Diving the Elbow - Is it for intermediate divers?

We are returning for our second visit to AC. We have about 70 dives under our belts having spent two trips in Cozumel, one to the Florida Keys and one other in Belize. I am interested in taking a trip out to Turneffe and diving the Elbow among other dives. Have heard differing reports on the current and dive conditions and wondered if some folks who have actually been there could give me a heads up on the conditions. My 26 year old son will also join us late in the week - he is fairly new and has about 8 ocean dives in Cozumel. Again - same question about proficiency for the Elbow. Any help would be appreciated.

Just got back and dove the elbow last Friday. Current was running the wrong way so not much to see and the seas were rough. It was a fairly easy dive as the boat backed up to you to pick you up. Nice big ladders and platform. I recommend Amigo's Del Mar as their 48 foot Ms Mel dive boat rocks. Like the boat captain says "Don't swim to the boat, I have 1000 hp and will come to you" Michael with Amigos is a great dive master and mixes wicked drinks for the return ride home. Plus the frozen Snickers bar they serve at the end of the day rate too.

Took a group of just certified divers (finished the day before) and they did fine.

Dive is a piece of cake. I did it with my 13 year old boy last year and are headed out there again next week.

When we did the elbow in May it was no piece of cake. The winds were extremely high, the seas were extremely rough and the current was very swift.

The boat does back up to pick you up - 'cause you cannot swim to it, even if you wanted. The DMs said we would dive a couple of other spots and if anyone who was up to it (by their standards) would be allowed to do the Elbow. They had to put extra people in the water to help get divers on the boat.

IMHO this is another AOW dive (like Blue Hole), due to the current and wave action alone.

We had 3-people get sea sick at this site.

The Shark

I have dived the Elbow a bunch of times--it can be a great dive and if you go with Amigos it is fine for the intermediate diver. I have taken my son when he was both 14 and 16 and he still talks about diving the Elbow.

The Elbow can have strong currents, but if you have done drift diving in Coz and have 70 dives and are comfortable in the water you should have no problem.I wouldn't suggest any newly certified diver to exceed 60' of depth unill they take an advanced course or have enough experience to gradually go deeper. That said, as certified divers we all know we are responsible for ourselves and our buddies. A safety sausage is a good idea on any dive IMHO.

Have fun and dive safe!

Ron