scuba diving -

Complete Guide To Scuba Diving The Mesoamerican Reef

The Mesoamerican Reef is a natural wonder and hosts an insane amount of marine life. If you love scuba diving as much as we do, you’re going to be blown away by this top 3 dive destination in the world. It’s the second largest barrier reef and is located in the Caribbean Sea (also known as the Great Mayan Reef). This large reef extends for more than 1,100 km (700 miles) past Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.

The best diving in the Mesoamerican Reef can be done in Mexico, Belize, and Honduras so we are going to focus on those countries in this article.

Top reasons to go scuba diving in the Mesoamerican Reef

There are many reasons to dive the Mesoamerican Reef system – it’s hard to narrow down. This reef is home to over 65 species of coral, 500 species of fish, and 5 species of turtles – on top of whale sharks.

Best Reef Dives

The best reef dives in Mexico include the Manchones Reef in Cancun. This tropical reef is home to many tropical fish, colourful corals, sea turtles, and nurse sharks. Some of the best reef diving in Mexico is at Cozumel Island. The most popular reef diving spots in Mexico include the Columbia Reef, Punta Sur, and Palancar Gardens Reef (between Cozuel and Tuum).

If you’re looking for reef dives in Belize, Half Moon Caye is the place to go. The Mesoamerican Reef in this area has a wall dive that drops more than 900 meters (3000 ft). You’ll see many corals, sponges, and sea fans as well as a wide range of fish, turtles, and sharks.

Utila, in Honduras Bay Islands, has many great reef diving areas such as La Chimenea, La Poza, and El Faro. You’ll be able to experience everything from turtles to sharks to manta rays, even some rare black coral trees. If you’re up for exciting diving there are narrow canyons, swim-throughs, and tunnels in this area.

Best Wreck Dives

If you are looking for wreck diving you have a few great options.

In Mexico, you have the famous Cancun’s C58 Minesweeper shipwreck, a WWII navy boat that sunk in 2000 when a hurricane swept through the area. It lies 25 meters (85 ft) below sea level and has lots of old gun turrets and cabins to explore.

Near Tulum Mexico, you can also dive the Mama Viña wreck, an old shrimp boat that sits 27 meters (90 ft) below sea level. This boat sunk in 1995 and is a great place to see octopuses.

Off the coast of Mexico nearby Belize you will find the Chinchorro Reef. This is an 800 square km (300 square miles) epic dive spot for advanced divers looking for a unique area. There are more than 70 wrecks in this protected biosphere reserve. You’ll also see a diverse marine system of reefs, turtles, sharks, crocodiles, and a large array of tropical fish.

If you are diving in Honduras El Aguila in Roatan is a 70 meters (230 ft) cargo boat that sunk in 1997 when it was hit by a hurricane. The boat lies 30 meters (100 ft) below sea level and is split into 3 sections: the cargo holds, engine room, and bridge.

Another wreck dive in Roatan is The Odyssey. This is a 91 meter (300 ft) cargo ship that sunk in 2002 and is one of the largest wrecks in the Caribbean. It lays on the bottom at 33 meters (110 ft) below sea level and you can swim through the impressive wreck to explore all the life that has flourished here.

Best Shark Dives

Scuba diving with sharks is one of the best, most unique, and ethical animal encounters you can have. The Mesoamerican Reef is home to many different species of sharks including nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, tiger sharks, bull sharks, and whale sharks.

If you’re wanting to dive with whale sharks, you’ll be happy to know that this reef is full of them. The best place to do so is in Isla Mujeres off the coast of Cancun. Whale shark season is between June and September.
If you’re visiting in the winter and want to try diving with bull sharks, you can do so in Playa del Carmen between November and March.

Why the Mesoamerican Reef is popular for scuba diving?

The Mesoamerican Reef is a system of reefs that extend from the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, around Isla Mujeres, to the Bay Islands in Belize. This area is world renowned for its large concentration of whale sharks and diverse coral reef systems. Spanning through this area are many reefs and protected parks.

Quick facts about diving in the Mesoamerican Reef

Diving season in the Mesoamerican Reef

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef’s tropical location makes it an epic year round dive site. Due to tropical storms rolling through, the best diving season is between the months of November and May when the water is warm and clear.

Cost of diving in the Mesoamerican Reef

The cost of scuba diving in the Mesoamerican Reef depends on which of the 4 countries you choose to dive. In general, scuba diving in Mexico will be more expensive than diving in Belize and Honduras. It also depends on your level of Scuba diving certification. It’ll cost more if you’re getting your Open Water Scuba Certification than if you already have it and are looking for fun dives to explore the reef.

Scuba diving in Mexico typically costs around $150 CAD ($110 USD) for a 2 tank dive for experienced divers. A Discover Scuba Diving course for those who want to try diving for the first time costs around $110 CAD ($80 USD) from the shore and $200 CAD ($150 USD) from a boat. A PADI Open Water Certification costs around $610 CAD ($450 USD) which doesn’t include accommodation.

A 2 tank dive in Belize costs around $200-270 CAD ($150-200 USD). Discover Scuba Diving costing around $340 CAD ($250 USD) and PADI Open Water Certification costing around $760 CAD ($560 USD).

The cheapest place to scuba dive the Mesoamerican Reef is in Honduras. A 2 tank dive will be around $122 CAD ($90 USD) with a 10 dive package costing about $488 CAD ($360 USD). Discover Scuba Diving training will cost about $375-440 CAD ($275-325 USD). Open Water Certification costs about $475-610 CAD ($350-450 USD).

Where to get certified in the Mesoamerican Reef

There is no bad place to get scuba dive certified in this area. If you’re looking for the best deal, Honduras will be your best bet. Utila, Honduras is one of the cheapest places in the world to get scuba diver certified. The PADI Open Water Certification costs between $540-610 CAD ($400-450 USD). A SSI Certification is always a bit cheaper at around $475-540 CAD ($350-400 USD).

Diving conditions in the Mesoamerican Reef

The exceptional diving conditions in the Mesoamerican reef are a huge reason so many people love diving in this area. The reef is spread out over a large area and the diving conditions are pretty amazing no matter where you choose to go.

Visibility

Water visibility will vary based on the area and time of year you visit. On average you will have an underwater visibility of between 15-30 meters (50-100 ft) or more. This makes for exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving.

Water temperature

The water temperature will vary depending on the time of year you visit. Between December and February, the water will get as cold as 25℃ (77℉) while summer months, between July and September, will have water temperatures of around 30℃ (86℉).

What you’ll see diving in the Mesoamerican Reef

The Mesoamerican Reef is famous for a wide array of large marine life including:

Sea turtles: Green, Loggerhead, Leatherback, Hawksbill, and Olive Ridley sea turtle
Whales: Humpback, Minke, Whale Sharks, and Sperm Whales
Rays: Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Spotted Eagle Rays, and Stingrays
Manatees
Crocodiles
Dolphins: Bottlenose, Spinner, Spotted, Rough-Toothed, and more)
20 different species of sharks.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is world renowned for its large concentration of whale sharks. These gentle giants have their annual migration through this area between mid May to mid September. One of the best areas to snorkel and scuba dive with whale sharks is in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. You can book a snorkel trip to have an ethical encounter swimming with whale sharks.

Where to dive in the Mesoamerican Reef

The Mesoamerican Reef is one of the most diverse and spectacular coral reef systems in the world. It stretches for over 1,000 kilometers along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert diver, you’ll find something to suit your interests and skills in this amazing region.

Belize

The Great Blue Hole is one of the most popular and recognizable dive spots in the world. It’s a circular sinkhole that plunges to a depth of over 120 meters, where divers can admire ancient rock formations and encounter various sharks. Advanced divers who can go much deeper will see lots of cool looking stalactites and stalagmites as well as sharks (reef, giant hammerheads, and bull sharks).

Ambergris Caye (Isla Bonita) is another popular dive area home to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the area’s oldest. It’s the largest island of Belize and its history dates back to the Maya civilization.

Turneffe Atoll has lots of great dive sites with patch reefs and vertical walls and is known for its large concentration of sharks, turtles, and dolphins. It’s the largest atoll in Belize and the Mesoamerican Reef System. Its history includes being inhabited by the Maya and pirates.

An atoll is an island that is shaped like a ring with a lagoon in the center.

Honduras

The beautiful Bay Islands include 3 islands famed for amazing scuba diving: Guanaja, Roatán and Utila. Each island has its own charm and attractions, and you can find a variety of dive sites, from reefs to wrecks, from caves to walls, and from shallow to deep. You can also encounter amazing marine life, such as whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, and more.

Utila is the smallest island of the three and is one of the cheapest places in the world to get scuba diving certified (around $400 CAD/$300 USD). It also has some of the most amazing diving in Coco Seamount. This is a submerged volcano that attracts large schools of fish, tuna, barracudas, manta rays, and whale sharks (February to April is whale shark season). Halliburton Wreck is great for those who want to explore a sunken cargo ship.

Roatán Island is home to some of the best diving in Honduras. This is the largest and most developed of the Bay Islands and offers more facilities and services for tourists. It also has some of the most diverse and spectacular dive sites in the region.

