Cozumel, a small island off the coast of Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, is a popular scuba diving destination in North America. Relaxed dives rich in intriguing animals are possible in Cozumel. Drift diving is the standard, and you’ll discover a wide range of dive locations to appeal to divers of all levels, from beginners to experts.
When Is the Diving Season?
In Cozumel, there is never a poor time to go diving, rather, it all depends on your personal preference. Every day is the best time to dive in Cozumel and thus you do not have to plan a season when you will go, you can go now. Water temperatures range from 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 28 degrees Celsius) throughout the year and are only slightly cooler in the winter months of September to December.
You can dive for almost 300 days out of the year, which is a fantastically lengthy season for divers. Cozumel diving is known for its easy drifts, but during the seasonal transition, currents can be strong, making it best suited to advanced divers. Divers that dive below the surface during this time will be rewarded with more sharks and eagle rays.
A Beautiful Coral Reef
The Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park contains the bulk of dive sites in the Cozumel area. This national park, established in 1996, protects a portion of the Mesoamerican reef system. Today, these waters are home to more than 26 coral types and 500 fish species. Hawksbill, green, and loggerhead turtles are frequently seen in the area as a result of successful projects to safeguard the local marine species.
Cozumel is regarded as one of the world’s greatest diving and snorkeling destinations. Jacques Cousteau had already noticed the splendor of the coral reefs in Cozumel during his dives in the 1960s. Since then, millions of water sports enthusiasts have visited Cozumel each year to dive the spectacular reefs or take a snorkeling excursion to see the island’s underwater environment.
Four of the world’s only seven sea turtle species can be found on Cozumel Reef. The Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, and Leatherback Turtle are among them. Female turtles come ashore from the Cozumel reefs and bury their eggs on the beach, especially between May and September.
As a result, some beaches are especially safe at this time. Other remarkable organisms found in the Mexican portion of the second biggest barrier reef are eagle rays (December to February), nurse sharks, bull sharks (December and January), as well as manta rays, and whale sharks (June to September).
How Is It Organized
In Cozumel, there are numerous dive operations, some of which are independent and others that are affiliated with resorts. Divers can choose from a variety of boats, ranging from large 20-diver boats to speedy twin-outboard pangas that can accommodate 4-6 divers. Morning dives with two tanks are common, with divers being picked up at resort docks between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. and returning by 12 or 1 p.m.
There are also single-tank afternoon dives, night dives, and resort beach dives. Dive boats make live drops and follow divers as they drift along the reef before ascending directly next to the boat because of the currents (which run south to north). Some operations will deploy a large group with multiple guides, while others will deploy small groups with one guide apiece.
Paradise Reef
The first reef you see after entering the Marine Park is Paradise Reef, which is located south of the Puerto Maya Cruise Ship Pier. This well-known second-tank diving location is separated into three sections that run parallel to the beach. The maximum depth is 45 feet.
The currents are usually mild and run from south to north, making it an ideal dive spot for beginners. Between Sponges and Gorgonians, keep a look for the island’s famous Splendid Toadfish, as well as Angel Fish, Grunts, Snappers, and other tropical fish. The popular night diving destination Paradise Reef has a well-deserved reputation for sightings of Octopus, Lobster, and King Crab.
Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa is a well-known Cozumel wall and one of the island’s most popular first-tank dives. This diving spot is known for its tunnels, which cut through the entire reef chest at 80 feet and add to the beauty of the dive. Because of the unpredictable currents and overhanging habitats, this dive site is best suited for intermediate divers. Lobsters, Barracudas, Black Groupers, Horse-Eyed Jacks, Eagle rays, and turtles call the Santa Rosa Wall home.
Cozumel is a destination that has a lot to offer to adventurers, especially divers. It will leave you amazed and eager to return because of its unique water life and stunning coral reefs. Hopefully, we were able to persuade you to visit Cozumel to experience the natural wonders.