Most operators will give you the opportunity to do a shore dive.  I just
got back and stayed at Plaza Las Glorias.  Aqua Safari is the dive shop
there.  While I have never used them they offer the shore refreshers,
and the water there looks decent enough.

Also at the LaCeiba ( I don' think that is the name - although that name
is still up on the building) they have a nice shore dive with a sunken
plane.  However the new international pier is located just to the south
with cruise ships in and out damn near every day.

I would not recommend personal instruction, but there are plenty of
operators who have the small, fast boats (6-8 divers) so dm attention
can be the norm.

However ( and there is always a however in life) This is slow time in
Coz so the personal instruction may be had for a good price - especially
if you pay in USD.  The cost is going to depend on how much personal
instruction you want/need.  Most operators will assist you in any way
they can.

Have you considered a refresher at your local dive shop.  Seems that
they can cover the fundamentals then just tell the dive op you would
prefer a relatively easy first dive.  Drop over sand..take your time
going down...clear your ears and get used to the buoyancy issues.

Then settle to the sand or just above it and by the end of the first
dive you should be fine.

Remember than Coz is drift diving.  It is fun.   Do not fight the
current.  Let it take you on a leisurely tour of the ocean.  If you
get ahead of the group...relax.  Drop behind a coral head and hover
until they catch up.

Do not flail your arms and legs.  Relax.  Smooth motions.  No need to
hurry.  When going up...don't bicycle (your legs).

Ron Lee

Been there 3-4 times a year for 25 years so yeah, I guess I'm a regular.  I've
dived with a number of operators on the island.  They come and go.  What *was*
great at one time isn't any longer and vice-versa.

All that said, I'll recommend one:

Del Mar Aquatics (across from Casa Del mar hotel)

They, too, have had their ups and downs. Used to be on property as La Ceiba but
that is now Aqua Safari (I will refrain from comment).  

Anyone will give you a scuba review.  A divemaster can do it. (As, obviously,
can any professional with a rating higher than DM)  It consists of a knowedge
review and a confined water skills review (if it's PADI standards).  

I agree with someone else that said to do it at home.  Get comfortable with
your knowledge and skills at home and have your fun in Coz.  If you've never
been, the drift diving is some of the finest in the world.  Given the time,
Cozumel is also a great place to work on your advanced skills if you (a) feel
comfortable with your OW skills and (b) have enough dives under your belt so
you'd feel like you wanted to enhance your diving.  If not, the place is a
blast.

Feel free to email me directly for a little insight about the island  and a few
ways to save some dinero.

Later-

bj
Chicago