Discoverymundo Blog

Category: Scuba Dive

The Mesoamerican Reef System in Cozumel

The second largest barrier reef system in the world is located in Cozumel, called the Mesoamerican Reef System. It is almost 175 miles (280 km) of ocean between the Gulf of Mexico and Honduras. There are

Which animals are found in the depths of Cozumel?

Cozumel became a favorite spot for snorkeling and scuba diving after famous underwater explorer, Jacques Cousteau, visited the island in 1961 and revealed the abundant marine life in its reefs.Some sites are more alive than others. The Palancar to the south; has caves, bricks, gardens and horseshoe.. it is beautiful but not a fishiest area. Anyway you’re still going to find some turtles, a nurse shark or two, angelfish and others. The Meso American Reef is home to more than 65 species of stony coral, 350 species of mollusk and more than 500 species of fish. Some especies are under protection: sea turtles, the queen conch, the West Indian Manatee, the splendid toadfish, the american cocodrile, black coral, etc. It has an invasion of red lionfish, counts with a large amount of manatee and whale sharks. Underwater pictures

Despite the beautiful scenery in the Mesoamerican Reef, underwater pictures present a challenge. There is current comming from south to north and so divers figure it out a way to shoot images so you can tuck yourself. It is prohibited to touch the reef in the Marine Park, so grab a sponge or a bit of a coral to stay stationary!Diving or Snorkeling

The Mesoamerican Barier Reef is located on the coast from Cancun, Riviera Maya and Costa Maya. The best dive spots are Manchones Reef, Cancun’s Underwater Museum and the C58 Shipwreck. There are many diving tours you can find online or at the ports in Cozumel.

The beauty in Cozumel snorkeling plays a host to all the coral formations like mounds and outcropping in the shallow waters and then caverns along the coral walls.

Snorkelers such as divers love the spectacular ocean view, a crystal clear visibility and drifting currents provide a relaxing free ride!

October 15, 2016
Ultimate guide to Cozumel

Cozumel is one of the most beautiful beaches and best diving spot in the Western hemisphere, Cozumel is an island dedicated to nature lovers seeking relaxation, romance or adventure. It is Mexico’s third biggest island.If you are travelling to this piece of land, there are many things to do in Cozumel according to your itinerary.

1. Scuba Dive

Diving is one of the main attractions in Cozumel. Divers from all over the world travel to the island to explore the Mesoamerican Reef, the largest barrier reef in the Western hemisphere. It is formed by different types of coral and more than 250 species of tropical fish live there. If you don’t dive, you can also snorkel to observe the marine life from the surface.2. Swim with dolphins

One of the favorite attractions in Cozumel is to swim with dolphins in their natural habit, an experience you will never forget. There are many tours to swim with dolphins in Cozumel: the Swim Adventure allows you to snorkel with them, Dolphin Royal Swim features the exciting foot push and dorsal tow activities, Scuba Dive with Dolphins allows you to dive with the dolphins with no certificate needed and Dolphin Encounter which is ideal for whole families, kids for all ages can experience being in contact with the dolphins while being photographed by cameramen.3. Visit Faro Celerain Eco Park

A trip to Faro Celerain Eco Park is a must, it’s an echological park. It gives 2,500 acres shelter of many infigenous species, such as exotic birds, crocodiles and sea turtles. Not only the animals are the only thing you have to see, you will see the Caracol Mayan ruins and Faro Celerain Lighthouse, where you’ll find a small maritime museum. Also, don’t forget your swimsuit to enjoy Laguna Colombia to play with the water and relax in hammocks. 4. Swim with Sea Lions

Swimming with Sea Lions is fun. You will have time to enjoy their funny and curious behaviors at Cozumel. The Sea Lion Discovery Program includes fun activities with sea lions including learning about their diet, feeding them, petting them, and getting a kiss from them.5. Swim with Manatee

This is a unique kind of adventure, there is only one swim program with manatees in the Caribean called Manatee Encounter. This animals are beautiful and enormous, they can grow as long as 13ft/am and weigh up to 1300 lbs/600 kgs. This is an activity for families to experience swimming with manatees in the paradise of Chankanaab National Park, surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna with views to the turquoise sea.

October 13, 2016
World’s weirdest places to scuba dive

Hi there, do you know you can scuba dive between two continents?

