SCUBA DIVING COZUMEL
Cozumel is a popularMexican Caribbean destination, so it’s no wonder it is a major stop for many cruise ships. Visitors wanting to experience Caribbean island vibes have always wanted to experience Cozumel, but the diving is also top notch, and possibly the best of the Yukatan.
COZUMEL DIVING
Cozumel is a Caribbean island located off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Its safe streets, beautiful beaches, and friendly people make it a popular spot among tourists.
The diving is the main attraction in Cozumel, with some of the best sites in the country. During my entire last visit I both dove with Salty Endeavors Dive center, as well as took advantage of their own nice apartment rentals they have there on the island.
Although there are a few cenotes in Cozumel, they are usually closed to the public, especially for divers. The main attraction are the awesome dive sites just off shore.
BEST DIVE SITES
Palancar Reef
This is a good site for any level, and has a slight current that will have you drifting along some nice corals and fish. In a sandy area I saw my first een eagle ray at this site!
Devil’s Throat
This is a sweet dive with lots of big black corals, sea fans and whip coral. Be sure to have a good guide, as this one can get a little currenty.
Colombia Wall
This is a relatively remote site which divers frequently share with eagle rays, turtles and large barracuda. A healthy coral reef crowns a steep drop off and massive coral pinnacles rise 50 feet from the bottom. At this site I ran into the biggest barracuda I’ve ever seen, as well as a handfull of the biggest lobsters of my life!
Santa Rosa Wall
This is another fun drift dive, that whips you along a wall and past lots of colorful corals and their inhabitants. There are also the occasional big guys, like turtles and spotted eagle rays here.
Punta Sur Reef
One of the best dive sites in the country? Yes. This site is all about the formations and swim thoughs, with walls encrusted with corals and teeming ith critters .This is one you definitely want to ask about when diving in Cozumel.
BEST TIME TO DIVE
Mexico as a whole has agreeable diving conditions year round, but on the Caribbean side, July and August tend to be the best months in terms of visibility, though peak season is December through March.
May to September brings warm waters, uncrowded dive sites and generally calm conditions. This is the best time to dive Cozumel if you prefer warmer conditions.
HOW TO GET TO COZUMEL
Cozumel does have its own airport, but it is significantly smaller than that in Cancun. Some major north American cities offer direct flights, however most travelers fly into Cancun then catch a bus to Playa del Carmen.
From Playa del Carmen you can take a ferry to Cozumel. The ferry departs hourly and costs less than $15USD per person (one way). If you have some extra money to spare and are looking for a unique experience, you can fly in a tiny plane from Cancun to Cozumel.
Tickets are about $75USD and the views are stunning.
HIGHLIGHTS OF COZUMEL
The main reason to visit Cozumel is for the snorkelling and diving, but the island is home to some impressive archaeological sites. If you have extra time consider visiting San Gervsio, El Caracol, and Carretera Costera Sur.
For those looking to relax, Cozumel is also home to beautiful beaches and beach clubs, as well as tons of great eats.
GEOGRAPHY
Cozumel lies just off shore from Playa Del Carmen in the Yukatan Peninsula, and is one of the most popular island getaways in the world.
It’s not just divers that come here, but beach lovers and luxury retreat-goers as well. Although not everyone that visits the island is interested in local or historical culture, wanting to just relax, there are some great monuments and ruins you can visit.
There are also a lot of great day trips from Cozumel, such as swimming with whale sharks in Isla Mujeras, or a jaunt by ferry over to the mainland to dive in cenotes around Play Del Carman or Tulum.
If you watn to go further afield than Playa Del Carmen, head to the famous Mayan pyramid of Chichen Itza.
No matter what you do during your stay, you will be sure to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine, and more than one giant margherita.
If you want to learn more about other dive locations in Mexico, be sure to check out our guide to The Top 15 Dive Locations in Mexico
