¿Qué pasa Cozumel? - Reefs

Cozumel, an island situated atop the second largest barrier reef in the world, was just a quiet little fishing community until it caught the attention of the famous ocean explorer and pioneer of marine conservation, Jacques Cousteau, who declared in his first documentary Cozumel to be one of the most beautiful scuba diving areas of the world.

As part of the Mesoamerican barrier reef system, Cozumel’s seas boast remarkable visibility with abundant marine life and colorful coral.  This reef system extends along the coast of four countries.  From Isla Contoy on the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula and alongside the Riviera Maya ,including areas like Cozumel and Banco Chinchorro, it continues south down the eastern coast of Belize, including many cayes and atolls.  It then extends past the north-east corner of Guatemala and ends near the Bay Islands of Honduras (the main islands being Roatán, Guanaja and Útila).

There are three major reefs that circle Cozumel -- Palancar, Santa Rosa and El Cedral.  Palancar, on the southern side of the island, is what captured Cousteau’s attention in 1960.  The geography of the island protects these reefs from the open ocean and provides an ideal situation for dive sites.  The reefs are easily accessible, with coral plateaus starting in less than 30 feet of water.  The most popular sites are located on the west coast, just south of San Miguel.  The warm water averages temperatures between 75°F in winter to 85°F in summer.

The government of Mexico established the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park in 1996 to protect this treasure.  It is prohibited to touch or remove any marine life within the confines of the park.  These waters are filled with color from the wide array of marine life and corals.  Don’t forget to be on the lookout for such favorites as whale sharks and sea turtles.

In addition to excellent reef diving, Cozumel offers divers the opportunity to explore wrecks and experience the underground river systems (cenotes) of the Yucatan peninsula.  And even if you don’t dive, put on a mask and 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.