Scuba Diving

In 1954, the famous underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau visited Cozumel and discovered a series of spectacular coral reefs just offshore. He immediately called the island one of the world’s best scuba diving destinations.

Who are we to argue?

One of the world’s great wonders . . . practically in your backyard

Cozumel Mexico scuba diving is some of the best in the world. The protected Marine Park harbors boast impressive walls of coral with huge pinnacles, underwater tunnels, and an impressive array of sea life. Year round visibility, warm and tranquil, turquoise-blue water, and placid currents make Cozumel scuba diving vacations an irresistible experience. The water temperature averages 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 85 in summer. Although these temperatures sound warm and cozy, a light to medium wetsuit may be needed.

In addition to the colorful fish, Cozumel lays claim to some of the biggest and most spectacular sponge formations in the world. Fed by a uninterrupted current bringing a balanced supply of food to the reefs, some sponges, such as the Elephant Ear sponge, can grow as large as 12 feet across. Other sponges, like the Barrel sponge, gain significant size as well.

Cozumel’s coral reef formations are part of the Great Mayan Barrier, which stretches from the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to the Gulf of Honduras. The Great Mayan Barrier is second in size only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef — and obviously much more accessible to American scuba diving enthusiasts.

You’ll see massive coral walls that drop 3,000 feet to the ocean floor, as well as tunnels, caves, old Spanish galleons, and brightly colored underwater coral gardens, making Cozumel the perfect place for your scuba diving vacations. You’ll dive surrounded by all kinds of tropical fish and other exotic marine animals: moray eels, crabs, lobsters, barracudas, stingrays and nurse sharks. The underwater wildlife is absolutely amazing here and due to the clarity of the water (100 - 200 ft visibility, depending on the season ), you do not have to be an experienced scuba diver to enjoy it. The clarity of the Caribbean opens up a world of beauty unlike any other.

Cozumel Getaways has a lot of experience in accommodating scuba diving groups of all sizes. We work with local dive operators and dive shops to help make your experience as worry-free as possible, and our villas offer outdoor showers and rinse tanks for dive gear. We will do everything we can to make your Cozumel Mexico scuba diving vacations the best possible.

The reefs of Cozumel

Below are brief descriptions of some of Cozumel’s best-known and most spectacular coral reefs.

Paraiso Bajo — Beginning just past the entrance to Caleta lagoon and running north almost to the ferry pier, this coral barrier measures 20 to 30 meters wide, and reaches a maximum depth of 50 feet. Coral heads reach over 4 meters in height. The reef also features many small caves and tunnels, home to a wide variety of marine life. Parrotfish are especially abundant.
Chankanaab — Large coral mounds resembling buttons (and giving the reef its name) rise 25 feet or more from the white sandy bottom 60-70 feet below the surface. These unique mounds are home to large numbers of sponges, grouper, and small black coral trees.
Tormentos — Famous for its moray eels and groupers, this reef’s depth ranges from 60 feet to 35 feet at its highest point. It’s an excellent destination for both beginning and advanced scuba divers.
San Francisco — A vertical coral wall rises from 120 feet beneath the surface to about 80 feet, after which there’s another 40 feet or so of spectacular tunnel-pocked reef that resembles some sort of miniature aquatic mountain range. Large manta rays sometimes float nearby.
Santa Rosa — One of the most popular dives in Cozumel, a coral wall starts at a depth of 50 feet and plunges down thousands of feet. Caves offer refuge from the strong current for enormous grouper, delicate fans, gorgons, and giant sponges.
Paso del Cedral — Covered by scattered patches of coral, this small site is known for its docile green moray eels. Maximum dive depth here is about 60 feet with a moderate current.
Palancar — This magnificent coral mountain was discovered by Jacques Cousteau, who was astounded by the beauty of the site. Scuba divers who visit Palancar reef will experience the thrill of swimming through giant coral canyons that drop into the ocean’s depths.
Punta Sur — One of the most impressive dives in Cozumel, scuba divers enter the famous Garganta del Diablo cave at 50 feet and emerge at 130 feet. The flora are particularly brilliant.

Cozumel scuba diving vacations are a great getaway for anyone to enjoy!

The right time to dive Cozumel - Anytime!

Even more inviting, Cozumel’s crystal clear water and warm tropical climate make scuba diving possible year-round. And the number, variety and locations of Cozumel’s reefs offer adventure for beginning, intermediate and advanced scuba divers.

So why wait to book your next scuba diving vacation?

Make your reservation with us today, or contact us for more information.