See A Different Side To The Western Caribbean With Cozumel Scuba Diving Packages

By Tanisha Berg


The Caribbean is a destination that is synonymous with palm trees swaying in the breeze, white beaches and crystal blue waters and a laid-back attitude to life. The Caribbean coast of Mexico is no exception but it boasts some added Mexican flavor. If you want to see the region from a completely different angle, though, you may want to consider one of the many Cozumel scuba diving packages available.

The island of Cozumel is located in Mexico's southeastern parts. It lies in the western Caribbean and just across from Playa del Carmen on the Yucatan Peninsula. Thousands of people visit each year to enjoy the local attractions, the Mexican flavor and the perfect beach weather. The infrastructure is excellent and geared towards tourists, so that even medical tourism is becoming a growing industry here. There is an important port and cruise ships often dock here while sailing in this part of the Caribbean.

The island was settled by the Mayans many centuries ago and the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio are one of the main sights here. There are several small settlements as well as the main town of San Miguel. Other sights include some small museums dedicated to Mexican and island history, a pearl farm and dolphinariums.

The stars of the show are the ocean and the beaches. There are several good beaches here, including the popular and aptly named Paradise Beach. Along the western parts of the island, the waters are clam and clear, perfect for snorkeling and swimming. On the eastern side, waves are big and a surfer's dream. Other popular activities include fishing and sailing as well as trips in glass-bottom boats or little submarines.

The best way to see a different side to Cozumel is to take to the water and go scuba diving. The Mesoamerican Reef here is a must-see and there are plenty of dive shops that will help make this possible for you. You can also take a course to learn how to dive and many beach hotels employ in-house diving instructors.

The waters around the island offer a variety of dive sites. There are shallow waters that can be explored through snorkeling too, and there are midwater reefs, pinnacles and vertical walls. The water is normally pleasantly warm and visibility is high. Turtles, seahorses and stingrays are just some of the marine animals that can be seen.

When you dive, remember to do everything you can to leave the reef intact. Don't step on it, touch it or break off pieces as souvenirs. In fact, it's illegal to do so because this is a protected area. Be sure to wear only sunscreen that is biodegradable. Also choose your dive operator with care, opting for one that will not only take your safety seriously but is committed to ecological responsibility.

Cozumel is reached by airplane, with direct flights to several US airports. You can also fly into Cancun, travel to Playa del Carmen and take a ferry from there. An easy option is to go for an all-inclusive package that takes care of travel arrangements, accommodation and even booking your dive trips for you. Then all you need to do is make sure that your camera has batteries in it.




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