| You've thought about taking a dive | | | | dive operations. The dive operators |
| vacation, but you're having a hard time | | | | offer scuba packages, instruction, and |
| picking a destination. It isn't easy, | | | | rentals. |
| with all the wonderful scuba spots in | | | | Visit Cozumel |
| the world. To make your decision a | | | | Cozumel is in Mexico so be sure to bring |
| little easier, consider one of these | | | | proof of citizenship, such as a birth |
| five prime locations. | | | | certificate or passport. You will also |
| Cozumel | | | | need a valid photo ID and A Temporary |
| In many circles, Cozumel is considered | | | | Tourist Card. |
| the best place to dive in the Caribbean. | | | | Fiji |
| A claim that's hard to dispute. Nearly | | | | Taveuni is probably the most preferred |
| all the diving is drift diving because | | | | island for diving in Fiji, but there is |
| the Gulf Stream sweeps around the island | | | | no shortage of dive spots. |
| from south to north. The best spot is on | | | | Fiji is nicknamed "Soft Coral Capital of |
| the outer reef off the southwest tip of | | | | the World" because of the famous soft |
| the island, known as Palancar Reef. | | | | coral that thrives in the region. |
| You'll discover all kinds of stuff here: | | | | Naturally, the coral grows in strong |
| arches, tunnels, sea fans, corals, | | | | current areas, so you should be |
| lobsters, parrot fish, and much more. | | | | thoroughly comfortable diving in those |
| Since Cozumel is such a popular dive | | | | conditions. The Great White Wall is a |
| destination, it isn't difficult to find | | | | thrilling attraction. Not only will you |
| travel package deals. | | | | discover soft corals here; you'll also |
| Cozumel is Mexico's largest Caribbean | | | | see tropical fish such as butterfly |
| island, located off the northeast tip of | | | | fish, parrot fish, and unicorn fish. |
| the Yucatan Peninsula. Its culture is | | | | Great Barrier Reef |
| the legacy of the Mayan Indians. Legend | | | | The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is the |
| says the island was the home of Ixchel, | | | | greatest living thing in the world. All |
| Maya moon goddess and deity of | | | | together, it is about the same length as |
| childbirth and fertility. You can visit | | | | the West Coast of the U.S. It is so big |
| Mayan ruins on the island. | | | | that it can be seen from space. The reef |
| Cozumel's rich history doesn't end | | | | is most accessible from northern |
| there. In 1518, Juan de Grijalv | | | | Australia, where the GBR is closer to |
| discovered the island en route to Cuba | | | | the shore. Many of the towns thrive on |
| and it became a sanctuary for pirates. | | | | the tourist industry that the reef |
| In the mid 1800s, mainlanders began to | | | | brings, so all your diving needs won't |
| resettle the island, which became | | | | suffer. You can either book a live |
| popular for its supply of zagote tree. | | | | aboard or take a day boat out from your |
| The tree provided chicle for the | | | | hotel. The GBR is ideal for all divers, |
| American chewing gum industry. In 1961, | | | | from novice to advance. |
| Jacques Cousteau introduced the island | | | | Galapagos Islands |
| to the world. | | | | These islands are located 600 miles west |
| Diving Cozumel | | | | of Ecuador right on the equator. Ninety |
| Cozumel is famous for its reef diving, | | | | seven percent of the islands are |
| which makes up the second largest | | | | national park areas. In the midst of |
| barrier reef in the world, the Belizean | | | | three ocean currents, the waters are |
| Reef. | | | | unpredictable, but support plenty of |
| In 1996, the Mexican government | | | | action. Thousands of species thrive |
| designated a 25-mile tract of reef as a | | | | under water, including hammerhead |
| national marine park. Rules and | | | | sharks, rays, angelfish, bat fish, |
| regulations were established to protect | | | | crabs, etc. The Galapagos are rugged |
| the abundance of tropical marine life | | | | islands and lack the reefs and lagoons |
| and plants. There are also caves and a | | | | of other tropical destinations. It's not |
| wreck for those who get bored with the | | | | ideal for beginners. |
| reefs. | | | | Sting Ray City |
| The dive sites fall into three basic | | | | Just off from Grand Cayman, Sting Ray |
| categories: shallow near shore coral | | | | City offers a diver to get up close and |
| gardens (such as Paradise Reef South for | | | | personal with rays. The sandy bottom and |
| novices), vertical walls with dramatic | | | | clear waters attract a large population |
| drop-offs (such as Santa Rosa Wall for | | | | of rays. The rays are pretty much used |
| intermediates and Maracaibo Deep for | | | | to divers hanging around, but you should |
| advanced), and coral pinnacles with | | | | still consider them a wild animal. They |
| labyrinths of eaves and tunnels (such as | | | | don't like to be harassed and they have |
| Palancar Horseshoe for intermediates). | | | | venomous barbs on their tails that they |
| Cozumel thrives on the tourist industry | | | | won't hesitate to use to defend |
| and there are many resorts to choose | | | | themselves. |
| from. Many of the resorts run their own | | | | |