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| CozumelThe Island of Cozumel, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, sits 44 miles south of Cancun, 12 miles off of the Yucatan Peninsula's east coast. The island's only town, San Miguel de Cozumel, is easily traversed by foot. A popular tourist destination with divers as well as other sun-seekers, Cozumel has unique opportunities for adventure for everyone.
In the decades since it appeared on the tourist map, the island of Cozumel has, for the most part been enjoying its status as a calm but charming island that profits from its prime diving reputation. Known as Ah-Cuzamil-Peten (Island of Swallows) it is Mexico's only Caribbean isla, as well as the country's largest and most populated island. Ancient Mayan ruins worth visiting lie in the north and south parts of the island. The northern ruins are described in historic detail in the book "Caribbean" by James Mitchell. The nicest beaches, Playas San Francisco and Palancar, start south of San Miguel, while the world-famous coral reefs are off the island's southern shores. Much of the east and northeast region of the island is 4WD territory -
and provides great opportunity for peaceful escape. Jeeps and scooters are available for rental so you can explore the island between dives.
Thanks to a Jacques Cousteau documentary on its world-class reefs it has been a favorite international diving destination since 1961. It is literally swimming with diving sites - about 100 have been identified within 5km (3mi) of Cozumel, and at least a dozen of them are shallow enough for snorkeling. One of the areas of consideration that most Snorkelers and Divers find a little disconcerting at first is the way that they dive in Cozumel. There are almost no mooring buoys in the island due to the tremendous currents found there. The water is swift making almost every dive a drift dive. The boats drop you off at one end of the reef and you can drift along the reef until you reach your limits and then surface. The dive boat will be waiting for you. Because of the swift currents, it is recommended that you take along a marker buoy and a whistle, just in case. If you are shore diving, a popular practice is to take along enough money for cab fare. If the current is really strong, take it in stride, and surface down stream a bit, once you are out, hail a cab back to your starting point. They may look at you funny with all of the soggy gear you are putting in their trunk, but the people are friendly and are used to the quirks of divers. Getting there
Divers Incorporated offers group travel opportunities to Cozumel almost every year. If you wish to set up your own diving adventure there, contact Divers Incorporated and we will put you in touch with one of the travel specialists at the PADI Travel Network so you can make your own arrangements. For a Schedule of trips and adventures with Divers Incorporated click here!
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