I have did number 4, hope I can dive in all of them! Here are the world’s weirdest places to scuba dive:

1. Continental Rift in Iceland

One of the top places to dive in the world, here’s where you can scuba dive between two continents. The rift of Silfra in Island Thingvellier Park is where the tectonic plates meet. Some rather diving, others just snorkeling.
A very surprising thing is the visibility in the rift of Silfra, about 100 meters. All divers say they feel flying on space when they try this experience. The reason for this water visibility are that the water is really cold (2°C-4°C all year) that is also becomes ice for the close glaciar water of Langjökull and this water is filtered through porous inderground lava for 30-100 years until it reaches the north end of Thingvellir lake. This is water is so pristine that you an drink it anytime during your diving or snorkel!

2. Mysterious Ruins in Japan

On the southern coast of Yonaguni, Japan, lie this mysterious ruins of long time ago. Some think alliens made them, others think is just a World Nature Wonder! This mysterious ruins underwater continue attracting fearless divers!

3. Indonesia active volcano underwater

You want to see a volcano from close without the threat of toxic air and lava flows? Yes it can be possible and it can be done at Banua Wuhu! This underwater volcano rises more than 400 meters from the sea floor. Exotic animals like sponges habit here. There is a unique and diverse world here. You might think it is dangerous but no, the only thing that is a little uncomfortable it’s if you don’t wear the right dive suit.

4. MUSA Underwater Museum in Cancun, Mexico

This is the one I’ve dived into, it was one of the best experiences. If you head to the Caribbean in Mexico. There is the MUSA, an underwater museum with more than 400 statues surrounded by marine life and coral reefs. Each statue has an eye formation to protect theirselves and the sea life. The moment you are there in front of one, you might feel a little nervous!

5. Nepture Memorial Reef (UNDERWATER CEMENTERY)

A little more than 5 kilometers from the Coast of Miami, there’s this different diving experience and a little creepy. An artificial reef that becomes a CEMENTERY! It is a truly world like no other. This cemetery beneath the waves is a special spot that people can make their final resting place.

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November 18, 2015
Best Cenotes in the Mayan Riviera

Cenote, is a term that comes from “Dzonot” which in Maya means “abyss” are wells of fresh water created by the erosion of limestone. Diving in the cenotes of Riviera Maya is one of the most extraordinary experiences a diver can have.. and Mexico is paradise to enjoy these geological whims. It is estimated that only in the Yucatan Peninsula there are over 3000 cenotes.. and many still undiscovered throughout Mexico.

I´ll show you the best cenotes in the Mayan Riviera:

Grand Cenote

Grand Cenote is one of the best Cenotes, you must visit it. It is located outside of Tulum on the 307 highway. Plenty of stalactites are in this cenote with crystal water. You´ll see around fishes and turtles! Don’t forget to bring your camera and get ready to jump into this big hole.

Cenote Dos Ojos

Located close to XEL-HA water park. This cenote is for scuba diving, amazing landscape and impressive experience that you will never forget. If you want to snorkel, you can access to the second cenote on the right taking the stairs!

Chaak Tun

This cenote is hidden behind the jungle of Playa del Carmen, you will find a natural paradise in here. One of the favorite cenotes of the tourists. The best time to visit this cenote is after 1pm when larger group tours already finished their excursions.

Rio Secreto

Come and experience this stunning underground river with thousands of dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. Rio Secreto, located 5 km south Playa del Carmen. Starting off with a walk through the jungle followed by a descendence of 15 meters through mother Earth’s maze to access and wade through the underground river during 1 hour and a half.

September 29, 2015
How to Spend a rainy day in Cancun

When you book a vacation in a tropical paradise like Cancun, you likely envision lazy days enjoying the surf and sand with a few tourist activities sprinkled here and there. Most of the year, that plan would go off without a hitch. Even Cancun isn’t immune to occasional rainy days, especially in the “hurricane season” that lasts from June to November. Don’t let a few raindrops spoil your fun, however; Cancun has plenty to keep you entertained until you can feel the sun’s rays across your face again. Here are some great ideas of things to do in Cancun on a rainy day:

Museo de Antropologia e Historia (Museum of Archeology and History):

While visiting a museum on vacation may not sound like the most exciting thing to do, the Museo de Antropologia y Historia is worth a trip rain or shine. Located south of the Convention Center in the Hotel Zone of the city, the museum houses over 800 historically significant items, chiefly from Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula. When the sun begins to shine again, you could then armed with the background and knowledge you gained at the museum to enhance the overall experience.

Try Your Luck at the Casino:

There are several casinos in Cancun where you can place a few wagers in the hopes of winning big. Within the Hotel Zone, the Playboy Club is a popular choice. If you’re closer to downtown, however, the Dubai or Play City may be better bets. Play the slots or try a hand or two at the tables, and you stand a chance of winning enough to buy a cocktail, dinner or even more with higher stakes. If you happen to have a little too much fun, you can always call a taxi to take you safely back to your hotel.