Mary’s Place, where you can dive in narrow canyons and crevasses filled with corals and sponges
El Aguila Wreck, where you can swim around a 230-foot long ship that lies on the sandy bottom.
Other top dive sites include Hole in the Wall and Half Moon Bay Wall

Guanaja is the least visited island in the Bay Islands, and it offers a more secluded and pristine diving experience. It has over 50 dive sites, many of which are unexplored and untouched. You can dive sites like Black Rock Canyon, where you can see huge black coral trees and walls covered with colourful sponges, or Jado Trader Wreck, where you can see a 240-foot long freighter that sank in 1988.

Mexico

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is home to stunning turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea. Its east coast is lined with the stunning Mesoamerican Reef system making it one of the most popular dive regions in the world. This is just one of the many draws to the tourist hotspots of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel. This region is famous for its whale shark migration and colourful coral reefs with an abundance of marine life.

Cancun

The tourist hotspot of Cancun Mexico is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. It has some of the best diving year round with peak dive season between May and September. Expect to see lots of marine life including moray eels, barracudas, and sea turtles. This is also whale shark season in Cancun and nearby Isla Mujeres.

The most popular dive spots in Cancun include:

MUSA Underwater Museum (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site) has over 500 sculptures submerged to swim through.
The Manchones Reef, a great place to see turtles, rays and moray eels.
C58 Shipwreck is a sunken navy vessel that is home to barracudas, groupers and lobsters.

If you don’t have your scuba diving certification but want to give it a try, you can book a beginner scuba diving class. You’ll get some instruction before doing a 2 tank dive at both the MUSA Underwater Museum and the Manchones Reef.

If you’re already dive certified, you can book a scuba diving day trip from Cancun to see the top diving sights in the area.

Playa del Carmen

Another popular Mexican tourist destination is Playa del Carmen. It’s located south of Cancun and is one of the best places to dive with female bull sharks. They migrate to the area between November and March to have their young.

For those looking to get PADI Open Water Certified in Playa del Carmen is a great place to do so. If you’re looking to try diving for the first time a Discover Scuba Diving is a great option. If you’re already certified and just want to enjoy all the best of Playa del Carmen scuba diving, a 2 tank dive is for you.

One of the most famous dive sites in Playa del Carmen is Mama Viña, a shrimp boat that was sunk in 1995 and acts as a stunning artificial reef, home to lots of octopuses.

Tortugas is another popular Playa del Carmen scuba diving site, especially for beginners, where you can see lots of different sea turtles.

Playa del Carmen is also a great place to go cenote scuba diving. Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with freshwater. Some can be hundreds of feet deep and filled with stalactites. This should be reserved for scuba divers who are certified, advanced, and comfortable in tight spaces.

Cozumel

For a small island, scuba diving in Cozumel packs a punch with 40 epic dive sites around the island. Cozumel Island has made a name for itself as one of the top snorkeling and scuba diving destinations in the world. You can dive year round with December to April being peak dive season. You can expect to see a large concentration of tropical fish, eagle rays, sea turtles, and sharks (nurse and reef sharks).

The most famous dive site here is the Columbia Reef, a wall dive with cliffs, tunnels, and drop offs. Palancar Reef and Santa Roas Wall are other popular dive sites.

Top Cozumel scuba diving sites include:

Palancar Caves feature tunnels, caves and arches you can swim through. It also comes with the chance to see rays, turtles, and nurse sharks.
Santa Rosa Wall is one of the most famous dive sites in Cozumel. This area features a steep wall that drops from 15 meters (50 feet) to over 60 meters (around 200 feet). There are also huge sponges, coral formations and overhangs.
Columbia Reef is the largest reef and has a shallow, normal and deep section making it great for any level of scuba diver.

The C-53 Shipwreck is an old navy vessel that was intentionally sunk in 1999 to create a reef. It sits on the bottom at 25 meters making it a great place to scuba dive.

How to dive in the Mesoamerican Reef

Much of the Mesoamerican reef lies along the coastline of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala. Visiting any one of these countries, especially the islands just off the coast, will give you access to all the best dive sites in a small area.

If you want to scuba dive the Mesoamerican Reef, the most popular option is to book day dives. Typically you’ll do a 2 tank dive where you are out on the water for a few hours with 2 dives at different sites. These can be either shore dives or boat dives. Some places, especially if booking through resorts, will offer larger dive packs of 10+ dives for a better deal.

Looking for the best diving experience? You can book an overnight liveaboard dive excursion where you can have a multi day scuba diving adventure.

Snorkeling in the Mesoamerican Reef

If you’re still not sure about scuba diving you can get your feet wet with snorkeling. It’s a great starting point for those interested in diving but don’t want to commit to a full dive certificate.

One of the best ways to start snorkeling is by doing it while you’re on vacation. This is where Samara’s love for everything water and ocean began. You can rent snorkel gear for cheap almost anywhere and go at your own pace.

If you’re on a Mexico vacation in the Yucatan Peninsula Cancun is a great place to snorkel. Many hotels and resorts will even include snorkel gear in their packages.

Manchones Reef is a shallow option that is great for beginner snorkelers. You’ll be able to see corals, sponges, and fish with an opportunity to see turtles, rays and moray eels.
The Cancun Underwater Museum has 500+ underwater sculptures that you can see from the surface of the water. Or you can be brave and dive down to try to get a closer look.

If you want to try snorkeling in Belize, we’d recommend checking out Silk Cayes. This is a marine reserve full of beautiful coral gardens that are full of life. Snorkeling in Silk Cayes will have you swimming with nurse sharks, lobsters, sting rays, and sea turtles and costs around $200 CAD ($150 USD) for the day trip.

Planning your trip to the Mesoamerican Reef

The Mexican part of the Mesoamerican Reef is outstanding. All the best places to sleep and eat, and top things to do are in Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Thanks for stopping by!

Some of the most sought after dive sites in the world are found throughout the Mesoamerican Reef is one of. This barrier reef sits in the tropical Caribbean waters meaning warm, clear water that is full of life. You’ll find everything from thriving colourful coral reef systems full of tropical fish to beautiful sharks, turtles, and rays. The Mesoamerican Reef offers something for every diver.

This huge reef system is great for first time divers who want shallow reefs to experienced divers looking for deep walls and sunken shipwrecks, you’ll find it here. The Mesoamerican Reef is one of our favourite places to scuba dive in the world and we highly recommend it to anyone who loves diving.

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In Mexico

Exciting Things To Do In Cozumel Mexico: Your Guide to Adventure

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Ohhh Cozumel, our favourite place in all of Mexico. Located just off the coast of Playa del Carmen, Cozumel Island is the place to be for those looking for a vacation full of relaxation and adventure. This island is a whole lot of fun to explore whether you’re looking to explore the rich culture at some ancient Mayan ruins, scuba dive on the second largest barrier reef in the world, or simply sip on some margaritas while you watch an epic sunset at a beach club, you will have no problem finding fun things to do in Cozumel.

You’ll notice most of the things to do in Cozumel involve being on, or in, the water. This is not by accident. Cozumel is the place to go if your focus is spending as much time in the gorgeous Caribbean Sea as possible. You can expect pristine white sandy beaches full of vibrant marine life at this Mexican oasis.

If you’re planning a trip to Cozumel, be sure to read our complete guide to Cozumel where we dive into all your must know travel tips. Everything from how to get to Cozumel to the best places to eat, drink, and stay on the island.

For now, let’s jump into all the amazing things to do in Cozumel so we can really showcase all this beautiful island has to offer. Trust us, you’ll love it!

Top things to do in Cozumel

As Mexico’s largest island, Cozumel has so much to see and do. Its location is pretty well perfect in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula not far from other popular tourist destinations like the bustling city of Cancun and the nearby boho town of Tulum. If you’re trying to decide what to do in Cozumel, we’ve got you covered with our top 22 activities.

1. Go snorkeling in the beautiful turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea

An epic way to spend any day on the island, Cozumel is THE PLACE to go snorkeling. Whether you’ve tried snorkeling before or not, trust us you will want to go snorkeling here! Cozumel has built a reputation worldwide of being home to some of the best snorkeling in the world. You can (and should) take a tour out to the best snorkel spots but even just snorkeling from the shore will reveal some of the best snorkeling conditions you’ll ever see.

Cozumel Island sits in the middle of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second largest coral reef. This means you can expect a thriving and colorful reef system here that is full of life. You will see more colorful tropical fish than you thought possible in these waters – an experience that will make anyone an ocean lover!

If you’re looking for free snorkeling in Cozumel, you have a few options. Our favourite is the centrally located Playa Casita. There’s an amazing oceanfront restaurant called La Monina that you can eat at and rent lockers from while you snorkel from the beach right in front of it. Another spot is Sunset Beach which is close to the ferry terminals. Playa Corona is another great spot, but you’ll want to stay close to the shore here as the currents can get a little strong.

There are also some great paid beach snorkel sites in Cozumel. Chankanaab Park is one of the most popular places in Cozumel to go snorkeling (although we DO NOT support their dolphin and manatee enclosures). Playa Palancar and Dzul Ha are other popular areas.

By far the best snorkeling you will get is on snorkel tours where they take you to the best snorkel spots on Cozumel. This half day 3 reef snorkel tour takes you to 3 of the best reefs in the island: Palancar, Columbia, and the stunning Playa el Cielo reefs.

If you’re visiting Cozumel on a cruise ship, or are otherwise short on time, this coral reef snorkel tour is a great option. The 5 star reviews speak for themselves, this 2 hour snorkel tour allows you to get the best experience the island offers.

