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Enjoy The Best Of 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.

Cozumel is an island off the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is located across from the mainland town of Playa del Carmen, itself a popular tourist destination. The island boasts perfect subtropical weather, an interesting history and a well-developed tourist infrastructure. Moreover, it combines Caribbean character with Mexican flair and it's not surprising that it's a favorite port of call for cruise ships in the region. These days it's even gaining popularity as a destination for medical tourism, where you can recover in paradise after your procedure.

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 coastline is the main attraction. Surfers and kitesurfers head to the beaches along the eastern coast, where the surf is big. Along the western coastline, the waters are calmer and bathing and snorkeling are great ways to spend the day. You can also charter a yacht or a deep-sea fishing boat or get a glimpse of marine life with a ride in one of the glass-bottom boats.

The main attraction in Cozumel, however, is scuba diving. The island lies along the Mesoamerican Reef, which is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. There is a wide variety of scuba outfits and many resorts have their own diving instructors too. If you don't know how to dive, you can simply enroll in a course to get your open-water certification.

The local shallows are the perfect place to learn and if you're looking for more of a challenge, there are pinnacles and walls to dive too. The Mesoamerican Reef is home to a huge variety of species, including stingrays, seahorses and turtles. The clear waters mean that visibility is excellent and the balmy temperatures make for a pleasant day in the water.

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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