Recreational Diving Introduction
Due to the strong, steady current, the waters are constantly being flushed making for excellent visibility with 30 mtr / 100 ft plus and ideal conditions for coral and sponge growth. Reef fish thrive here as well, protected by a 1980 ban on fishing along the southern coast of the island.
Spear-fishing, touching the coral and the taking of marine life will get you booted from the park if you're caught. But there are much more serious penalties for guides and boat-captains who violate the rules. As a result, despite an ugly incident in 1996 when the government allowed a cruise ship pier to be built over north Paradise Reef, the system has remained vibrantly alive and healthy.
In 1996 the Mexican government designated the area from Paradise Reef south as a National Marine Park. In the years since, island dive operators have worked closely with the government to protect this invaluable international resource. As a result, there are currently limits on the number of boats and scuba dive operators allowed on the reefs and each diver must pay a $2.00 per day park entrance fee which goes towards enforcing the rules.
Although there are more than 30 chartered reefs and umpteen sites from which to choose on each of them, Cozumel's coral chain can basically be divided into 3 types: On vertical walls like Santa Rosa with depths from 40 feet / 12 meters to 130 plus feet 7 40 meters plus you'll find gorgonian and plate coral, enormous sponges and a splendid assortment of reef and pelagic species.
Pinnacles like Punta Sur and Palancar Horseshoe with depths from 40-70 feet 12-21 meters are maze like structures with tall, statuesque pinnacles and wide coral shelves. Here you can swim through tunnels in and out of caves and between dramatic, towering coral.
Do not hesitate to email us if you have any questions or need assistance.