Apr
01
2012
Aug
31
2012
Apr
01
2013
Aug
31
2013
Apr
01
2014
Aug
31
2014
Discover an Underwater Odyssey Diving in Cozumel Mexico
Published by Dan Kuseta, Writer
Country: Mexico 
The Experience
Lying just off the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Cozumel, the Island of the Swallows, offers world class diving in picture perfect surroundings. With striking coral reefs, thriving marine life and crystal clear waters to spy them through, Cozumel was Mexico’s best kept secret until a young Jacques Cousteau “discovered” it in the 1960’s, placing this sleepy isle square on the scuba map.
With over forty major dive sites to choose from, Cozumel caters to every diving level and preference, from dolphin dives to personalized ‘Scuba Subs’. Yet the island’s greatest attraction remains drift diving: currents that carry divers along great swathes of reef on an ‘aquatic wind’. As you float over the technicolor corals you’re likely to spot sea turtles, stingrays, angelfish and even grey nurse sharks enjoying the ride with you. Some of the most popular sites include the Santa Rosa Wall, Chankanaab, Palancar and the no-translation-needed Tormentos.
Back on land, underwater river systems lead to Cozumel’s other great treasure: cenotes. Formed over thousands of years, cenotes are startling underwater caves that have evolved their own eco-systems. Featuring stalactites and stalagmites like their terra-based brethren, the water within is so clear that diving in a cenote feels more like a spacewalk than a swim (the water’s also clean enough to be sampled, for those that like their mineral water fresh). Before taking the plunge make sure to choose an accredited dive school, well versed in the local waters and currents. And remember all reefs are protected National Parks and a ‘look but don’t touch’ approach works best for all.
If you want a break from diving then Cozumel’s clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, and the island’s abundant wildlife, Mayan ruins, Caribbean beaches and fresh seafood ensure Cozumel’s charms are far from surface deep.
With over forty major dive sites to choose from, Cozumel caters to every diving level and preference, from dolphin dives to personalized ‘Scuba Subs’. Yet the island’s greatest attraction remains drift diving: currents that carry divers along great swathes of reef on an ‘aquatic wind’. As you float over the technicolor corals you’re likely to spot sea turtles, stingrays, angelfish and even grey nurse sharks enjoying the ride with you. Some of the most popular sites include the Santa Rosa Wall, Chankanaab, Palancar and the no-translation-needed Tormentos.
Back on land, underwater river systems lead to Cozumel’s other great treasure: cenotes. Formed over thousands of years, cenotes are startling underwater caves that have evolved their own eco-systems. Featuring stalactites and stalagmites like their terra-based brethren, the water within is so clear that diving in a cenote feels more like a spacewalk than a swim (the water’s also clean enough to be sampled, for those that like their mineral water fresh). Before taking the plunge make sure to choose an accredited dive school, well versed in the local waters and currents. And remember all reefs are protected National Parks and a ‘look but don’t touch’ approach works best for all.
If you want a break from diving then Cozumel’s clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, and the island’s abundant wildlife, Mayan ruins, Caribbean beaches and fresh seafood ensure Cozumel’s charms are far from surface deep.
When to Go to Cozumel Diving
Being a Caribbean island Cozumel’s weather is pleasant for most of the year, though September to November can be a little damp. Visiting from April to August gives the most bang for your buck, when holiday crowds and prices tend to settle down.
In early May the annual Festival El Cedral, a week-long celebration of rodeos, bullfights, beer and a giant crucifix is the type of visceral event Hemingway would have loved. Worth surfacing for.
In early May the annual Festival El Cedral, a week-long celebration of rodeos, bullfights, beer and a giant crucifix is the type of visceral event Hemingway would have loved. Worth surfacing for.
Odds n' Ends
Cozumel’s streets are relatively safe and quiet, with the greatest danger to tourists being sunburn and scooters. Pack plenty of sunscreen and a hat. The best beaches are to be found on the island’s protected west coast.
Want a Guide?
- This is Cozumel
- A guide to Cozumel's many tours and attractions
- Mayan Adventure - GAPAdventures.com
- A 3-week pilgrimage through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. This all-encompassing adventure combines the beauty of the highlands, the mystery of great Mayan sites and the crystalline waters and beaches of the Caribbean.
Places to Eat
- Mexican food blog
- Informative run down of local eating options.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Tamarindo Guesthouse
- Charming bed and breakfast run by French expat. Good deals on diving and snorkeling trips, with a homemade breakfast almost as memorable as the reefs.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
The Iberostar Cozumel where the architecture of this cozy "All Inclusive" hotel blends in perfect harmony with the environment, where nature stands out. This scuba ... 2 miles away
$1220 MXN+
All Inclusive Option Available** This hotel offers spacious and beautiful accommodations, Cozumel's largest swimming pool , FREE wireless Internet in the lobby, a huge secluded ... 5 miles away
$807 MXN+
+ 23 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Snorkel Above a Rich Fabric of Marine Life at Mexico's Akumal Bay
- Akumal is a wonderfully laid back, quiet village 60 miles south of Cancún, along Quintana Roo’s Mayan Riviera coast in Mexico. A world away from the turbulent goings-on farther north, Akumal has held onto its rich history and Mayan roots, which is very evident when mingling with the residents on a walk along the town’s narrow avenues. One of the former residents is celebrated just inside the town arch, where a statue of Gonzalo Guerrero and his family stand. Guerrero was a Spanish conquistador, who, after being shipwrecked at Akumal, made the very best of his situation by becoming a ...18 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
Travel back in time to the era of the pirates on board the Old Spanish Galleon and indulge yourself in a delicious dinner while sailing ...8.68 miles away via Cozumel.
$80+
Before entering the ocean cove, each guest is directed by one of the knowledgeable trainers to their individual station to be briefed about the dolphins ...8.68 miles away via Cozumel.
$119+
+ 15 others. Show all.
Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
Your Cozumel diving adventure begins when you board the boat at Playa Uvas. A 20 to 25 minute cruise on the beautiful turquoise waters of ...
Starting from $80.00 per person.
Starting from $80.00 per person.
Books and DVDs
- The Dive Sites of Cozumel, Cancun and the Mayan Riviera
- Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and Cozumel offer some of the Caribbean's most exciting diving experiences including the new frontier of the sport: cenote (sinkhole) diving. Explore this vast world of underwater caves and passages--more than 100 miles of them--and learn about Chichorro Banks, an unspoiled area, charted for the first time in this guide.
- Cozumel: Diving and Snorkelling Guide
- Lonely Planet's excellent guide to diving and snorkeling in Cozumel
Elsewhere on the Web
- Cozumel Dive Sites - CozumelDiveGuide.com
- The island of Cozumel offers some of the most amazing dive sites in the world
- Cozumel Dive Sites - AquaSafari.com
- Real travel
- Travel blog full of handy tips for your next trip
- Cozumel Online
- Comprehensive online guide to all things Cozumel
Media References
- Underwater Safari - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- CAN intrepid travelers with a yen for the exotic find happiness at a Mexican beach resort?
- A Weekend With the Fishes - NYTimes.com ()
- They are weekend scuba divers, enthusiasts who think nothing of lugging 30 pounds of dive gear, along with the rest of their bags, onto a plane and heading to the Caribbean for as many underwater hours as they can cram into two or three days.
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Language Guides
Japanese 
,
Spanish
are some of the languages spoken in Mexico. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
People who wish to experience
Recent Tweets
Listed below are the most recent comments made on Twitter for "cozumel diving":
