Cozumel off the Yucatan Peninsula is protected by the federally protected Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park on the island’s sheltered southwest coast. The diving sites are characterized by a strong current, lots of swim throughs and a variety of corals and marine life. This past winter I took a PADI scuba refresher class – I had initially got a NAUI diving certificate back in 2005 and have dived in The US Virgin Islands/British Virgin Islands along with a few previous trips to Cozumel. It’s definitely visible the deterioration of the coral and fish variety over the past 2 decades
Towards the end of the trip we made a trip out to Playa Palancar a nice little beach restaurant situated right on the beach. Another noteworthy stop enroute there is El Mirador. A stunning natural rock formation with sweeping views of the turquoise Caribbean. You will see multiple blowholes in action, sending water high into the sky with every powerful wave.
For an even more secluded experience, a little farther south of El Mirador about 1/4 mile from the Miami Beach Bar, you’ll find an excellent spot to park the car and walk in for a closer look. For a great opportunity to get soaked, venture closer to some of the blowholes hidden in the rugged shoreline. These secret spots aren’t marked on most maps, making them a true off-the-beaten-path adventure. Enjoying some local fish you can watch people swim in the surf, spearfish, and launch fishing boats.
