Diving Cozumel , Mexico

Cozumel scuba
diving features

Tunnels and caverns
Drift diving
Great visibility

MARINE LIFE
Angelfish

COZUMEL'S TOP DIVE SITE
the Devil's Throat

DESTINATION OVERVIEW
Right at the top of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula is the island of Cozumel. This is an extremely popular diving destination with for American divers as it's just a few hours away from the southern United States. Despite the proximity, it remains a fairly Mexican sort of place. Most tourism targets the western coast and as fresh water is at a premium, development hasn't been as prolific as it is across on the Yucatán Peninsula.

The limestone shore surrounding the island is mostly craggy but warm, clear waters reveal shallow coral formations that run to the southern tip of the island. These consist of a double row of parallel reefs characterised by lots of interesting swim-throughs, tunnels and caverns. However, move outside this protective barrier and you find that all the reefs are subject to some spiky currents and drift diving is the order of the day.

Marine life is typically Caribbean with a mix of small and large creatures. Corals are less prolific as they struggle to withstand the rushing waters.

Seasons
Year round
Visibility:
10 – 30 metres and sometimes as much as 50 metres
Water temperature:
25 – 30º C.
Deco chambers:
Cozumel, Playa del Carmen

Flights via Miami or Houston to Cozumel
Dive operators and accommodation options there are now over 180 dive operations (And just as many hotels) on Cozumel. Take your time and research options,

PROS AND CONS
With it's busy international airport, Cozumel is easy to reach and can be a good value destination. There is a mix of Mexican culture and western facilities. Local food, arts and festivals nudge against burger bars and high class hotels. The downside is the daily arrival of huge cruise liners and their shopoholic passengers.

SCUBA DIVING
Marine diversity is low in the Caribbean Sea when compared to the Pacific or Indian Oceans and as Cozumel is hit by so much currents there may appear to be even less marine life to an untrained eye. However, the currents are also a bonus for diving as they do attract a good array of bigger animals.

OPINION
Our last visit to Cozumel was in 2005 when we took a day trip across from the coast opposite. The increasing numbers of cruise liners and day trip tourists seem to spoil what was once a charming destination. Mexico is beautiful but much of the Yucatán Peninsula has lost its unique flavour through tourism development.