/tags/yucatan-peninsula.rss en-us 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. Mon, 09 Feb 2009 08:30:56 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/dive-cozumel http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/dive-cozumel