At the northern end of the island, the currents from the east and west sides converge to form an unpredictable dive for those who are strong and brave enough to take it on; experts only, since the next stop is Cuba! And that's no joke.
Near the international pier, a beautiful reef that leads out to a spectacular wall, dropping to unfathomable depths.
Our new offices, as well as our boats, are located on the far left hand side of La Caleta Marina. The Marina is short taxi ride south from the town of San Miguel and an even shorter ride from the main cruise ship pier, Puerta Maya. If you're staying in the southern hotel zone, our boats will come directly to your hotel and pick-you up each morning!
Meaning "Little Sea," this beautiful national reserve is a nature park, picnic area, and great snorkeling spot, but also hides some great caverns along the shore. Over 350 species of plants grow in the park, and dozens of species of small tropicals play in depths of 10-30'.
Sandy bottom, 60' depth, past coral spires in a line that is referred to as Upper, Middle and Lower Tormentos; schools of snapper, chub and margates; 50-70', intermediate dive.
Low-profile reef divided by sand channels, notched with caves, ledges and swim-throughs; angelfish, trunkfish; 35-60', intermediate dive.
Wall starts at edge of reef bed, dotted by large basket sponges; barjacks, turtles and eagle rays; depth 50-130'+; intermediate to advanced dive
Huge reef system and coral ridges, tunnels and pass-throughs; barrel, rope, and tube sponges; black groupers; 30-130'; intermediate dive
Medium-profile, coral heads; groupers, chub, and yellowtail; cavern swim-throughs; 35-60'; novice divers
These beatuiful dives are not to be missed, and include the Palancar Gardens (15-70', for novice divers), Palancar Horseshoe (25-130', for intermediate and advanced divers), and Palancar Caves, which are really honecombed caverns (20-100', for intermediate to advanced divers)
These huge coral mountain pinnacles offer some of the most majestic wall dives in Cozumel, as swift currents pull you through the passageways that separate them, reminiscent of a flight through the Grand Canyon; 50-130', intermediate to advanced dive
This dive is one of the single most important reasons that many divers return year after year to Cozumel; nurse sharks may offer a surprising visit as you descend to 95' to work your way out of Devil's Throat, exiting over the wall at 130' and peer into black space; 80-130+ feet; advanced divers
At the southern tip of the island, you don't reach the reef until you hit 90', and the sheer vertical wall begins at 130' and drops into the abyss. Great tunnels lead divers out at depths of over 200'. Because the island causes the ocean's direction to split, extreme currents will tug you quickly to 150', making the dive only for experts.
Although only 40-60' in depth, this dive is for experts as the currents are powerful; you drop down Maracaibo and the current will thrust you past Punta Celarain Lighthouse (which you won't see anyway), but the dive offers totally unspoiled coral reefs and an escape from the more popular sites.
Although small, the airport is serviced by several airlines and logs 50 flights per week. Note: Cabs are not allowed to pick up tourists at the airport. If you have a transfer ticket from your tour company, you'll be able to get to your hotel by boarding one of the vans waiting outside. If you don't have a transfer you may purchase one from the booths located just inside the airport exits.
San Miguel is the only town on Cozumel and combines the charm of colonial Mexico with modern-day shopping and conveniences. The town name originates to 100 years ago when workers who were digging near the current site of Cozumel International Airport found a statue of St. Michael on the saint's holy day, September 29. The statue can be seen today in the church of San Miguel.
Cozumel´s premiere pier mall, Punta Langosta is located in downtown San Miguel and was inaugurated in Jan 2002. It contains a variety of ultra modern stores and restaurants like Tommy Hilfiger, Versace, Pama, Carlos-n-Charlies, Senor Frogs, TGI Friday´s and Baskin Robbins. Of course, no island destination would be complete without diamonds. Choose from a dozen or more gem stores.
One of Cozumel´s newest cruise ship piers, Puerta Maya, is located right next door to the La Caleta Marina. If you are arriving by ship and meeting Eagle Ray Divers for an aquatic adventure, just hop in on of the many awaiting Taxis at the pier entrance. They can take you quickly and safely the La Caleta Marina. The pier also offers last minute shopping and car rentals.
Once the island's capital, San Gervasio is the island's largest existing site of Mayan and Toltec ruins. The area was dedicated to the goddess Ixchel who was the wife of Itzamna, the Mayan god of the heavens, night & day and the inventor of writing and the calendar.
The shrines and temples were built in stages from the Early Classic Period (300-600A.D.) to the Late Post-Classical Period (1250-1500A.D.). Architectural features include limestone plazas and arches. One of the most interesting sites inside San Gervasio is the "hands" temple named from the red handprints covering the alter.
The entrance fee is approximately $3 US. We recommend taking the tour, offered in English by The Island Foundation of Parks and Museums for an additional fee.
El Cedral is the oldest Maya structure on Cozumel, dating back to 800 A.D. Age has deteriorated the site leaving most of it eroded. However, an archway and room still survive and even show remnants of the original painted decorations. There are other ruins in the area and visitors can usually find a guide at the main site who will provide a tour for a modest fee.
Cozumels newest eco park, located on the southern tip of the island, is full of fun activities and costs $15 US per person.
Although this ruin is the least accessible of any on the island, it is worth the effort to get there. The "Royal Castle" is the largest Mayan site on the island. And, although it was partially destroyed by the hurricanes of 1967, 1988, and 1995, it is probably in the best condition of all of the ruins. It is believed that this site could either have been a lighthouse or a temple dedicated to storms and the sun. El Castillo Real is accessible by sea, by foot,by ATV, or by custom VW dune buggies.