If you want to ensure you see some amazing marine life like sea turtles and starfish, this turtle sanctuary snorkel tour is an amazing option. This half day tour takes you to 3-4 snorkel spots, one being a natural sea turtle sanctuary, and another being a starfish sanctuary. This is a great (and ethical) animal encounter tour that we can get behind!

If you’re not too keen on snorkeling but want to get an intro to the underwater world, booking a tour on an invisible boat is a great option. You will board a completely clear boat that will allow you to see all the beautiful corals, fish, and even shipwrecks below the water’s surface. At the end, you will have an opportunity for a short snorkel. This is great for young kids or elderly people who may not be physically able to snorkel in the water.

2. Explore the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins

Those looking for a good dose of Mexican culture and history will love a visit to these ancient Cozumel ruins. This is one of the lesser known Mayan ruins in Mexico and is certainly worth the visit. This is where many Mayan women flocked to in worship of the Goddess Ixchel – Goddess of fertility. (Just saying… Samara did get pregnant just 6 months after visiting so beware!)

Entrance into the San Gervasio Mayan ruins is 216MXN ($17.50 CAD/$13 USD) per person with kids under 3 being free. The ruins are fairly easy to get to located inland about 15km (9.3 miles) from San Miguel de Cozumel. The ruins are open daily between 8 am and 4 pm.

The only downfall with these ruins is that there is not a lot of information throughout explaining the significance of the different buildings. For history buffs who really want to learn about the importance of this site, booking a guided tour is a great way to get a good backstory of the ruins.

This Mayan ruins and beach private tour is a great way for your group to jump into history and learn all about the Mayan heritage. You will be guided through the ruins and learn all about the significance of the site before heading to some of the best beaches and lookout points on the island.

3. Go scuba diving in the Mesoamerican Reef

Scuba diving in Cozumel is one of the best places to go in the world. It’s famous for its chill drift drives where the current pulls you gently, colourful reefs, and abundant sea life. Cozumel sits along part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest behind the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Cozumel is a great place for any level of scuba diving. No matter if you’re interested and want to try it out, or if you’re a certified scuba diver and have been diving around the world Cozumel will impress you. Cozumel diving certification is recognized all over the world making this island the perfect place to get PADI scuba dive certified.

Cozumel’s ocean temperatures sit around 26-30℃/78-86℉, similar to their air temperatures. Being from Canada we love warm water scuba diving.

This area of the Caribbean Sea features colourful reefs, lots of sea life, and interesting diving areas. You have the chance to see three different species of sea turtles, rays, sharks (Samara’s favourite), dolphins, and whale sharks (between May and September). Cozumel dive sites include features ranging from easy drift drives, wreck drives, cave dives, and wall dives. In fact, there are more than 50 diver sites around the island.

Our favourite was a Cozumel drift dive. Starting as the most impressive wall dive we’ve ever done, we swam through a small tunnel only to come out the other side and be greeted by a large leatherback turtle. An absolutely epic experience we will never forget!

Some of the top dive sites in Cozumel include the Santa Rosa Wall, Palancar Horseshoe, Chankanaab Reef, Cantarel Wall, Columbia Reef, Punta Sur Reef, and El Cielo

Cozumel diving cost varies depending on the dive shop, the dive site, the dive package, and the equipment rental. However, on average, a two-tank dive from the boat is around $125 CAD ($90 USD). This usually includes two tanks, a marine park fee, and snacks. You may have to rent the other gears, such as BCD and regulator, which are still very affordable at around $10 to $12 each. Some dive shops also offer discounts for multiple dives or group bookings.

You can also get Cozumel scuba diving packages which range from group dives to multi day excursions.

4. Eat Mexican food

One of the tastiest things to do in Cozumel is eat all the delicious food the island has to offer. The island is full of delicious restaurants serving up everything from fresh seafood to delicious Italian. Of course, you come to Mexico to chow down on some tasty enchiladas, tacos, and burritos. You will find no shortage of options for quality Mexican restaurants on the island. Three Amigos and La Choza were our favourites.

We like taking food tours because they’re done by local guides that know all the best places to eat. The best food day tours are the ones that include many stops at a wide variety of restaurants. This way you get to know what the food is really like in that area.

This 3 hour Cozumel Food Tour takes you to 5 Cozumel restaurants. Starting at 11 am, it focuses on the Caribbean and Cuban influences on Mexican food. You’ll eat authentic dishes including empanadas and tacos and wash it down with Agua Fresca (fresh fruit juice) and beer and end with Mexican pastries.

If you want to grab some food but also want to bike the city an E-Bike City Tour though Cozumel & Taco Tasting Tour is our recommendation. Not only do you get a tour of some of the attractions in Cozumel but you also get to take some tacos and ice cream. Plus you can eat more knowing you’re getting a good workout too!

5. Get lost in a jungle 4x4 adventure

Cozumel isn’t just a great Mexican city – part of the Island is still covered in a rugged lush green jungle. We love a good adventure day and find them the perfect way to balance our lazy beach days. Luckily for us, Cozumel accommodates both our adventure travel and beach bum sides.

The best way to get around the Cozumel jungle is by ATV. You’ll get to bomb around the forest on trails until you arrive at a cenote you can swim in. This ATV and cenote tour is an awesome way to spend your day on Cozumel.

If you’re like us, combining a 4×4 adventure with splashing in the ocean makes for the perfect excursion. This ATV and claer boat ride experience is one of our top picks for fun things to do in Cozumel. This combo tour combines a fun 4×4 ATV ride through jungle trails, a clear boat tour to see some shipwrecks (costs an additional $27 CAD/$20 USD per person), and access to Playa Uvas beach club which includes lunch, soft drinks, and snorkeling to finish the day off.

6. Rent some wheels and tour the island

It’s no secret we love a good road trip! Touring around islands is particularly fun because if you get lost, you’ll almost always end up at the beach.

We love renting scooters when we travel places – it’s one of our favourite ways to see a new area. We rented scooters to tour around Cozumel and absolutely loved it. There aren’t many roads on the island so it’s almost impossible to get lost. We recommend getting out of the city and doing a lap of the island. While there are bigger waves on the East Coast which makes it not great for snorkeling it’s amazing for spending the day at a quiet beach with epic views.

When we were touring around we saw a lot of people driving in these sick looking dune buggies – but like high end dune buggies. We looked into renting a dune buggy and turns out it’s actually a really great deal! With your rental, a guide will come with you to either chauffeur you around the island or take the backseat to navigate you to all the best parts of the island.

The dune buggies will pick you up from anywhere around town, including the cruise ship terminals making for an epic excursion. The rental cost includes entrance to the Sky Reef Beach Club where you can enjoy some free drinks and food, a few different private beaches, the Punta Sur National Park entrance fee, a tequila and chocolate tasting, snorkeling, and more.

7. Relax at a beach club

One of the most famous things to do in Cozumel is lounge at a beach club (have we mentioned how much we love a lazy island life!). These are essentially restaurants or hotels that have chairs and cabanas set up on the beach. This pass gives you a place to store your belongings and hide from the sun when you want to relax. The best beach clubs also include all you can eat buffets, an open bar, pools, and activities to do during your stay.

The most famous beach club in Cozumel is Mr. Sanchos Beach Club. This all inclusive day pass includes an all you can eat buffet, an open bar (with 2 pool bars), snorkeling from the private beach, access to kayaks, and lockers. The beach umbrellas are first come, first served so we’d recommend getting there early in the day (you pay the same if you’re there for an hour or the whole day).

It’s open from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday and 9 am to 5 pm on Sunday.

If you’re looking for another famous beach club in Cozumel this Paradise Beach all inclusive day pass is for you. You’ll be treated to all day food from their two restaurants, an open bar, lounge chairs, pools, and showers. There is the option to upgrade your beach day pass to include access to the water park, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkels, wave runners, and more.

Paradise Beach Cozumel is open Monday to Sunday 8 am to 6 pm.

8. Ride in a submarine

Where else in the world can you ride in a submarine for fun? Hands down one of the most unique things to do in Cozumel is to take a ride underwater in a submarine! It has been US Coast Guard Certified so you can rest assured that you will be completely safe. This day tour takes you below the crystal clear water of Cozumel for about 45 minutes in Chankanaab where you can take in all the beauty of the underwater world.

You’ll be safely inside the Atlantis Submarine and be taken past one of the most colourful reefs in Cozumel. This Cozumel Submarine Experience will dive to depths of 30 meters (100 feet). We were expecting it to cost more than it did at $137 CAD ($99 USD) per person! This is one of the best kid friendly things to do in Cozumel. There is a 4 year old, 3ft (91 cm) tall age and height requirement for the submarine.

9. Go shopping in San Miguel de Cozumel

Cozumel is home to some fantastic shopping. While you won’t find your typical chain stores like H&M and Zara, you will find an array of jewelry stores, souvenir shops, and specialty shops. Just across from the ferry terminal, you will find Plaza del Sol which is considered downtown, and where you will find a good array of many different types of shops and restaurants.

Continuing for many blocks along the waterfront and extending back into the streets behind, here you will find everything from impressive wood carvings to fine jewelry. You should expect an island tax here where prices are higher than in other areas on the mainland like Playa del Carmen.

