by Cathy Linton

Created on: May 30, 2007

Cozumel, located approximately 2 hours from Cancun, is the largest island in Mexico, measuring around 33 miles long by 9 miles wide. Cozumel is located on the Great Maya Barrier Reef, a system that extends from the Northern Yucatan to Honduras and is the second largest reef system in the world. Following a documentary made by Jacques Cousteau in 1961, Cozumel earned an international following of divers who ranked it one of the top five scuba diving and snorkeling sites on the planet. Now, world famous for its diving, Cozumel continues to be one of the top ranked dive sites in the world.

Drift Diving

Diving in Cozumel is for the main part, drift diving. Drift diving means, quite literally, going with the flow of the currents. The main thing to remember about drift diving is not to fight the current or try to swim against it. The pace of diving in Cozumel is very relaxed and very safe as long as you are prepared, and dive with a dive master who is experienced in the local waters. There are around 50 diving operators in Cozumel so you will not have a problem finding one to suit you.

There are three main types of diving operations in Cozumel hotel based shops, independent shops and independent dive guides. These shops also offer the full range of courses from introductory resort dives to advanced and specialty courses such as underwater photography. Divers should consider a refresher course or the service of a private dive master if you do not have experience with drift diving.

Coral Reefs & Fish

The reefs around Cozumel are the stuff diver's dreams are made of. Cozumel is also in a wonderful position as the reef systems around the island, as well as the shallow mangrove bays, provide a perfect breeding ground for numerous species of fish, such as: Black & Yellow Fin Tuna, Grouper, Red Snapper, Barracuda, Wahoo, Rainbow Runners, several species of Shark, and many others. There is an active marine conservation community in the area and reef fish thrive here, protected by a 1980 ban on fishing along the southern coast of the island.

Excellent visibility, warm and calm turquoise blue water, and gentle currents make Cozumel diving an irresistible experience.

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