The reefs surrounding Cozumel’s shores include some of the largest and oldest corals in the world; however, these prized treasures remained in relative obscurity until 1961 when a TV documentary produced by a young oceanographer named Jacques Cousteau brought the Palancar Reef to the forefront of the diving world. Since then, scuba diving has flourished in Cozumel, offering a variety of dive environments including dramatic depths, inspiring underwater cliffs, intriguing caverns and idyllic shallow reefs. Combine all this with the island’s long tradition of gracious hospitality and it is not be surprising that Cozumel is considered the dive capital of the western hemisphere.
Geology greatly contributed to Cozumel’s uniqueness since the island protects the reefs from the powerful open ocean waves crashing on its eastern side. This reverse-barrier reef system and the gentle current from the Gulf Stream provide Cozumel with unmatched clear waters and ideal conditions for diving in a distinctive ecosystem. |
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