10. Watch the sunset

Cozumel sure is a great place to watch the sunset. San Miguel is west facing making it a great spot to watch the sun go down. There are so many great spots to watch the sunset over the beautiful Caribbean Sea, we’d almost have an easier time telling you where to catch a bad sunset. Head to the beach, or better yet head to an oceanfront bar and pair your sunset views with an ice cold cerveza.

We stayed at a hotel with a rooftop pool and made it our nightly routine to watch the sunset every night. You’ll get a 360° view of Cozumel (and even Playa del Carmen if you’re lucky). We were incredibly lucky and almost every night was just us on the rooftop (don’t expect this on your trip to Cozumel).

11. Go on a horseback riding adventure

If you are a horse lover or are traveling with kids, taking this horseback riding tour in Cozumel is a great way to spend your time. You will enjoy a 30 minute horseback ride starting at Mr. Sanchos Beach Club. You can expect stunning views of the island as you ride through the jungle and along the stunning Caribbean waters. We’re happy to report that these horses are well cared for, and well trained, for riders of all ages.

12. Take in ocean views parasailing

Samara’s first time parasailing was in Mexico so she can attest to how amazing it is! With epic views of the stunning Caribbean Sea, you can expect your parasailing adventure to form some great core memories. If you have a GoPro, this is the time to use it!

With this parasailing tour, you will get access to the Tortugas Beach Club amenities as well as enjoy your time flying through the air. You can choose between a solo or tandem parasail.

13. Zipline through the jungle

Myles is notoriously scared of heights and has been battling this fear ever since we started traveling. It turns out that a lot of the cool things you do abroad involve heights. In an effort to not miss out, he’s been trying to challenge his fears everywhere we go. When we were in Playa del Carmen, we took a day trip to Xplor Park where we did a lot of ziplining. Shockingly Myles absolutely loved the experience and now wants to go ziplining everywhere we go!

The ziplining in Cozumel is a 6 line course with varying speeds, heights, and lengths to keep you on your toes. Tucked into the jungle, you will get stunning aerial views of the island as you ride. This is a great activity for families but keep in mind riders must be over 70 pounds.

14. Walk along the ocean floor in an underwater helmet experience

Have you always wanted to walk underwater but could never hold your breath long enough? Well, you can and in the crystal clear turquoise water of Cozumel. Samara did this on a trip to Cancun when she was 18 before she became a scuba diver and absolutely loved it. Many (many many) years later she still has fond memories of her experience putting this goofy looking helmet on and walking along the ocean floor. In fact, it was a driving force for her to want to get her scuba diving certification.

The SeaTrek Underwater Helmet experience doesn’t require any diving or swimming experience. You will start by putting your helmet on as you enter the water. You will climb down a ladder until you get onto the ocean floor. There will be ropes to hold onto as you walk along the bottom of the sea with swarms of colorful tropical fish all around you.

This experience is located in Jeanie’s Beach Club and as a bonus, you get access to the beach club including free snorkeling gear after this tour.

15. Set sail aboard a catamaran

Nothing screams island life quite like boarding a stunning sailboat and spending the day on the water. From all inclusive style party boats to private luxurious catamarans, you’ll find it all on Cozumel. If you’re trying to figure out what to do on Cozumel, chartering a yacht should be at the top of your list!

If you’re traveling with a group, booking this stunning 39 ft catamaran is an epic way to spend the day on the water. Snorkel equipment, a paddle board, and a large floating mat are all included making this excursion great for the whole family. In true Mexico fashion, these boats are all inclusive and include food and drinks in the cost.

If you’re looking for a party, this catamaran party boat is one of the best things to do in Cozumel. This afternoon excursion will have you boarding a huge 65 ft catamaran and sailing out to sea. You will be taken out to a snorkeling spot before heading to a private beach for a beach party. Food and drinks are included in the price along with water sports like kayaks and paddle boards, water floats, trampolines, and slides.

If you’d rather stay on dry land there are hammocks and cabanas ready for your leisure.

16. Ride a sea scooter

If you want to snorkel and love speed, these cool sea scooters are a lot of fun. You can sit back and relax as the scooters propel you forward allowing you to see more in less time. You will feel like a fish as you effortlessly move through the water past sunken ships and colorful fish.

We love that this sea scooter tour includes a bit of everything giving you a well rounded day in Cozumel. You will not only get to snorkel through the water but enjoy some tasty lunch and, of course, a tequila tasting. You will even learn how to make some traditional Mexican snacks so you can go home with a taste of Mexico.

17. Visit Punta Sur Ecological Park

The Punta Sur Eco Park is located in the southern part of Cozumel right beside Playa El Cielo and the Columbia Deep Reef – one of the most popular beaches and dive sites in the area. This is a 1000+ hectare state reserve with everything from birds to crocodiles to a lighthouse and even sea fan gardens throughout the reef. We strongly recommend stopping here for a few hours to explore the area.

Tickets cost $26 CAD ($19 USD) for adults, $18 CAD ($13 USD) for children 4-12 years old and free for children under 3. This includes parking, showers and dressing room, life vests, scenic tower, Celarain Lighthouse, a Catamaran boat ride, “El Tatich”, hammocks and beach chairs, a nature trail, and access to the beaches – well worth it in our eyes.

18. Ride a mini SUB

Another cool way to explore what’s under the sea, this Mini-SUB Diving Adventure is a cool way to speed through the water. After meeting at the Wyndham Cozumel Hotel & Resort, you’ll ride around in your own personal underwater submarine (it looks like a bicycle with a large see-through helmet). You’ll be able to breathe normally underwater as you would above the surface without anything in your mouth or a mask on your face.

This Cozumel excursion doesn’t require any previous diving experience.

19. Take an island tour

If you’re visiting Cozumel on a cruise ship or on a day trip, you will want to see as much of the island as you can in a short amount of time. Taking a private tour of the island is a great way to fit in as many fun things to do in Cozumel as you can into a single day excursion.

Drinks and snorkel gear are included in this private day tour allowing you to comfortably cruise around Cozumel’s top sights. We love that private tours allow you the freedom to explore the things you want and customize your day to your liking.

20. Tour the El Caracol Mayan ruins

If you’re a history buff looking to dive into the rich heritage of the Mayan people in Mexico, visiting the Zona Arqueológica El Caracol is a must! Like the San Gervasio ruins, El Caracol gives you a taste of Mayan culture with some insight into how this ancient civilization lived. Built between 1200 and 1400 AD, this impressive slice of history is worth a visit.

We love that this Mayan temple has a seaside location and backs onto the beautiful Laguna Colombia. As a bonus, you will get a cool view of the crocs that live in the area. Located on the southern tip of Cozumel, you will need to rent a scooter or another form of wheels to get here.

21. Sip a margarita

In true Mexico fashion, your trip to Cozumel is not complete until you have a margarita in hand. We loved visiting Wet Wendy’s Margarita House and trying one of their 30 flavours of margaritas. Thirsty Cougar also makes delicious margaritas and has a great location in San Miguel de Cozumel.

The Coconut Shack and Coconuts Bar & Grill are both on the east coast of Cozumel and make a mean marg with stunning ocean views.

22. Try a chocolate making workshop

If you’re looking for a great reason to eat some tasty chocolate, do it in the name of Mexican culture! You can learn all about Mayan culture on this Chocolate Workshop Cozumel tour. For an hour and a half, you’ll be walked through all the steps of how to make a delicious chocolate bar using a Mayan recipe. At the same time, you will dive into the history of the ancient Mayan culture.

Unethical Cozumel

In our effort to promote sustainable tourism, we do not support businesses that exploit animal welfare for tourism’s sake. We would love to promote places like Chankanaab National Park as they offer amazing snorkeling and diving as well as a relaxing beach club however we DO NOT stand behind their dolphin and manatee exploitation practices. Please do not ride captive animals. An hour of enjoyment is not worth the animal’s entire life in a small pool.

Thanks for stopping by!

Oh Cozumel, we love you! While we were initially drawn to the island for its world class snorkeling and scuba diving, we found it hard to pack everything we wanted to do into a few short days. For being a relatively small island, it packs a punch offering tons of fun things to do in Cozumel. Whether you’re visiting Cozumel on a cruise ship and looking for a day excursion, or spending a week on the island, we’ve got you covered.

Now, all that’s left to do is book your flights.

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In Mexico

Ultimate Cozumel Mexico Guide: All You Need to Know for a Perfect Vacation

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Cozumel Mexico will forever go down as our favourite island in Mexico – scratch that our favourite place in Mexico! Not only is it home to the best scuba diving we’ve seen, but the island itself has a whole lot to offer! We spent a few days running around the island but could have easily spent our whole time here exploring this tropical island.

We love that Cozumel Mexico has a great central location close to popular tourist destinations like Cancun, Tulum, and nearby Playa del Carmen. Many people who visit the Yucatan Peninsula are deciding between an island day trip to Cozumel or Isla Mujeres. While both are worth a visit, if you have to pick one, we’d say Cozumel!

Cozumel Island has gotten some well deserved global attention as being one of the most beautiful islands, home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world! It’s located along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest coral reef in the world and these tropical Caribbean waters are full of life.

