Drift Diving in Cozumel

The curtain will part dramatically when you swim through.Both the main and alternative entrances open into the outer cavern which consists of a large central room about 25 feet in diameter and about 10 feet high supported by numerous pillars. The outer cavern ceiling does not enclose any airspaces, but has some small holes allowing in sunlight. Be careful not to stir up the soft bottom when swimming in here. Take a dive light and explore the channels and recesses where nocturnal fish spend their time. This cavern is famous for a peculiar phenomenon that can result in some amazing photographs. Fresh water has saturated the island and seeps back into the sea through the limestone surface. The fresh water is usually colder than the ocean, but it is so much less dense than salt water that it floats on top. The cavern provides protection allowing a reverse thermocline with warmer water below colder water. The fresh water usually forms a brilliant green-colored band a few feet thick on the surface. Try to see it on your way in before your bubbles have disturbed the layer. It’s most visible from within the cavern looking out toward the entrances. After you leave the outer cavern exits you can feel the cold, fresh water on the surface and see the shimmering mixing layer where the salt and fresh water combine.

Tormentos Reef features tall coral heads with endless subjects for macro photography. The back sides of the coral heads provide resting places out of the strong south-north current. Lobsters and nurse sharks are abundant in the crevices on the north sides of the coral. You can also see large black groupers, yellowmouth groupers, barracudas, and filefish. Tormentos Reef is long enough that you’re likely to use a full tank before you run out of coral onto the sand. If you lift off the bottom into the current, you’ll usually be carried along at a knot or two without putting any effort into swimming. Stay with your buddy and fellow divers for your safety.

Cardona Reef is located a short distance north of San Francisco Reef, too far offshore for a beach dive. This reef sports unusual species of fish and it’s good to bring a flashlight to look into crevices and under ledges. Cardona is a low-profile reef that has relatively few big coral heads, but instead is better known for its long ledges and overhangs.

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