Here’s an easy to follow guide for how to plan a Cozumel diving trip! If you’re going to be visiting the Riviera Maya (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, etc) soon, Cozumel, Mexico is a really great side trip to add!
You may think Cozumel is a touristy island for cruise ship stops, but it’s actually better known as “a diver’s island”! So if you want to see clear aqua water, the best coral reefs and sea wild life, jump on the ferry and head on over!
ALSO! Right now in 2020 the cruise ships aren’t running yet! So grab your mask and hand sanitizer, and head over before the crowds return!
[Covid Disclaimer: Travel right now is at your own risk, and should always be done responsibly. Masks are recommended to be worn as much as possible, along with frequent hand washing. If you feel sick, STAY INSIDE and contact a doctor!]
Here’s everything you need to know to plan a Cozumel diving trip!
((NOTE! If you don’t like planning, or don’t want the potential of getting up-priced by car companies and taxis, please email info@mylifesamovie.com for an all inclusive set-package deal for this trip!))
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How to Get to Cozumel
There’s a few different options for getting to Cozumel, Mexico. First you obviously need to get to Mexico (hehe), so you’ll likely fly into Cancun. If you want to go straight to Cozumel from Cancun, you can fly there, but it’s way cheaper to take the ferry from Playa del Carmen.
Here’s the info and pricing! NOTE: As of right now (Dec 1), the schedules are limited (and there for more crowded) due to covid.
- Flight from Cancun to Cozumel: Around $150 USD
- Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel: take the ADO bus from Cancun to Playa (208 pesos/about $10), it drops you off right at the terminal. Taxis and rental cars are another option but both rip you off from the airport. Once you get to the ferry port, get on either Winijet ($22USD round trip, click here for schedule) or Ultramar ($25USD click here for schedule)
- To easily book the cheapest prices for the ferry to Cozumel, I would suggest using BookAway!
Oh and if you’re taking the ferry, GET THERE EARLY!!! Or you’ll end up sitting on the floor like I did!
Where to Stay in Cozumel
Since there were four of us doing the Cozumel diving trip, we opted for a condo to rent that was recommended by Scuba Tony. It’s called Casa Phoenix and it’s located in El Cantil condo building, which is conveniently right next to the ferry terminal, and only 11 minutes to the diving marina!
Casa Phoenix is also right on the beautiful water, has a glorious infinity pool, and access to the ocean where you can swim and snorkel!
Rates vary depending on the season, so please use the link above to contact them!
Who to Book Your Cozumel Diving Trip With
We did our scuba trip with a company called Scuba Tony, that has a highly recommendable reputation for safe diving. They’re also rated #1 on TripAdvisor for diving in Cozumel! All of their equipment was brand new, including a new mouthpiece for our regulators!
Their guides and captains are highly experienced, not to mention very friendly and fun! I’d recommend going out with Jose and Carlos (Aka “Pappo”).
Rates for Diving are:
- 2 Dives = $180 plus rental gear
- 5 Dives = $400 plus rental gear
- Discover Scuba Experience = $130 gear included
What You’ll See During Your Cozumel Diving Trip
If you’ve gone diving before, you know it’s not always possible to predict what you’ll see. Animals don’t have a schedule, especially the rare ones to spot like nurse sharks, eagle rays, and turtles!
But you can know which time of the year the animals are there! For example; Eagle Rays start to come in November, and Whale Sharks come in August.
Aside from the big animals, you’ll be able to see lots of vibrant coral reefs and fish year round! There’s also quite a few ship wrecks you can go to!
How to Get To and From the Dive Marina
Cozumel is actually a lot bigger than you may think! There’s taxis, but if you’re diving, or wanting to explore the island, you definitely need to rent a car!
Car rentals in Mexico in general can be a bit tricky. Rental companies here have a notorious reputation for ripping people off unfortunately, but we’ve all lived here long enough to know which ones don’t!
On Cozumel I would recommend renting with Fiesta Car Rentals. The rental itself should be around $35/day for the cheapest one, and $15/day for mandatory Mexican insurance. Driving is relatively easy on the island since there’s only one main road around it!
Once you have your car, all you need to do is type “Scuba Tony” into your phone’s maps, or here is the address:
Carrefera Costerce sur k m Interior Marina Fonatur, Zona Hotelera Nte., 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Q.R.
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