Samara first visited Cozumel on a Caribbean cruise and has been dreaming about returning to this beautiful tropical island ever since. This was the spot where Samara first fell in love with being underwater. After going snorkeling in Cozumel and experiencing all the beauty of the underwater world she’s been obsessed with the ocean, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

When we got the opportunity to go back and visit Cozumel, we knew we needed to spend as much time as we could exploring this beautiful island. After renting scooters to tour the island, snorkeling, scuba diving, exploring Mayan ruins, and lazing at beach clubs it’s safe to say we thoroughly experienced this amazing island.

We created this Cozumel guide to help as many people as possible experience all this island paradise has to offer. We think this is a must visit for anyone heading to the Yucatan Peninsula.

Okay, we’ll stop rambling… here’s everything you need to know about traveling to Cozumel Mexico.

Where is Cozumel?

Cozumel is the largest inhabited island in Mexico and we can see why – what a dream place to live! Home to around 100,000 people and welcoming about 3.5 million tourists annually, you’ll be in good company here. This island is 46 km (29 miles) long and around 14 km (14 miles) wide making it a great size to rent some wheels and explore.

The island of Cozumel is surrounded by the stunning turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. It sits just 16 km (10 miles) off the coast of Playa del Carmen and is easily accessible with a short 45 minute ferry ride. After sailing through the Cozumel Channel you’ll arrive at the Cozumel ferry terminal in San Miguel de Cozumel.

How To Get To Cozumel Mexico?

There are many ways to get to Cozumel Mexico. As this is an island, you will have the choice of entering by air or sea.

You have two options for visiting by sea: with a ferry, or with a cruise ship.

Cozumel Ferry

If you are coming from other popular tourist areas in Mexico, you will need to first go to Playa del Carmen and catch the Cozumel ferry to the island. The Cozumel ferry port is on the strip at the end of Quinta Ave in Playa del Carmen.

There are two ferry operators to choose from: Ultramar and Winjet.

A Winjet Ferry ticket will cost you 285 MXN ($23 CAD/$17 USD) from Cozumel and 301MXN ($24 CAD/$18 USD) from Playa del Carmen or a combo round trip ticket for 585MXN ($47 CAD/$35 USD).
Ultramar has more options for routes and luxury. If you’re booking online you’ll want to select “Carmen Beach” as that is the Playa del Carmen terminal. Then you can select Premium Plus for 290MXN ($23.55 CAD/$17.31 USD) one way or book a return ticket for 580MXN ($47.11 CAD/$34.62 USD)

Cruise Ship

Cozumel is a popular cruise ship destination having 3 cruise ports – Punta Lanosta, International Pier, and Puerto Maya. Each Cozumel cruise port is owned by different companies and is located close to the town of San Miguel. Taking a taxi or organizing an excursion with included transportation is the best way to get from the cruise ship port to different areas of Cozumel.

Cozumel Airport

If you’re looking for a more direct route to Cozumel you can use Cozumel airport. You’ll fly into The Cozumel International Airport (CZM). Cozumel flights from Cancun can be as cheap as $128 ($94 USD) to $1150 ($850 USD) with an average of $677 ($500 USD). Once you arrive you can take a taxi or organize a private shuttle from Cozumel Airport to take you to any hotel on the island.

Cozumel from Cancun

If you’re wondering “How far is Cozumel from Cancun?” we’d recommend expecting the trip to take about 3 hours, depending on your ferry time.

The route from Cancun to Cozumel involves driving along the MEX-307 highway from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. This drive takes about an hour and a half from the city and about an hour from Cancun Airport. You will then need to catch the ferry to Cozumel which takes about 45 minutes.

If you’re looking for all your options on how to get to Playa, you’ll find them in our Playa del Carmen travel guide.

If you are looking for a faster way to get from Cancun to Cozumel, you can also take a flight from Cancun International Airport to Cozumel International Airport, which will get you to the island in about 15 minutes.

Cozumel from Playa del Carmen

To get to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen you’ll be taking the Cozumel ferry. The ferry takes about 45 minutes and the ride is absolutely beautiful! We’ve never seen so many shades of blue and green as we did on this boat ride. It made us so much more excited to start exploring the island.

Cozumel from Tulum

How far is Cozumel from Tulum? Like Cancun, you will have a drive+ferry combo with first having to head to Playa. You will first drive about an hour north along the Mex-307 highway. From there you’ll catch the Cozumel ferry from Playa del Carmen.

How To Get Around Cozumel?

Cozumel is a fun place to explore. It seems like you’re never more than a short walk away from the beach.

Walk

If you’re staying in San Miguel Cozumel, the main city of Cozumel, you’ll be able to walk everywhere. You’ll find shops, restaurants, and lots of sites to explore. This is also a great place to take a nice walk along the water.

Scooter

Our favourite way of getting around wherever we travel is by scooter. It all started scootering around Thailand and then we were hooked. It gives you the freedom to go anywhere, any time you want – and it’s a cheap way of getting around. Your Cozumel scooter rental should cost around $30 CAD ($22 USD) per day. This is also something you can haggle the price down on- but be reasonable!

Pro Travel Tip: If you decide to take a Cozumel scooter rental you should use your smartphone to take a video of the scooter. This way you have proof of existing damage to avoid a conflict when you return it. The shop will also see you do this and not give you a hard time. This works everywhere we’ve rented a scooter.

We loved scootering in Cozumel – the island is absolutely perfect for it! There aren’t many roads around which means you will not get lost and will have an easy time seeing all the sites. The east side of the island is lined with a stunning beach with large waves that are perfect for windsurfing. This beach is a lot quieter as it is away from the tourist path. Watch for signs as you drive leading to the ruins of San Gervasio – we loved visiting these!

Taxi

We didn’t take a taxi the whole time we stayed on Cozumel – probably ‘cause we had a scooter. Taxis are a good way to get around if you’re planning an excursion that doesn’t include transportation. It’s also a great way to get around if you are coming from the Cozumel ferry terminals.

It’s best to come to an agreement on Cozumel taxi rates before you start your journey – especially if the meter is off. Check the meter to make sure it’s not started at a higher amount than around 40 MXN. Paying in Mexican Pesos will also get you the best rate.

Best Time To Visit Cozumel?

Like most travel destinations there is a best time to visit – Cozumel is no exception. The best time to visit Cozumel Mexico depends on a few things.

Cozumel Weather

One of the biggest factors to determine when you should travel to Cozumel is the weather. Like most tropical destinations Cozumel has a dry season and a rainy season.

Cozumel Dry Season is from November to April. This is the time that Cozumel gets the lowest amount of rain and lowest humidity meaning sunny days and comfortable nights. It’s also peak tourist season and quite busy. We traveled to Cozumel in March and the weather was amazing and it wasn’t too busy. Win-win!
The Cozumel Rainy Season is from May to October. It’s rainy and humid – but the rain comes in short bursts. You’ll still be able to chill at the beach – just be ready with an umbrella.

This time is Cozumel low season meaning it’s a whole lot easier on your wallet. You can expect lower costs for accommodation and activities. Watch out for Cozumel hurricane season, between August and early October.

If you’re a budget traveler looking to get a good deal, consider traveling in Cozumel shoulder season (April, May, October, and November) for fewer crowds and better deals.

For those of you in the cold parts of North America: Cozumel weather in December is amazing. One of the best times to visit Cozumel, December brings sunny skies and warm weather.

Cozumel Diving Season

If scuba diving in Cozumel is on your travel bucket list (and trust us, it should be!) May to September is when the waters are the clearest. You’ll have impressive water visibility of up to 50m (164 ft) depending on the plankton blooms, currents, and weather. May to September is also whale shark season in the area.

No matter when you visit Cozumel, you will have water temperatures between 25-28℃ (75-80℉) and impressive water clarity of more than 30m (100 ft).

Where to stay in Cozumel?

Despite being a small island, Cozumel Mexico is home to every kind of accommodation you could hope for. In San Miguel city, the main area of the island, you will find many of the top places to stay. When looking for Cozumel hotels, we highly recommend opting for one with a rooftop pool. We spent all our “hotel time” taking in the views at ours!

If you’re going to do an all inclusive resort, Cozumel is the place to do it! Cozumel all inclusive hotels scream luxury. This is the best way to soak up a lazy island life and make laying on the beach and getting a tan your full time job. Not only that but you can snorkel from the beach at many Cozumel resorts.

Iberostar Cozumel is one of the best all inclusives in Cozumel. The stunning oceanfront location allows you to choose between spending the day at one of the many pools or relaxing by the Caribbean Sea. There’s epic snorkeling right from the beach and the food on site is amazing!

The Cozumel Palace All-Inclusive Resort is perfect for those wanting to hang out in town but also enjoy all the luxuries of an all inclusive resort. You can sit by the pool overlooking the ocean for the ultimate relaxing island vibes.
If you don’t need a Cozumel all inclusive hotel and would rather just have a really nice hotel, we’d recommend the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa. It has the perfect location close to the main San Miguel city center. The water around it is epic and you can snorkel right from the private beach.

If you’re looking for budget friendly accommodations, we’d recommend heading to Hotel Plaza Cozumel. We stayed here and had a great experience. Not only was the price right, but we had the whole hotel practically to ourselves. It had a perfect location downtown San Miguel and the rooftop pool was absolutely epic, especially during sunset.

Is Cozumel Safe?

Cozumel’s safety shouldn’t be a concern. While you may have some concerns in bigger cities like Cancun and Mexico City, crime in Cozumel is very minimal and mostly comes in the form of petty theft like pickpocketing. While you’re living the lazy island lifestyle here, just be sure to practice basic street sense by avoiding walking down dark streets alone and staying alert in heavily crowded areas.

