Located just 12 miles from the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel is the largest Caribbean island in Mexico. It’s a popular destination for college students on spring break, as well as being one of the busiest ports of call for cruise ships. People come to Cozumel for the pristine white beaches, crystal clear water, and to enjoy some of the best snorkeling in the world.

From the city of San Miguel on the central coast, to the southern tip of the island, there are a series of reefs and shallow coral formations that make Cozumel a paradise for divers. There are over a dozen specific dive sites, each with their own unique attributes. The most popular are the Columbia, Palancar and San Francisco reefs, as well as the Chankanaab Lagoon. There is no shortage of options when taking a dive trip to Cozumel.

The abundant marine life here, displaying a myriad of vibrant colors, makes diving in Cozumel an unforgettable vacation. The waters here are extremely clear and the coral reef formations stretch for miles. In most places, you won’t have to dive deeper than 40 feet to experience the unique views this location has to offer. Explore underwater ledges and caves, follow one of the many coral reefs, or experience the wide variety of fish that call this place home. All of these things are what make Cozumel an exciting place to dive.

The Mystical Cenotes of Cozumel

If you are an avid adventurer and are looking for an exciting excursion, you may want to consider doing some cenote diving. Cenotes are sinkholes filled with deep water that had great spiritual significance to the ancient Maya who believed they were the entrance to the underworld. Diving into these deep and mysterious underwater caves is an adventure that few people dare to attempt. Cozumel is very close to a variety of cenotes and many divers travel here just to explore these terrifying caves.

If you’re new to the sport, don’t worry. As long as you have the spirit and the desire, you can learn to scuba dive, and there’s no better place to do it than Cozumel. The instructors will teach you all the safety procedures and proper diving techniques, and will be there every step of the way to help you have an enjoyable experience.

In general, Cozumel is one of the most popular diving destinations in the world. There is no shortage of dive shops or tour operators here, and choosing one will come down to personal preference. Make sure you plan your trip well and book with a company you feel comfortable with. Due to the popularity of sports in this area, it is not uncommon to dive with 20 or more people. However, even with throngs of divers, Cozumel offers some of the most impressive views, and it’s easy to see why so many people visit here.