As a premier diving destination, Cozumel offers something for divers at any level. It is home to some of the best reefs, dive sites and marine life surrounding Mexico. Explore why Cozumel is the perfect getaway for your next dive adventure.
When Jacques Cousteau first visited Cozumel in 1962, it didn’t take long to declare it one of the world’s most spectacular destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling. The Island is part of the world’s second largest barrier reef, and is considered the “Diving Capital of Latin America.” With 80 feet of visibility year-round and transparent, turquoise waters, divers will find a variety of underwater landscapes from reefs to walls to thrilling drift dives.
Located east of Quintana Roo off the coast of Mexico in the Caribbean Sea, Cozumel is one of the country’s safest and relaxing cities. It is also Mexico’s most visited island, drawing more than 4.5 million visitors per year.
Recognized as part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, Cozumel is surrounded by more than 40 dive sites teaming with tropical fish and a kaleidoscope of colorful corals. Divers of all skill levels can explore the limestone caves, inspiring underwater cliffs, intriguing caverns, dramatic depths and idyllic shallows reefs. With more than 30 reefs ranging in depth from 15 to 90 feet, divers will encounter a variety of marine life, including moray eels, sea turtles, nurse sharks, giant anemone, great groupers, parrotfish, the endemic “Splendid Toad Fish” and so much more.
Beginners should head to Chankanaab Reef or Palancar Reef for its shallow coral swim-throughs, while Barracuda Reef is a perfect deep dive for advanced divers.
The Underwater Golden Diver Museum is another can’t miss dive site in the warm waters of Cozumel. The underwater museum was created in 2013 when Jean-Michel Cousteau unveiled the first bronzed sculpture – a statue of his father, Jacques Cousteau – within the growing collection. Since then, three more pieces have joined underwater site. The newest sculpture was added in 2016 to become a coral habitat and virtual aquarium called, “Zoe.” To watch a livestream of Zoe, visit zoecoral.com.
Rated among top dive destinations for its exceptional wall diving, Cozumel is home to famed sites like Colombia Wall, Santa Rosa Wall, Maracaibo Wall and Paradise (Paraiso) Reef, among others. Cozumel’s constant South to North water current makes it convenient for divers to jump off the boat, explore the underwater panorama adrift with the current and ascend to find the boat waiting at the surface. Because of this, Cozumel is also known as the drift-diving capital of the world.
Not only is there excitement underwater, but the island also offers topside adventure for nature lovers. Learn about a variety of exotic migratory birds and giant sea turtles who lay their eggs from May to September on Cozumel’s beaches. With a convention center and 60 hotel properties, many offering on-site dive operators, Cozumel is ranked as one of the top dive destinations based on value, visibility and advanced diving.
Whether you’re looking for excitement below or above the sea, Cozumel is a must-visit destination for any certified diver. To book your next adventure to Cozumel, visit cozumel.travel
