| Cozumel is one of the great scuba diving locations in | | | | Paradise Reef South is a bit deeper but also a favorite |
| the world. Located just northeast of the Yucatan | | | | of beginners. The clear waters of these reefs make |
| Peninsula, Cozumel is Mexico's largest Caribbean island. | | | | Scuba diving a joy. Excursions to this area will reveal |
| Once known as the sacred grounds of Mayan | | | | brain corals, sea fans, sponges, gorgonians, star corals, |
| Goddesses and a safe haven for pirates, Cozumel is | | | | crabs, octopus, moray eels, and maybe even the |
| now known for being home to the second largest | | | | Cozumel Splendid Toadfish. Nighttime dives are also |
| barrier reef in the world and some of the best scuba | | | | extremely popular on the North and South Reefs. |
| diving to be found anywhere on the planet. | | | | The Palancar Horseshoe is perhaps the most popular |
| In fact, the natural resources of the reef are so | | | | dive spot for intermediate divers in Cozumel. Here |
| abundant and valuable that the Mexican government | | | | labyrinths of coral heads range from 100 feet to 20 |
| dedicated a 25 mile tract of the reef as a National | | | | feet below the surface. Divers are delighted to snake |
| Park in 1996. It is in this park that most of the scuba | | | | their way through tunnels, caves, twists and turns to |
| diving takes place in Cozumel. In addition to viewing | | | | investigate everything that this top dive spot has to |
| awe-inspiring and diverse wildlife, divers to this area | | | | offer. |
| also frequent many of the caves and wrecks to be | | | | One of the most popular drop-off scuba diving |
| found in the waters surrounding Cozumel. | | | | locations in Cozumel is the Santa Rosa Wall. Starting |
| Scuba diving in Cozumel can be enjoyed by novice | | | | at 50 ft. this location drops off into the deep abyss |
| and expert divers alike. There are three categories of | | | | finally leveling out at around 100 ft. Strong currents in |
| dives ranging from the shallow, near shore coral dives | | | | this area give divers the feel of flying along the great |
| for beginners; the coral pinnacles with labyrinths and | | | | wall where they will spy huge sponges, great |
| tunnels for intermediate divers; and the vertical walls | | | | overhangs of stony coral, numerous caves and tunnels |
| and dramatic drop offs for both intermediate and | | | | for exploring, and turtles and eagle rays. |
| advanced divers. Here is a brief over of each: | | | | And the excitement and beauty of Cozumel doesn't |
| The coral gardens are located near shore and are | | | | end with scuba diving. Cozumel is also home to |
| ideal for scuba diving novices. One of the most popular | | | | numerous, majestic Mayan ruins where it is believed |
| locations for beginner dives is the Paradise Reef North | | | | that goddesses have dwelt. So once you have put up |
| and South. The Paradise Reef in Cozumel consists of | | | | your fins for the day, don't think that you will be bored |
| two reefs: North and South. The north reef is shallow, | | | | in this awe-inspiring place. There is plenty to offer and |
| about 30 feet, and ideal for beginners of scuba diving | | | | something to please everyone. |
| because the currents here are extremely gentle. | | | | |