Is it safe to swim in Cozumel?

Not only can you swim in Cozumel, but we HIGHLY recommend it!! The island is practically surrounded by stunning coral reefs (sitting on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef) and has some of the most beautiful swimming and snorkeling conditions we’ve ever seen! The hot Caribbean Sea is crystal clear with a beautiful turquoise hue.

Most of the beaches in Cozumel have a white sand bottom making them that much more appealing to jump in for a refreshing swim. We bought a snorkel set before we left and we’re so glad we did! We brought it with us everywhere we went traveling in Mexico and got so much use out of it.

What are the best beaches in Cozumel?

It’s not hard to find the best beaches in Cozumel. Honestly, it’s hard to find a bad one. There are a few Cozumel beaches that stand out from the rest though.

Paradise Beach Cozumel – the most popular beach club on the west coast of Cozumel. Paradise Beach offers a large pool, a water park, a restaurant, a bar, and many activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and more This beach is absolutely stunning and we even went diving just off the coast of it.
Playa Mia Cozumel is a beach club again on the west coast of Cozumel. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park has a huge pool, a water slide, a floating park, a buffet, a bar, and many activities such as scuba diving, jet skiing, sailing, and more
Mr Sanchos Cozumel – a popular beach club on (you guessed it!) the west side of Cozumel. Mr. Sanchos Beach Club has a pool, a spa, a restaurant, a bar, and many activities such as horseback riding, parasailing, fishing, and more
Punta Morena – This is a beach club that offers a pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a surf shop. You can enjoy the views of the ocean, relax on the hammocks, or try surfing or boogie boarding.
Playa Chen Rio – A public beach that has a natural rock pool that protects you from the waves and allows you to swim safely. You can also find some local food stalls and vendors selling souvenirs
Playa Bonita – A public beach that has a calm lagoon where you can swim or snorkel. You can also rent kayaks, paddle boards, or bikes to explore the area.

Cozumel Restaurants

If you are looking for something to eat in Cozumel, you’ll be happy to know you have a lot of options! The streets of San Miguel de Cozumel are lined with many different types of restaurants. From traditional Mexican food, Indian food, Italian food, and more, you will have no shortage of options.

If you keep a vegan lifestyle, you’ll be happy to know there are a lot of vegan restaurants in Cozumel. Nutty Treesome is one of our favorite options with vegan sushi, ice cream, and cool boho vibes.
If you’re touring the island and looking for a good seafood restaurant on the eastern coast, head to Coconuts Bar & Grill!! Not only will you get epic waterfront views but the restaurant itself is quirky and fun showcasing an international vibe. The staff is incredibly friendly and the food is DELISH!
Three Amigos Cozumel is a tasty oceanfront restaurant located right by the cruise ship terminals and has good Mexican food and even better margaritas!
If you’re in the mood for some Italian food, it doesn’t get better than Guido’s Restaurant and Bar. The cute little restaurant has such flavorful Italian food that is absolutely delicious!

Myles is obsessed with margaritas so we had to try Wet Wendy’s – they have 30 flavors of margaritas.

What to do in Cozumel?

We had such a blast exploring all the fun things to do on Cozumel. Island life is our vibe… slow paced, easy going and focused on fun!

There is so much to see and do in Cozumel. From Punta Sur, exploring the San Gervasio Mayan ruins, visiting the Cozumel Pearl Farm, and shopping in San Miguel, you have no shortage of Cozumel attractions to choose from.

Looking for fun Cozumel excursions? You can choose between parasailing in the water, ATVing through the jungle, and even riding in a submarine!
By far the best things to do in Cozumel is to go snorkeling and scuba diving. This is what the island is known for! Scuba diving on Cozumel is some of the best conditions in the world. If you’re already dive certified, we HIGHLY recommend exploring these waters. If not, this is an EPIC spot to try diving for the first time.

Is Cozumel Worth Visiting?

Yes, absolutely! Cozumel is our favourite place to visit in Mexico. We’ve visited multiple times and will definitely be back. If you’re coming to Mexico to enjoy water activities, this island is an absolute must.

Thanks for stopping by!

Visiting Cozumel Mexico was one of the best parts of our holiday. The lazy island vibes and the epic Caribbean location made for some of the best vacation memories we have. If you are looking for the best way to enjoy all that Mexico has to offer, a trip to Cozumel is an absolute must! From epic sunsets, amazing scuba diving, and adventurous jungle experience, this tropical island has it all!

Enjoy that island life!

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In Thailand

How To Get Scuba Dive Certified In Thailand: A Complete Guide

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Getting scuba certified allows you entry to an elite club of humans scattered around the globe who have the privilege of breathing underwater. Earth is roughly 70% ocean, meaning you haven’t travelled until you’ve explored below the water’s surface. PADI has issued over 28 million diving certifications in the last 55 years. While that may seem like a high number, that’s only 0.35% of the world’s population.

Scuba diving has been increasing in popularity thanks to underwater technologies that have allowed photos and videos to be taken of this secret world.

Thailand is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Each island hones its own vibes making them all worth a visit. Koh Tao is a small island sitting just north of Koh Pha Ngan (famous for its full moon parties and yoga retreats) and is most famous for its affordable scuba diving certification. Not only is it one of the cheapest places to get PADI Scuba Dive Certified in the world, but it also has some of the best diving.

What To Expect In Koh Tao?

No matter where you come from, you will be arriving on the island by ferry. As you approach the island you will be met by pristine waters washing up on white sandy beaches with a lush jungle on top. Koh Tao is the smallest of the three islands clustered together in this area. The closest to Koh Tao is the neighbouring island, Koh Pha Ngan, while the biggest is Koh Samui.

Koh Tao is a tropical paradise swimming with natural beauty. Despite its boom in tourism, Koh Tao has a very rustic feel, having as many dirt roads as paved. A good portion of the island is lush, undeveloped jungle that is great for hiking. The calm and clear turquoise waters surround this island with multiple pristine beaches to visit.

Filling your time on the island is easy. One of the most popular things to do in Koh Tao is actually located just a couple hundred meters from the island. A three-island series that are connected together with thin strips of white sandy beaches make up Koh Nang Yuan. This famous Instagram spot is a must-visit while here.

This is a great island to rent a scooter to drive around and explore the small island – just be careful on dirt roads (especially where they transition to paved roads) because there are some pretty large potholes.

A scooter will allow you access to the island’s many pristine beaches. While many of these beaches have a small entry fee (normally around 25THB or $1CAD), they are worth the visit as most offer great snorkelling right from the beach. Having snorkel gear with you is invaluable when visiting Thailand.

How To Get To Koh Tao?

Thailand is a very easy country to travel around. With trains, buses and multiple airports, getting from place to place is a breeze. As Koh Tao is an island, you will need to take a ferry to get here no matter where you are coming from.

There are three ways to get to Koh Tao:

Plane – Ferry: The closest airport to Koh Tao is Samui International Airport located on Koh Samui (an island just south of Koh Tao). If coming from the airport you will have to get from the airport to the ferry terminal. You will then need to buy a ticket through Lomprayah High-Speed Ferries to Koh Tao. While this is undoubtedly the most expensive way to get to the island, it will save you a lot of time and stress.

Heading to Thailand? Read about the best ways to get around in Thailand

Bus – Ferry: Another great way to travel is to take the bus/ferry combo. Taking a bus from Bangkok is incredibly popular and budget-friendly. If you head to a local travel agent you can easily book a bus ticket to get to Koh Tao. You can either book a day bus or a night bus.

I prefer the night buses as I have no problem sleeping anywhere and hate losing days to travel. A roughly 7-hour bus drive will take you from Bangkok to Chumphon where you will be dropped off at a ferry terminal. You will then take a stunning 2.5-hour ferry ride to the tropical island of Koh Tao.

Train – Ferry: A luxurious form of travel, Thailand has a great train system that can be very comfortable. A mid-range way of getting to Koh Tao, sleeper trains offer comfort and efficiency. You can choose between their first-class or second-class sleeping options.

Where To Get Scuba Certified In Thailand?

The island of Koh Tao is able to offer such affordable open water diving certification due to the huge supply and ongoing demand. Almost every hotel has its own dive center meaning you don’t have to leave your hotel. This is the ideal way to go about getting your diving certification as they will often package dive prices with hotel stays leaving you with free, or reduced-priced, accommodations.

Booking.com

When deciding where to get dive certified, make sure you ask a lot of questions. The most important question is to ask what ratio of divers to instructors can you expect. We always ensure this number is 4 or under. In order to feel the most confident below water, you want to make sure your guide is focused on you. For maximum comfort, numbers should not exceed a 4:1 ratio for open water certifications.

There are many different scuba diving courses and companies that you can choose from. The ferry ride to the island will have salespeople from many different companies trying to get you to choose theirs. It’s best to compare a few different salespeople to make sure you’re not being taken advantage of.

PADI Scuba Certification Requirements

When deciding on the right dive center for you, make sure to check that they are a PADI certified facility. It means the certificate is recognized all over the world and is a requirement for further diving.

PADI = Professional Association of Diving Instructors

In order to scuba dive, the first course that is required is the Open Water Diving Certification. This is a fairly simple certification program that only has a few basic requirements. You must be over 10 years old, be able to swim (there will be a treading water test) and be medically fit to dive.

