Dive

Scuba Hunt Cozumel – An ingenious diving challenge game

If you are a bit of an adventurer looking for a unique diving experience, SCUBA HUNT is just for you! Wait, what? What do you mean by SCUBA HUNT, and what are we hunting for? Let us tell you, YOU are up for a treat as we are hunting for an unforgettable underwater experience. 

 

SCUBA HUNT, what’s that?

Have you ever heard of the game called Scavenger Hunt? Well, it is sort of that but underwater. The idea was to create an underwater playground where people could share a unique, exciting and entertaining experience whilst diving.

 

How does it work?

It starts with a thorough briefing that includes safety procedures, boat and dive site orientation, and the games’ explanation, of course! It all might sound a bit confusing initially, so make sure you ask questions on the surface if you are unsure about the procedures. The games seem simple, but once you are underwater, a lack of verbal communication adds an additional challenge. You’ll be using standard diving hand signals, plus additional ones that will help you during the game. It takes a few minutes to warm up to the game, but before you know it, you are chasing around the maze, searching for clues and hi-fiving your buddy for doing a fantastic job. 

You are signing up for one-tank dive with a maximum dive time of 70 minutes. In that time, you will have to accomplish 3 basic tasks that will lead you to a 3 digit code. If you complete them promptly, you’ll have a bonus game. It brings you closer to winning the prize. It’s worth giving it a go, trust me ;). Your reward is hidden in a treasure box. To open it, you need to use that same code. The games are top secret and what leads to the challenges are cue cards pointing you from one place to another, giving the game a proper tempo. The further you get into the game, the more exciting it becomes.

 

How many people can participate at the same time?

The maze was designed to fit comfortably two buddy teams at the same time. So it’s an excellent opportunity to have a bit of a competition with the other dive team and see who gets the prize first.

 

Do I need my own dive equipment?

If you don’t have your own dive equipment, the guys from SCUBA HUNT got you covered with a fancy, brand new X-DEEP harnesses and high-quality scuba-pro regulators. Equipment rental is not included in the price but it will cost you only 13 USD. If you haven’t done that yet, it’s a great chance to finally try the wing system BCD. The team of divemasters will take care of fitting you in the dive gear and set it up on the spot.  

 

Is it fun?

It’s super fun. Also, it’s something that you’ve probably never tried before. As impressive as Cozumel dive sites are, SCUBA HUNT offers a unique and challenging experience for you and your dive partner. You can improve your skills like buoyancy and awareness, plus the (90 humongous concrete) blocks are a perfect hideaway for some fish and creatures. Nevertheless, your primary focus here is not marine life, but the game and winning the prize is worth the cost. It can be an original way to celebrate any special occasion with your diving friends, like a birthday, bachelor/bachelorette party or just a fun activity for you and your family.  

 

Am I ready for the SCUBA HUNT?

Ask yourself a question: Am I a confident diver with reasonable buoyancy control and some experience with diving in the current. If the answer is YES, you are good to go! It’s excellent for dive professionals looking for something more exciting than just a group fun dive, certified divers that want to play and, at the same time, practice fundamental diving skills. The great thing about the game is that it gets you slightly out of your comfort zone but in a good way. 

However fun it may sound, it is not recommended for newbies freshly coming out of the Open Water Diver course. The conditions on a site can be pretty challenging due to the currents, so common in this part of Mexico. 

 

Why should I do it?

There are a few reasons why you should explore SCUBA HUNT. First of all, it’s something very different from your usual scuba diving experience, and it’s great fun. Second, it’s an excellent chance to check how compatible you are with your diving partner. Third, it can improve your confidence as a diver. Lastly, it’s a really cool activity, and you’ll have something to brag about amongst your diving friends. A great addition is to capture the adventure on camera with a professional photographer and share your success with the world.  

 

Is the diving game safe?

The Scuba Hunt team made sure that the whole experience was challenging, fun, exciting, and very safe.

They created the “no boat” zone and fenced off the area with buoys. So you don’t have to worry about the boat traffic during your game and totally immerse yourself in the scavenger hunt tasks. There is a conservative ratio of 1 divemaster per two teams (4 divers), making sure that you are safe and don’t venture off the dive site. They are there to help you with any problems, including being unclear on the game rules. You just simply give them the “I’m confused” signal underwater, and they will point you in the right direction.

The area around the maze is made out of the sandy bottom with some patches of seagrass. There is no risk of damaging the coral reef while you play. Although the current is quite strong on the site, you can use the topography to protect yourself from it and hide behind the blocks. The SCUBA HUNT team ensures that you minimize the impact on the environment during the dive.

 

Teamwork makes the dream work

Better get on the good side of your dive buddy cause to complete the game, you’ll need to work together. The goal for the teammates is to demonstrate, draw, locate and figure out the clues. The end goal is that both players can successfully open their lockboxes and win the prize. More cooperation, coordination, and good understanding between teammates are the ultimate keys to mutual victory. So remember it’s not really a competition.   

You are both fighting for the same goal, and you need to work together.

Communication is the secret to any great relationship, especially the underwater one, so pay attention to your buddy. But what’s most important is to have a lot of fun.

 

When should I take the challenge?

Anytime is good. You don’t even have to cheat on your beloved dive centre, as the SCUBA HUNT can be done after your diving day or on the last day of the surface interval before the flight. In addition, the maze is situated at around 20 feet/5-6meters, so it won’t affect your overall nitrogen load. You can start as early as 9am and finish just before sunset, ready to chill and enjoy Hemigways happy hour cocktails.   

 

How do I sign up for a SCUBA HUNT in Cozumel?

It’s easy. All you need to do is visit the SCUBA HUNT website, use Whatsapp, email or just give them a call. You don’t even have to plan it far in advance. So, if you are up for an underwater challenge, just let them know 24 hours before. The meeting point is at the famous beach bar called the Hemingway’s. The site is 2 minutes away, and the boat departs every 45 minutes.

And if you’d like to know what others think about this ingenious diving challenge game, be sure to check out the SCUBA HUNT reviews on Tripadvisor!

 

Isidora is a PADI AmbassaDiver and divemaster. She is also a brand ambassador for SCUBAPRO and a passionate globetrotter. She is a big fan of coral beaches and cocktails.