Secrets Aura Cozumel

"Punta Sur Reef – This is a fascinating, ethereal dive consisting of a deep wall with caverns and fissures. The appropriately qualified may enter one of the larger cavern systems and follow it down a sand chute to 27 metres/90 feet where there’s a complex of coral tunnels and caverns that are absolutely bursting with life. The Devil’s Throat – This site is best enjoyed with an experienced local divemaster. The deeper walls have whip corals spiraling out into the depths and large black corals. There are also small, brightly colored gorgonian sea fans and sea whips, including the devil’s sea whip. Palancar Garden – Divers of all levels will enjoy the slight-to-moderate current that carries them along while exploring the many finger coral formations here. This strip reef is about 20 metres/66 feet wide and dissected by many fissures and caverns. Within the many sheltered areas, divers can spot huge stovepipe sponges stretching out from the reef and black coral in the deeper areas. Fish such as juvenile yellow head wrasse hide in the deep yellow tubes at night for protection and sightings of butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish and damselfish are frequent. Santa Rosa Wall – This is a high voltage drift dive along a sheer wall. The wall begins at about 15 metres/50 feet and the current carries divers past ledges, overhangs, massive sponges and fire coral. Divers regularly encounter large pelagic fish, turtles and spotted eagle rays. Columbia Wall – This is a relatively remote site which divers frequently share with eagle rays, turtles and large barracuda. A healthy coral reef crowns a steep drop off and massive coral pinnacles rise 15 metres/50 feet from the bottom. Nurse sharks prowl the reefs and walls, which seem to drop straight down to the infinite depths.

Snorkeling is essential to any vacation in Cozumel. From shore, you’ll be able to access the the island’s lush walls and reefs. Just be mindful of the currents. Local guides will be happy to assist you with a snorkeling expedition by boat into the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park. There are also trips to the deep sea for snorkeling with sailfish that may interest the adventurers among us.

With the heavy currents that produce the excellent drift dives in the area, divers regularly spot a plethora of pelagic species. Be careful not to loose your regulator as you gape at the menagerie of animals that will pass you by. 

One of the major attractions in the area are the Bull Sharks that are attracted to the Playa del Carmen’s crystalline waters between November and March annually. These sites are an easy day trip from Cozumel. Eagle rays are another common addition to log books after visiting Cozumel. There’s also a chance of spotting Green Turtles, Loggerhead Turtles, whale sharks and sailfish during their respective migrations.

The healthy Cozumel reefs also play host to a variety of tropical species. Vigilant divers may spot lobsters, groupers, stingrays, sergeant majors as well as hundreds of colorful fish.