Monday, August 11, 2014

See The Magic Under Water With Cozumel Scuba Diving Packages

By Tanisha Berg


Once you've experienced the magical world beneath the ocean's surface, you'll be hooked forever. There are many places where you can dive into the deep blue but few are as spectacular and as conveniently located as the western part of the Caribbean. With Cozumel scuba diving packages, you too can enjoy the magic of this region.

Cozumel is the third largest island in Mexico. It's located in the southern part of the country and lies offshore from the Yucatan Peninsula. The nearest mainland town is Playa del Carmen, which is a prime tourist destination too. Island life is like living in paradise, with a sunny subtropical climate, plenty to do and an excellent infrastructure. Cruise ships often dock at the local port and nowadays people even visit to make use of the more economical health-care facilities for medical procedures and the chance to recover in a spectacular setting.

Over a millennium ago, Mayans came to the island to start a settlement here. Evidence of their presence is still found in the ruins of San Gervasio, a popular visitor attraction. Those with an interest in history may also enjoy the local museums. When the ocean starts calling, there is a pearl farm as well as two dolphinariums to get acquainted with life under water.

The stars of the show are the ocean and the beaches. There are several good beaches here, including the popular and aptly named Paradise Beach. Along the western parts of the island, the waters are clam and clear, perfect for snorkeling and swimming. On the eastern side, waves are big and a surfer's dream. Other popular activities include fishing and sailing as well as trips in glass-bottom boats or little submarines.

The best way to see a different side to Cozumel is to take to the water and go scuba diving. The Mesoamerican Reef here is a must-see and there are plenty of dive shops that will help make this possible for you. You can also take a course to learn how to dive and many beach hotels employ in-house diving instructors.

The waters around the island offer a variety of dive sites. There are shallow waters that can be explored through snorkeling too, and there are midwater reefs, pinnacles and vertical walls. The water is normally pleasantly warm and visibility is high. Turtles, seahorses and stingrays are just some of the marine animals that can be seen.

Part of what makes Cozumel such a great diving destination is the good condition of the reefs here. This is because they are protected by Mexican law. When you dive, don't touch the reef, don't remove anything from here and where only biodegradable sunscreen so that you can help conserve the sensitive ecosystem. It's also important to do your research about the different dive operators and to then choose one that is ecologically responsible, in addition to showing a commitment to divers' safety.

An easy way to visit Cozumel is with an all-inclusive package that may even feature some dives. You can also travel here independently. There are regular flights from several airports in the USA. Another option is to book a flight to Cancun. From here you can travel the short distance to Playa del Carmen, which has ferry connections to Cozumel.




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