Riviera Maya, Mexico
October 21-29, 2023 - 7 divers
Cozumel diving is known for its excellent visibility, moderate currents and healthy reef systems. The reef around the Caribbean island is home to eagle rays, nurse sharks and turtles, as well as a vast array of macro life. Cozumel, the jewel of the Riviera Maya, lived up to its stellar reputation.
We dived 3 days around the southwestern reefs of the Palancar and Cedral systems, and completed 13 dives in total (the 9 dives included in the package as well as 4 extras). We also made a day-trip to Playa del Carmen to dive two world famous cenotes, The Pit and Dos Ojos.
Some of the encounter highlights included loggerhead turtles (caguamas in Spanish), plenty of splendid toadfish, nurse sharks, a seahorse and a frogfish! The night dive was a smash hit, as we were able to find a number of octopi, morays, toadfish and some huge crustaceans.
We also volunteered with the Cozumel Department of Ecology to help search for and rescue baby sea turtles.
Trip Report
Trip type - 8-night land-based dive safari
Inside Under Guide - Alex Lichtblau & Mindy Lichtblau
Dive operator - Blue Project Cozumel & CenoteXperience
Accommodations - Tamarindo Bed & Breakfast
# of dives - 13
Visibility - 100 feet
Water temperature - 85 degrees F (Cozumel), 77 degrees F (cenotes)
Air temperature - 75 F(nighttime low) - 88 F(daytime high)
Weather - Mostly sunny, scattered thunderstorms, moderate wind from northeast
Moon phase - Full moon
Current - Northerly (1-2 knots)
Specialty dives - Night, drift, cavern
Highlights - Loggerhead turtles, hawksbill turtles, splendid toadfish, nurse sharks, octopi, seahorse, long-lure frogfish, long drift dives, action-packed night dive, cavern dives
by Alex Lichtblau
I first dived in the Galapagos in 2011. It inspired in me an unmatched passion...the ocean. Since then I've travelled the world, diving, exploring and building my own dive travel and dive instruction business, Inside Under Dive & Travel. To learn more about me and my passion, see my bio. Also, learn more about dive certifications and courses, or going on a dive trip with me.