience level, the Cozumel dive sites guide is a useful place to understand the island’s main reef areas before booking.

What's Included

Boat dive prices include tanks, weights, marine park fees, taxes, fresh fruit, sodas, snacks, a souvenir water bottle with purified water, and a professional PADI-certified guide. The boats feature solar-heated freshwater showers for rinsing off between dives.

Boats and Equipment

The Fleet

Scuba Tony operates three small, fast boats designed for quick reef access. The six-passenger maximum ensures comfortable spacing and personal attention. Travel time to most reef sites averages less than 30 minutes.

Rental Gear Program

All rental equipment comes from Aqualung and represents some of the best rental gear available anywhere. BCDs feature integrated weight pockets. Rental gear is washed, stored, and set up by the crew—you simply show up and dive.

Rental gear fees are charged once daily, not per two-tank trip. Current rates include mask/fins/snorkel at no charge, with nominal fees for regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, computers, and lights. Nitrox is available for an additional fee.

Note: All prices mentioned are subject to change and will be confirmed at time of booking.

Scuba Tony occasionally sells like-new rental gear at wholesale prices, around 50% off retail, and will apply your rental fees toward purchase if you decide to buy.

Training and Certification Programs

Multi-Agency Options: PADI and SSI

Scuba Tony offers certifications through both PADI and SSI. They invested in SSI certification specifically to provide better pricing options for divers. SSI's E-Learning platform offers convenience and often lower costs compared to PADI.

Divers comparing certification paths can also review the main dive courses in Cozumel guide for a broader overview of course options on the island.

Discover Scuba Diving

For first-timers wanting to try scuba without committing to full certification, the Discover Scuba Diving program offers a two-tank boat experience. Certified friends and family are welcome to tag along at the regular two-tank dive rate.

Pricing available upon booking and subject to change.

Open Water Diver Certification

Scuba Tony offers both SSI and PADI Open Water Diver courses. Both include E-Learning materials completed at home, all instruction, tanks, weights, full rental gear package (BCD, regulator, mask, snorkel, fins, dive computer, wetsuit), certification fees, marine park fees, boat fees, and taxes.

Notably, all in-water instruction takes place in the ocean—by shore and by boat—not in a pool. Private instruction fees apply to single students.

Contact Scuba Tony for current course rates.

Referral Course

For divers who completed academic and confined water training at home and want to finish open water dives in Cozumel. Includes four open water training dives over two afternoons—two by shore, two by boat.

Advanced Certifications

Scuba Tony takes a conservative approach to advanced training. They recommend divers gain experience with at least 25 logged dives before pursuing advanced certification, believing bottom time builds better divers than certifications alone.

Courses include SSI Advanced Adventurer, SSI Advanced Adventurer/Nitrox bundle, PADI Advanced Open Water, and PADI Advanced Open Water/Nitrox bundle. Private courses one-on-one are available for an additional fee.

Current rates provided upon inquiry.

Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty

Learn to dive with Nitrox for extended bottom times and added safety margins. The Enriched Air Nitrox course includes two-tank dive trip, two Nitrox tanks, E-Learning materials, instruction, certification fees, marine park fees, boat fees, and taxes.

Dive Packages and Pricing

Two-Tank Boat Diving

Standard two-tank dive trip includes tanks, weights, marine park fees, taxes, fresh fruit, sodas, souvenir water bottle, and professional guide.

Rates confirmed at time of booking.

Five Two-Tank Dive Package

For dedicated divers booking five or more two-tank trips at a discounted per-trip rate. Twilight and night dives in the package are available at a reduced rate. Package cannot be split between multiple divers.

Last-Minute Spaces

A unique Scuba Tony offering: if spaces remain available the afternoon before a scheduled dive, they offer last-minute slots at a significant discount. Confirmation comes at 5:00 PM the day before. Includes snorkel rental gear, marine park fee, taxes, sodas, snacks, and souvenir water bottle.

Private Charters

Two-tank private charters available for groups wanting exclusive access, more advanced dive sites, or maximum privacy. Three-tank options also available. Reserve well in advance as availability is limited.

Contact for current private charter rates.

Twilight and Night Dives

Experience the reefs as the sun sets, watch the sunset from the boat, then jump in for a night dive. Night diving reveals entirely different marine life—octopus, lobsters, crabs, eels, and bioluminescence. Minimum two divers required. Divers must complete at least one daytime two-tank dive the day before for skill evaluation.

Specialty Tank Rates

Nitrox and larger tanks (AL100) available for certified divers at additional cost. Nitrox certification required for enriched air fills. Not certified? Take the Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty course.

Current tank rates provided upon booking.