Similar to gaining altitude in an airplane, sinking below the water’s surface will change the pressure around, and on, you. This is why you have to do safety stops to properly equalize when ascending from the depths on a dive. It’s important that you are able to properly equalize your ears at this time. Those with ear problems should consult their dive centers before signing up.

Steps To Getting PADI Open Water Certified

Plan for the open water diving certification to consume about 4-7 days, depending on where and how you choose to go about training.

1. In class/online training: 5-10 hours of classroom work with an instructor. You will first learn the skills through a knowledge-based program that reviews terminology, goes over what to expect and equips you with the knowledge you will need to successfully dive below the water’s surface. For those short on time, you can often do this training online at a reduced price. This means you can complete the training before you go to maximize your time.

2. Written test: Your classroom knowledge will then get confirmed in a basic test.

3. Practice skills in the pool: Once the theory is behind you, you will move to pool training to get comfortable with the dive equipment. During this time you will practise key skills like removing your mask and regulator underwater and then retrieving them. You will also dive to the bottom in an effort to get comfortable breathing under the water. You’ll learn how to purge your mask (which involves taking it off underwater – it sounds scarier than it is), and inflate and deflate your buoyancy control device (BCD).

4. Ocean dives: Once you have the tools you need, it is time to get into the ocean. 4 dives in the ocean complete this course and give you a great introduction to the world of scuba diving.

During the first ocean dive, you can expect to again practice your main diving skills like dropping your respirator and retrieving it, taking your mask off and on, purging your mask and performing necessary safety stops.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Scuba Dive Certified In Thailand?

The price to get PADI Scuba Dive certified ranges depending on where you choose. We chose Koh Tao because of the low cost and the amazing diving. The scuba shop resort we chose included 5 nights of accommodation at their resort along with shuttles to and from the Koh Tao pier, all the course material, diving gear and refreshments on the boat.

All of this worked out to around 10, 000 Baht a person (~$360 CAD). If you are planning on completing the PADI Open Water dive certificate in a group of people you may be able to get it for a bit of a discount.

The resort was right on the beach and had an amazing property. We were upgraded for free to an airconditioned queen room. It also had a restaurant offering stunning ocean views while you eat.

Is Scuba Diving Dangerous Or Scary?

You may be wondering if scuba diving is a safe sport. While it is important to have the skills and a knowledgeable guide to the area, you should not be scared to get scuba certified. If you are diving with a PADI accredited facility, checking over your gear (you’ll be taught how to do this) and are confident in your training, there is nothing to worry about.

As with anything unknown in life, a little bit of fear is natural in something you’ve never done before. You should embrace the butterflies in your stomach and jump in anyways to explore a unique world, unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Trust me, scuba diving is addictive and one of the best ways to explore our big beautiful world.

There are typically 3 big fears with scuba diving:

1. Claustrophobia: Many people worry about feelings of being trapped or claustrophobic underwater. The great thing about getting certified in a tropical climate like Koh Tao is that ocean temperatures sit around 28℃ (83℉), even in the winter months. This climate means you’re able to wear thin wetsuits or short skin guards that are a lot more comfortable than bulky wet suits.

The underwater visibility in Koh Tao sits around 30 meters or more. This means that you can see far underwater and helps to reduce any claustrophobia you may anticipate.

2. Breathing underwater: This can feel really unnatural and take a while to get used to. Everyone you are getting trained with will have the same nerves around this one. Be patient with yourself as you’ve never done this before. Similar to flying, it’s a fantasy of many but one we aren’t expecting to be able to do.

Really use the time in the pool to calm your heart rate down and relax your breathing. I go into a meditative state below water repeating a mantra to keep myself comfortable and happy. The calmer your breathing underwater, the less air you will use, meaning a longer dive. This is why it is so important to calm your breathing.

When I jump into the water on any dive, I immediately put my face below the water while we wait for the team to get ready. Before we begin the descent, I like to spend a couple of seconds breathing underwater while still on the surface to acclimatize myself.

3. Animal encounters: If your fear comes from animals you may see below the water, thank Hollywood for that one! The most common fear for diving is simple: SHARKS. While these majestic creatures are villainized so heavily in our world, they are so misunderstood.

Most sharks are very gentle creatures that offer absolutely no risk to human life. In fact, of the hundreds of species of sharks that roam our oceans, only 3 actually pose any threat to humans. Great White Sharks, Tiger Sharks and Bull Sharks are deemed a dangerous species only resulting in about 10 combined human deaths worldwide a year. You are more than 15 times more likely to die from a falling coconut than a shark.

What Can I Expect In Open Water Dives?

Your Open Water Certification allows you to dive 18 meters, 60 feet, below the water’s surface. There are two main ways to enter the water on your dives: by boat or from the shore. Having done both types of dive, we greatly prefer boat dives as you don’t waste time and energy getting to the site. Most of the dive centers in Koh Tao offer boat dives for PADI Open Water certification.

We recommend packing light for your trips. Refreshments (water and light snacks) are typically provided but bringing a water bottle along is never a bad idea. You will want to wear a bathing suit, have your hair tied back and bring some flip-flops along.

You will go on 2 dives for 2 days totalling 4 tank dives to complete your PADI Open Water certification. These dives will take up a good portion of your day. You can expect to spend roughly 45-55 minutes underwater per dive, depending on your air consumption.

Diving takes a lot out of you, physically. Spending an hour or so above the water on the boat drinking water, resting and enjoying some light snacks will be a welcomed break between the two scuba dive sessions. This combined with the time it takes to get to and from dive sites, you can expect your dives to consume about 4-5 hours of your day.

To protect the underwater reefs you swim through, we recommend skipping the sunscreen altogether and instead bringing light clothing to provide some coverage. Keep in mind you will have a fair amount of above-water time as you will be needing to get to the dive site.

Waiting for you onboard you will find your tanks, BCD, wetsuit and the rest of your gear. As these are your first ocean dives, expect to be nervous. We were most nervous about equalizing underwater. Your body, especially your ears, builds up pressure the further you dive. To release the pressure you plug your nose and gently blow air through it. Of course, you will be told a number of scary precautionary stories during your classroom sessions, but trust the process.

First Dive Of PADI Open Water Certification

Your first dive site will look like nothing more than a random spot in the middle of the ocean. With barely any landmarks visible, trust that you are about to be shocked at all that is going on underwater. You will go over with your instructor how to check over all your equipment and go over some basics on board. Your instructor will then guide you on how to get in the water. There are a number of different methods to this, most places will try different entry styles on different dives to get you comfortable with getting into the water.

Jumping in the water you will be met by warm 30-degree Celcius temperatures. If you were doing a shore dive, you would follow the shoreline in a gradual descent. In boat dives, you follow a buoy line in a straight descent to the ocean floor.

Descending to the bottom is scary as there are so many unknowns. Visibility at the surface is also disorienting as you don’t have any notable reference points to show how far things are. You will likely not even notice the descent on your first dive as you will be focused on all the skills you just learned, most importantly equalizing and breathing.

Once you reach the bottom, your instructor will go over the same skills already practiced in the pool the day before. Don’t overthink this, removing and retrieving your goggles and air supply is an easy skill that goes exactly the same in the ocean as it did in the pool.

One thing I didn’t expect is all the sound underwater. I thought this was going to be a completely silent experience. My breathing was loud and for the first couple of minutes, it was all I heard. This noise quickly turned to a white noise that actually was useful for calming down and getting into a meditative state. You can at times hear ships soaring above.

Once we got down to our desired depth I forgot about everything going on in the world above me.

I didn’t know (or care) about time, any stresses, or the skills I had learned. None of it mattered. I don’t think I had a regular thought the whole time I was down there. All the colours, the schools of fish, the hiding stingray – that was all that I cared about.

Your dive instructor will consistently check what PSI you have left in your tank. Once the first person has reached their limit, you will begin to ascend as a group. When your whole team groups together, your instructor will put a line up to the surface which will have a buoy on top letting boats know divers are on the surface. You will then begin to float towards the water’s surface. At about 5 meters deep you will stop for 3-5 minutes in an important safety stop. This allows your body to properly acclimatize to the pressure changes.

Following this, you will continue to swim to the surface and meet with your group. The boat you took will come to pick you up and you can climb back above water with guaranteed smiles and a ton to talk about. Time to relax a bit before your next dive.

On The Boat Between Dive 1 and Dive 2

Between your first and second Open Water certificate dive, you will relax on the boat for around 1 hour. There will be some fresh water and snacks that you should eat and drink. Use this time to take some photos and take in the scenery.

You can also ask your instructor any questions you had about the first dive.

Second Dive of PADI Open Water Certification

The second dive of the day will be used to go over more of the skills you learned in the pool. You will feel more comfortable getting in the water and diving below the surface. Your breathing will be more steady and you won’t feel as nervous as on the first dive.

Getting scuba dive certified was probably one of the most life-changing things I have ever done. Now all I want to do, all I want to spend my money on, is underwater diving. I am more hooked than I ever thought I would be.

Upgrading Your PADI Scuba Dive Training

Once you start your dive training, you may want to keep advancing your skills. There are many different courses and certificates you can work your way through. Once you get your Open Water Diver scuba diving license the specialty courses allow you to do advanced dives like digital underwater photography, wreck diver, night diver, underwater navigation to name a few.

