Cozumel - A Caribbean Jewel (Part 2)

So, of course, my upcoming trip to Cozumel is focused on diving – what else?  I had a lot of requests from my dive club to take a trip to this island because of its reputation for top-notch drift diving.  In fact, Cozumel has been one of the hot spots for dive vacations ever since Jacques Cousteau declared its reefs a natural wonderland.  The currents that carry divers along Cozumel’s dramatic drop-offs have made some of its dive sites a must-have in many divers’ logbooks.

PROTECTING OUR OCEAN'S REEFS

Thanks to an ever-increasing awareness that we need to protect our precious reefs, Coral Reefs National Marine Park, or Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel as it is known in Mexico, was declared a national marine park in 1996.  Just under 30,000 acres of sea and coast line, this park runs along the coast south of downtown San Miguel and around Punta Sur - the southern tip of the island. It covers both rocky and sandy beaches, mangroves, and palm groves that support important biological communities.  The park was created to protect, conserve, and restore these natural resources which play important roles in is this fragile ecosystem.

Within this reserve you will be amazed by the beauty of 26 types of corals and enjoy diving among 500 different fish species, including those native only to the island, such as the Splendid Toadfish. And hanks to this island's wonderful marine life protection programs, there has been a significant increase in the population of loggerhead, hawksbill and green turtles which can be seen quite frequently by divers.

An Overview of Cozumel's Diving

Cozumel has a variety of dive sites for all skill levels, from shallow dives featuring abundant coral and tropical fish, to more challenging wall dives.  A mecca for drift diving, Cozumel’s currents can range from mild to strong depending on the season and dive site.  A short boat ride will get you to most dive sites, but beach diving is also available from a number of access points.  The majority of boat diving is what is called "live" boat diving. This is where the boat does not anchor, but drifts along behind the divers.  If you are not already drift diver  certified, it might be a good time to get your next certification.

Depth for most dive sites ranges from 30 to 90 feet.  Visibility can be anywhere from 80 to 100 feet. Water temperatures average 77°F in the winter to 85°F in summer.  Air temperatures usually range between 70°F and 85°F. The dive season is just about any time of year, although the rainy season runs from May to September, and the middle of autumn is considered hurricane season.  December through March is generally the busiest time of the year for tourism, so you might want to check out April through August for lower rates. 

WHAT ELSE IS THERE BESIDES REEF DIVING?

In addition to excellent reef diving, Cozumel offers divers the opportunity for wreck diving as well.  The ARM General Felipe Xicoténcatl (C53) was sunk in 1999 as an artificial reef and dive attraction.  She was sunk upright, resting on the seabed in 82 feet of water, just offshore from Chankanaab Park near Tormentos Reef.  And just a ferry ride away you can experience fascinating underground river systems (cenotes) amongst the limestone formations of the Yucatan peninsula.

NOT A DIVER?  DON'T WORRY...

And even if you don’t dive, put on a mask & snorkel, and from Cozumel’s soft white sand beaches jump into clear blue waters to feel like you are swimming around in your own tropical fish tank.

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