Scuba Diving in Cozumel
A few miles off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula lies a small island Cozumel. The island though small has become one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in the world. The island has all the ingredients and characteristics of a great dive gateway. From friendly locals who are very accommodative to good and delicious food, exotic local and international cocktails, lively nightspots and clubs, towering coral formation, warm water and white sandy beaches, and great under water visibility without forgetting affordable accommodation are all the appetizing ingredients for a great scuba diving experience.
In Cozumel, most dive sites are found within the boundaries of the famous Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park. The park protects the Meso-American reef system which happens to be one of the second largest barriers in the whole world. The park is home to over 26 different types of coral reefs that has more than 100 subspecies. It also hosts over 500 schools of fish and also the splendid endemic toadfish.
Some of the great diving sites in the island include; the Punta Sur Reef, this is one of the most fascinating diving sites in Cozumel. It consists of a deep wall with caverns and fissures. It has one large cavern that leads to a complex coral tunnel that is only limited to the most qualified scuba divers. One can also check out the Devils Throat. The diving site is best experienced when guided by one of the experienced local diver master who understands the site well. It has deeper walls which have whip corals spiralling out into the depths and large black corals. It also has small gorgonian sea fans and sea whips including the devil’s sea whip. Another great diving site is the Palancar Garden. This is site is open to all divers of all levels and experience. It has slight to moderate currents.it also has small beautiful finger coral formations. The diving strip is only 20 meters by 66 feet wide. One can also get to see huge stovepipe sponges stretching out from the reef. Fish such as the juvenile yellow head, butterfly fish, angel fish, parrot fish and the damsel fish are frequently sighted.
There is also the Santa Rosa Wall diving site. This is about 15 meters by 50 feet wide. It is a high voltage drift dive along a sheer wall. Currents at the site carry the divers past ledges, overhangs, massive sponges and fire corals. Divers here regularly meet the large pelagic fish, turtles and the spotted eagle rays. One should also check the Columbia Wall diving site. It is a relatively remote site which divers regularly encounter the eagle rays, turtles and large barracuda. The site has a healthy coral reef crowns and a massive coral pinnacles. The nurse sharks can be found around the reefs.
These and much more diving sites can be found at the island. To access them, it is recommended to book in advance and plan for it as they are hot cakes and the few slots get booked faster. The diving sites offer diving chances at affordable rates.