“Sightsee” by Submarine:

You don’t have to avoid the water entirely when rain begins to fall. You can still see ocean wonders while staying dry when you take a submarine tour. The SubSee submarine in Cancun provides daily two-hour tours of the Punta Nizuc reef, where you can gain a rare glimpse of the ocean floor and get up-close-and-personal (from behind the safety of glass) with a variety of sea creatures. If you’re traveling with children, this is an especially good choice because the submarine permits all ages to board.

Hands-On Learning About Mexican Cuisine:

One of the best things about vacationing is sampling the local fare, but it gets even better when you learn how to duplicate your favorite dishes once the trip ends and you’re back at home. The Ritz-Carlton Cancun Culinary Center regularly offers classes with accomplished chefs, teaching a wide range of skills from how to craft the perfect margarita to the preparation of a four-course Mexican meal. It’s an unforgettable activity that’s ideal for couples, small groups, or even solo travelers.

Shop Till You Drop:

Let’s face it. The family and friends you left behind at home expect souvenirs so they can live vicariously through your adventures, so use the rain as an excuse to stock up on trinkets to show you care. Cancun is full of unique shopping experiences from specialty shops full of handcrafted items to upscale boutiques, so you’re sure to find just the right items for everyone on your list – including you. While the open air markets like Coral Negro Flea Market may be off limits, Kukulcan Plaza can keep you dry as you explore the myriad of shops inside.

As you can see, a little rain on your Cancun vacation isn’t the end of the world. Chances are, the showers will blow off in a matter of hours or in a day or two at most, so you can work on your tan or feel the waves gently lap at your ankles on a leisurely walk. Use the weather as an excuse to see a different side of the city, and you can play the proper seaside tourist when the sun returns, perhaps even booking a tour of Chichen Itza or Tulum.

Andres Lee

June 30, 2015
My First Scuba Diving Experience

It all began with my arrival to the beautiful beaches of Cancun, Mexico. Where the sea is crystal clear, White sand and far you can see the beautiful blue colors that stand out from the Caribbean. A few days after I got my first dive training with my family. We started to dive into a pool. Our instructor showed us some techniques like breathing with the regulator, what to do if your viewers are filled with water, how to talk with signals, etc.

Having already learned the correct technique of diving with all methods, rules and precautions, we took a boat that ride us straight to the ocean. In my mind went many things, my voice was shaking with fear and had never seen what was the seabed. I did not know what was down there. A blue abyss? Many fish and animals around me? Sharks? Will I Survive? …

When the boat stopped to start diving it was when I got really scared, we had to jump back and not leave the water until we finished the first session of diving! I took my tank on my back, the viewers on my head and my regulator ready on my hand. I sat on the edge of the boat and scared but bravely I jumped into the wáter.

First, jump into the ocean OMG!

Blue and blue, when suddenly I turned down .. was spectacular, WOW! I could not believe it, everything was amazing, a huge pool with many colored rocks in the sea, sand like gigantic cotton and some fish swimming around.

First impression upon the ocean

Along with the instructor and my family we began to descend compensating ears as we showed down to the sand, 10 meters deep, I felt I was in another world..

At the bottom of the sea

When we touch the sand, I turned up and realized how amazing it was to be in that place at that momento, nothing else mattered. I was so lost that could have been hours swimming and sailing across the ocean. We found a huge number of exotic fish of various sizes and all colors! Corals, beta fish, clown, barracuda, jellyfish, starfish and huge reefs with different fish inside, just like in the movie Nemo. Also turtle slowly sailing towards the sea surface, they were beautiful!

After swimming for a while, we went to dive into another part of the vast ocean. They said that 60% of people who dive for the first time do not want to launch the sea in the second session because you get sick, but the worst thing you can do is stay on the boat! You definitely should go into the water, that dizzy feeling on the boat is automatically removed when you get to sea again, so if you’re about to experience your first diving don´t miss both sessions!

The next area where we dived was in the underwater museum MUSA, sculptures fixed to the seabed made of special materials used to promote coral life .. These figures scared me a bit at first, I had never been able to imagine something like that in my life .. We start circling those sculptures slowly and observe each.

Just before we got out was when we saw a stingray of 5 meters underground above the sand, suddenly began to swim, amazing!

I loved the experience and would do it as often as possible, started swimming as a beginner and gradually took more confidence to dive into the coral wall at Cozumel (I recommend it a lot).

Now undoubtedly, I will share with you my next diving experience at the beautiful sea of Galapagos, where the most exotic marine animals live and huge Galapagos tortoises!

June 5, 2015