If tropical weather, beaches and clear blue ocean is what you’re looking for in a holiday, look no further than the Yucatan. This peninsula in Mexico offers the best of that country, combined with true Caribbean flavor. This is also the place to go if you want to appreciate the world underneath the ocean surface. With Cozumel diving especially, you will experience the unforgettable.
About twelve miles off the coast of Mexico and thirty-six miles to the south of Cancun lies the island of Cozumel. It measures around thirty miles by ten miles, making it the country’s largest island. It is also one of the most popular destinations in the Yucatan.
The subtropical climate means that it’s hot and humid during the day with a good chance of rain in the afternoon. The bars and restaurants facing the beaches are great places to relax and enjoy the cool ocean breezes. Cruise-ship passengers usually disembark for the day only, but there are many types of accommodation, whether you’re on a tight budget or can afford to splash out on something more luxurious.
Being on an island means that you’ll probably want to spend some time lazing in a hammock or sunbathing. However, there are many other things to do during a Cozumel vacation. There are Mayan ruins and jungle to explore, dolphins to swim with and boat trips to go on. If you don’t know how to scuba dive, there are several operators in San Miguel that offer PADI courses. This island is, after all, one of the premier diving destinations in the world.
Water temperatures are pleasant, reaching an average of eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit in summer and dropping to seventy-seven in winter. Visibility is great too in these clear waters, often up to a hundred feet. Currents around the island mean that drift diving is the way to go. You simply relax and let the current carry you along while you enjoy the magical underwater world.
What enchanted Cousteau and many after him is the abundant marine life in Cozumel’s reef systems. There are two reefs, the Palancar reef and the Colombia reef. Here you will find many fish species as well as seahorses, lobsters, octopuses and even sea turtles. Bringing your underwater camera is essential.
You will find the many Cozumel diving businesses mainly in San Miguel. Along with PADI courses, they also offer a variety of dive packages for divers who already have their certification. To choose an operator, read online reviews, ask other travelers and make sure you opt for a good reputation and environmental responsibility.
