Barracuda
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.
Paraiso
Reef
Near the international pier, a beautiful reef that leads out to a
spectacular wall, dropping to unfathomable depths.
Eagle
Ray Divers
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!
Chankanab
Lagoon
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'.
Tormentos
Reef
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. Yucab Reef
Low-profile reef divided by sand channels, notched with caves, ledges
and swim-throughs; angelfish, trunkfish; 35-60', intermediate dive.
Punta
Tunich Drop-Off
Wall starts at edge of reef bed, dotted by large basket sponges; barjacks,
turtles and eagle rays; depth 50-130'+; intermediate to advanced dive
Santa Rosa
Wall
Huge reef system and coral ridges, tunnels and pass-throughs; barrel,
rope, and tube sponges; black groupers; 30-130'; intermediate dive Paso Del
Cedral
Medium-profile, coral heads; groupers, chub, and yellowtail; cavern swim-throughs;
35-60'; novice divers
Palancar
Reefs
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) Colombia Pinnacles
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
Punta Sur
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 return
to map
Maracaibo
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. El Eslote
Reef
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.
Cozumel
International Airport
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
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.
PUNTA LANGOSTA 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.
Puerta Maya
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.
San
Gervasio
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
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.
Punta Sur
Park Cozumels newest eco park, located on the southern tip of the island,
is full of fun activities and costs $15 US per person.
El
Castillo Real
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, or by Tarzan
Tours custom VW dune buggies. return
to map