Private Guide and Refresher Policies

When You Need a Private Guide or DSD

Scuba Tony requires a private guide or Discover Scuba for divers in these categories:

• Less than 50 logged dives AND haven't dived in more than 2 years
• More than 50 logged dives AND haven't dived in more than 4 years
• Any diver out of the water for more than 8 years must complete Discover Scuba

Private Guide Option

Normal dive costs plus a fee for dedicated personal guide. Your guide provides in-depth briefings and personal attention while you regain confidence. Does not include skill practice. Can be shared between multiple divers for the same fee.

Discover Scuba Option

Entry-level experience including practicing skills and two open water dives under direct supervision.

Fees confirmed at time of booking.

Booking and Payment Information

How to Book

Reservations are recommended at least one month in advance, especially during peak season. Book directly through the Scuba Tony website. After booking, you receive detailed instructions on where to meet.

Payment Policy

Scuba Tony operates on a cash-only basis for on-site payments. Pay in USD or Mexican Pesos on your last diving day directly to your divemaster, who will have a copy of your invoice.

They do not accept credit cards, debit cards, personal checks, or money transfers. For those wanting to pay electronically, they can send a PayPal payment request after your last dive with a merchant fee applied. They do not accept Venmo or Cashapp.

For mixed groups, invoices cannot be split. If you want separate invoices, each person or couple must make individual reservations.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation terms vary by how you book and can change. Confirm them directly with Scuba Tony before paying.

Cruise Ship Divers: Important Information

Scuba Tony can no longer offer regular two-tank trips to cruise ship passengers due to scheduling constraints. However, cruise ship visitors have two options:

1. Private Charter: Book the entire boat for your group
2. Discover Scuba Diving: Join afternoon sessions as a first-time diver

Diving depends on your ship's Cozumel arrival and departure times. Email them for specific guidance.

Cruise passengers must verify whether ship time matches local Cozumel time. Mobile devices may not automatically update to local time.

From the cruise ship piers, Scuba Tony is a 5-15 minute taxi ride away. They cannot provide pier pickup—that service is reserved for larger operations.

Hotel Pickup Information

Where Pickup Is Available

Scuba Tony offers pier and shore pickups at all oceanside hotels, houses, and beach clubs located within their service area:

• El Presidente
• Landmark
• Costa Del Sol
• Tortugas Beach Club
• Dreams
• Sabor
• Secrets Aura
• Residencias Reef
• Paradise Beach Club
• Allegro
• Occidental Grand
• Iberostar

If You're Staying Outside Service Area

All divers staying north of the departure location must board at Marina Fonatur. Scuba Tony does not provide land transportation. They offer rental vehicles if you'd like to reserve one for traveling to and from the marina.

Mainland Visitors

Scuba Tony does not offer transportation from the mainland. You must take the ferry from Playa del Carmen, then a taxi to Marina Fonatur.

If you cannot spend the night in Cozumel before your dive day, you cannot join morning departures. They suggest taking one of the earliest ferries at 8 or 9 AM and spending the morning exploring downtown Cozumel—this gives you a backup ferry if you miss the first one.

Recommended Accommodations

Scuba Tony partners with several local accommodations. Note that boat pickup is not available for all recommended accommodations. Check location and verify with Scuba Tony before booking.

Real Guest Experiences

Consistent Five-Star Ratings

Scuba Tony holds a 5.0 rating on TripAdvisor with thousands of reviews praising their personalized service, small groups, and professional staff.

What Guests Love

Exceptional Crew: Reviews consistently name specific divemasters and captains—Mago, Papo, Chicken, Carmelo, Cervando, Manu, Javier, Mark, Israel, Hector—highlighting their attentiveness, marine life spotting skills, and friendly personalities.

Small Boat Advantage: Guests appreciate the intimate groups and personal attention that larger operations can't match.

Premium Rental Gear: Divers note the excellent condition of Aqualung equipment.

Thoughtful Touches: Fresh fruit, snacks, hot tea, dive ponchos, and solar-heated showers enhance the experience.

Marine Life Encounters: Reviews mention turtles, sharks, rays, octopus, seahorses, frogfish, nudibranchs, lobsters, eels, and more.

Constructive Feedback

Some guests note that the booking team can be brief or transactional in email communications. First-time visitors may find navigation logistics challenging without hand-holding. A few reviewers recommend bringing your own underwater camera, as photo follow-through can be inconsistent.

Contact:

ScubaTony Cozumel

Address: Marina ASIPONA Fonatur, Cozumel, Q.R., CP 77600

Phone: +52 987 112 0451

Email: info@scubatony.com

Website: https://www.scubatony.com