Cozumel Hot Spots

The premier drift diving capital of the Caribbean, Cozumel continues to amaze visitors with lush underwater scenery fed by nutrient-rich currents. Other Caribbean islands may offer drift diving, but Cozumel invented and perfected it. A flat coral and limestone island 28 miles long and nine miles wide, just below Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Cozumel provides spectacular diving primarily along the island’s western side. More than 40 sites covering 20 miles encompass a huge variety of sights and experiences.

Diving is easy here, providing you monitor your depth and the current conditions. Just slip off the back of the dive boat and descend, effortlessly drifting along the face of a vertical drop-off. The faces of these towering undersea cliffs are decorated with a colorful display of sponges and marine life. After 30 years of hosting eager divers you might wonder how well Cozumel’s reefs are holding up.Well, diving conditions are better than ever. The Mexican Government proclaimed the entire area from Paradise Reef south a national marine park, and diving and no-take zones are monitored. This and the rich Gulf Stream currents that bathe the island’s walls keep dive sites and marine life in great shape. Here are some favorites to hit on your next trip:

Paradise Reef South consists of two long ridges of coral running parallel to shore at a depth of about 35-45 feet surrounded by sand. This is a favorite night dive spot since it’s shallow and close to many hotels. It’s also a good shore dive, but watch out for boat traffic. Paraiso (Paradise) Reef South is home to many tame fish so if you’re hoping to see large filefish or French and gray angelfish within arms’ reach, you won’t be disappointed. Look in the crevices for squirrelfish and critters that seek shelter there. Depending on conditions, this can be a drift dive, or a leisurely swim along one or both of these coral ridges.

Chankanab is a popular weekend location for residents and an easy shore dive for new or “rusty” divers to refresh their skills. Concrete steps provide easy access to the ocean. Beginning in 10 feet of water, there are large schools of tame grunts and snappers that are found under ledges within a few yards of the steps.The area just offshore has tall patch reefs separated by sand channels. The bases of these coral heads are good spots to find spotted drums and jackknife fish. Local tourist interests have placed a small fishing boat on the bottom and an assortment of old cannons and anchors on the sand flats near shore. This is a good one for diversity of marine life, easy access, and convenient facilities.

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