Where's best to stay for scuba?
 

We're taking a last minute trip to Mexico and have about 9 nights, main activity we want to do is scuba diving. According to advice here & other places, Cozumel is the best place for both scuba and snorkeling. We are thinking of staying at Cozumel Palace, any opinions of that hotel are welcome. We know it's not beach front, it's sea front, that's ok as snorkeling should be good.

We don't know how best to split the stay, we think 9 nights might be a bit too much on Cozumel. Where could we stay on the mainland where we could dive in cenotes, snorkel, see some ruins or other sights but not too far from Cancun (as we are flying out early on our last day?) We intend to rent a car, both on Cozumel and the mainland.

you would stay near Tulum for cenotes or perhaps drive south from PDC to the cenotes. look it all over on gmaps and youtube. you likely want a motel near the airport the last night. belize would likely be your next trip.

The best snorkeling spot on the mainland is probably Akumal. Check out the Akumal Carribe - great beach, low key hotel & bungalows.
Tulum is also very nice for wide, quiet beaches, but not for snorkeling.
If you want to be closer to the airport Puerto Morelos is a fun little town with a nice beach, not too touristy.
Centoes can be found nearly everywhere along the coast.
Tulum is about 75 minutes to the airport, Akumal about an hour, Puerto Morelos under 30 minutes.

Also look at locogringo.com for lots of info on the whole area.

As a person who spends a month on Cozumel every year, I don't think 9 nights is too much by any stretch....especially if your "main activity" is diving. You might relocate to Playa for the last two nights for a change of scene and to position on the mainland for your flight home.

Good suggestions above as well.

Thanks! We finalized the arrangements, with 7 nights Cozumel, 3 in Akumal and the last night at the airport.