Check out all the cool things you can do with your PADI certification below:

Have you tried to scuba dive? Let us know how getting certified was for you!

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In The Hippie Diaries

Our Top Destinations 2018

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We get asked “Where are you going next?” almost every day. Usually, we respond with “We have no idea!”. But secretly we always have a list of upcoming destinations. We told you — we can’t sit still.

So, we decided to make it a new tradition every year to write down our yearly travel plans. But here’s the kicker: GO OUT AND MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Here is a sneak peak of all the countries we plan to conquer this year. The list isn’t small, but what can I say, we are dreamers. I CANNOT WAIT to review this list in December to see how we make out with this list. Our life is never turns out how we predict. This list will evolve, and more than likely grow, as time goes on. I expect this list to look a bit different in the end.

Pour yourself a glass of wine and get comfortable because I am dreaming big here people!

Spain

While I have never explored Barcelona, it has my whole heart. From the salsa dancing, the stunning beaches to the delicious food – I mean SIESTAS PEOPLE… this place literally dedicates a country wide nap… that is something I can definitely get behind!

I have only heard good things about the sights in Madrid. The shopping, the architecture… this whole country just seems like a dream. What I am truly most excited for though is the countryside. I have dreams of renting a bicycle and just exploring the streets (aka, getting ridiculously lost). I am definitely going to have to brush up on my high school Spanish and educate my palate to some Spanish wines.

Germany

That is right people, I plan to cross enjoying Oktoberfest in Munich right off my bucket list. Myles went to Germany right after high school and absolutely loved it. He has been dying to go back ever since, and I couldn’t be more on board. Myles is incredibly interested in WWII history so I plan to get a full history tour from him, when we aren’t beer in hand enjoying the Oktoberfest shenanigans. I will admit that I am nervous to be in Germany in winter but I am just thinking LAYERS on LAYERS.

Portugal

If you haven’t already, Google beaches in Portugal… AMIRIGHT!!! Ya, that is just something I HAVE TO BE A PART OF! The colour in this country looks so vibrant it is a must see for me!

As a bonus, due to how ‘far away’ Portugal is (in European standards… I am used to driving through Canada though..) it is far less tourist based than other European countries. This means cheaper prices and a rich culture. Ok by me 😉

France

Nearly every single day Myles is forced to listen to me all but beg for us to run away to the south of France. While my love of wine definitely has something to do with it, the warm sun, the delicious food and the stunning coast has much more (well, not MUCH more…). I have this beautiful dream of me enjoying a breakfast on a balcony overlooking the water.

Well, this WILL HAPPEN this year.

Italy

I went to Rome when I was in high school and let’s just say it was an absolute whirlwind. From tours through Vatican City and the Colosseum, to enjoying the unbelievable food. I only have good memories. I loved it so much that I can’t wait to explore it with Myles.

Last time I was only there for a couple of days on a layover (yet another reason I recommend extended layovers) which has given me an undeniable urge to go back.

Italy has countless places in which I want to explore. The scuba diver in me is mostly pushing for Sicily. Exploring through these crystal clear tropical waters is an absolute must.

Morocco

This one is at the top of the must see list for both Myles and I. Although realistically we know we may have to wait until 2019 to conquer this beautiful land. I truthfully don’t know how I will keep myself from buying everything I see. The rich colours, the beautiful boho style… BOOK ME A TICKET! This is one area where I would love to partake in the full glamping experience in the middle of the Sahara desert.

Well, there you have it. My beautiful, albeit ambitious, travel plans for 2018. This is just a brief update about our plans for this year. Trust us, we are madly researching and putting pieces together to make all of this happen ;).

Alright Myles, let’s get started.. 🙂

What countries are on your to do list for this year? We love hearing about your ideas and suggestions!

In Indonesia

The Best Purchase You Will Make In Bali

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If you are anything like me you make some pretty ridiculous purchases when traveling through Bali. Those purple elephant pants that looked so cute on the streets of Kuta don’t carry the same appeal now that I am walking through downtown Vancouver. While I pride myself in practicing minimalism and love that everything important to me fits in one tiny van it is easy to get swept up in the cheap prices of Bali.

Even though I made some questionable purchases while abroad I also made one really great one. While taking a car around town we started chatting with the driver about the popular sites around Bali. He offered to take us for a tourist trip all around the island. For 600,000 IDR (around $55 CAD) we would get a private driver for an eight hour period that would take us anywhere we wanted to go. Did I mention that this car ride was air conditioned? I told you it’s a good buy!

Eager to see the island Myles and I rushed to a coffee shop to acquire WiFi and plan our big day. Planning all the big sites while placing a large priority on heading north to find the best places to scuba dive we had our route planned.

When our driver came to pick us up we threw our bags in the back of his car and handed him a map with a bunch of circles over the places we wanted to visit. All smiles we headed north to Ubud.

Temples

The culture in Bali is amazing to experience. In Indonesia 90% of the population recognizes as Muslims with 10% other denomination. On the island of Bali 80% of the population is Hindu. This makes for a rich culture that can be seen in almost every aspect of their life. A visit to the any of the many temples is not to be missed. Doing so with a driver/tour guide is even better.

From getting to sit and help make one of the daily offerings to learning some of the customs and practices made the experience truly unforgettable. Bali is known for wood and stone carvings and even if you are not interested in being a part of the religion the architecture is an experience in itself.

Waterfall

While there are waterfalls everywhere there is nothing quite like splashing in one in the middle of a hot and humid 40℃ day. A beautiful sight we found these waterfalls to be incredibly busy and touristy with a ton of street vendors lined up. While the refreshing dip was well worth it, this was something we would have been fine with missing.

Monkey Forest

I have written about all our crazy adventures with this scary forest before. As scary as it was, it is definitely an unforgettable experience that everyone should do ONCE. Seriously, I would NOT go back a second time.

Rice Terraces

The real reason we decided to hire the car was the lush rice farms. After trekking through rice paddies in Vietnam I knew how cool of an experience it was and had to show Myles. No where else do you get to experience such a deep and pure green. Full of life, climbing through these wet rice terraces was a true experience. With endless beautiful views there are tons of restaurants and coffee shops where you can relax and take in all the beautiful views of this area.

Mount Kintamani

Nearing the end of our day we passed by the famous volcano on the island. With not a ton of time left for our day we only stopped to snap a few photos and stand in awe for a few moments before continuing our long and windy drive north.

Tulamben

We ended our eight hour day being dropped off in the northern town of Tulamben. This small town is far away from the tourist district but has some of the best dive sites in Indonesia. Being recently scuba certified Myles and I couldn’t wait to further explore this city.

Needless to say it was an action packed day and one will be remembered for a while. Eight hours of having a tour guide, driver and get a tour of the entire island, now that was a win! Did I mention the air conditioning?

Been to any of the places that we visited? Let us know your favourite below.

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scuba diving

Table of Contents

Top reasons to go scuba diving in the Mesoamerican Reef

Best Reef Dives

Best Wreck Dives

Best Shark Dives

Why the Mesoamerican Reef is popular for scuba diving?

Quick facts about diving in the Mesoamerican Reef

Diving season in the Mesoamerican Reef

Cost of diving in the Mesoamerican Reef

Where to get certified in the Mesoamerican Reef

Diving conditions in the Mesoamerican Reef

Visibility

Water temperature

What you’ll see diving in the Mesoamerican Reef

Where to dive in the Mesoamerican Reef

Belize

Honduras

Mexico

Cancun

Playa del Carmen

Cozumel

How to dive in the Mesoamerican Reef

Snorkeling in the Mesoamerican Reef

Planning your trip to the Mesoamerican Reef

Thanks for stopping by!

Table of Contents

Top things to do in Cozumel

1. Go snorkeling in the beautiful turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea

2. Explore the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins

3. Go scuba diving in the Mesoamerican Reef

4. Eat Mexican food

5. Get lost in a jungle 4x4 adventure

6. Rent some wheels and tour the island

7. Relax at a beach club

8. Ride in a submarine

9. Go shopping in San Miguel de Cozumel

10. Watch the sunset

11. Go on a horseback riding adventure

12. Take in ocean views parasailing

13. Zipline through the jungle

14. Walk along the ocean floor in an underwater helmet experience

15. Set sail aboard a catamaran

16. Ride a sea scooter

17. Visit Punta Sur Ecological Park

18. Ride a mini SUB

19. Take an island tour

20. Tour the El Caracol Mayan ruins

21. Sip a margarita

22. Try a chocolate making workshop

Unethical Cozumel

Thanks for stopping by!

Table of Contents

Where is Cozumel?

How To Get To Cozumel Mexico?

Cozumel Ferry

Cruise Ship

Cozumel Airport

Cozumel from Cancun

Cozumel from Playa del Carmen

Cozumel from Tulum

How To Get Around Cozumel?

Walk

Scooter

Taxi

Best Time To Visit Cozumel?

Cozumel Weather

Cozumel Diving Season

Where to stay in Cozumel?

Is Cozumel Safe?

Is it safe to swim in Cozumel?

What are the best beaches in Cozumel?

Cozumel Restaurants

What to do in Cozumel?

Is Cozumel Worth Visiting?

Thanks for stopping by!

Table of Contents

What To Expect In Koh Tao?

How To Get To Koh Tao?

Where To Get Scuba Certified In Thailand?