When headed to Cozumel from Cancun we had to take a bus to Playa del Carmen first. The bus left the ADO bus station in Cancun Downtown and was reasonably priced. The ride ended in Playa del Carmen right next to the Jetty where the different ferry operators start their journey to the island. We chose Ultramar ferries once more, even though they are the most expansive the service provided was timely and felt very safe.

Once we got to the island of Cozumel we walked another kilometer with our bags to the lush gardens of the Beds Friends Hostel where we’d stay for the next nights. Cozumel is a popular destination for diving and the hostel did operate a dive shop on premises. Two brothers Mateo and Lukas from Colombia were our dive masters for the next 2 dive days.

We spent 4 nights on Cozumel which left plenty of time to explore the downtown area. There is not much infrastructure on the island apart from the city center. However we rented a Jeep for 60 USD the other day to drive a loop around the island and see some of the beautiful beaches on the east coast. Hurricane Irma was active at that day so we got a little bit of rain during our trip as well.

During our stay we had several chances to eat out and there a few spots I remember vividly for their special atmosphere. There was the La Candela a small restaurant with good daily menu. You’d get a soup, main and a desert. A lot of locals would come here. You could walk up to the counter and have a look into the pots to see what they had cooking. This was only for lunch hours though.

At night we would visit the Cervezeria Punta Sur more than once to sample their nice craft beer bar selection. The interior was progressive. Nice tiles on the floor, neon string chairs and all.

And finally some dive logs: Cozumel

Dive 17 – Unknown spot at mesoamerican barrier reef
In 3000 psi
Out 700 psi
Max depth 9 m
Dive time 50 mins
Temp 29 C
AVG N/A
Visibility 15-20
Start 10:00
Guide Divertido Dive Shop / Lukas
Shallow to deeper corals
Waited for the Discovery diving group of 3 girls. After a while of not showing up we went into the current and drifted along a beautiful and intact reef. Saw an eagle ray.

Dive 18 – Unknown spot at mesoamerican barrier reef
In 3000 psi
Out 700 psi
Max depth 14 m
Dive time 46 mins
Temp 29 C
AVG N/A
Visibility 15-20
Start 11:30
Guide Divertido Dive Shop / Mateo
Instead of diving a shipwreck at 24 m depth I stayed with Bea to go for a second reef dive. Nice and easy dive with little current and staying close together holding hands. Not too much concentration on the dive because of partnering but enjoyable dive.

Dive 19 – Wall dive
In 3000 psi
Out 500 psi
Max depth 18 m
Dive time 46 mins
Temp 29 C
AVG N/A
Visibility 15-20
Start 10:00
Guide Divertido Dive Shop / Mateo
Going out in rough sea with another group of 2 experienced divers. But was supposed to drop us after leaving them on the wall at a shallower dive. Boatman asked if we would not like to go down as well and we agreed. Approaching the wall with a strong current sent Bea and me into excitement. Drifting along the edge with spectacular views and adrenaline powered kicks.
As we went down half way into the wall we were able to transfer to a coral formation afterwards. Saw huge pelagic fish at the start of the dive

Dive 20 – 2 Coral reef sections on the mesoamerican barrier reef
In 3200 psi
Out 600 psi
Max depth 24m
Dive time 46 mins
Temp 29 C
AVG N/A
Visibility 15-20
Start 11:15
Guide Divertido Dive Shop / Mateo
Nice and easy current coral reef dive. Saw a tall Shark shortly after we went down. Nice and close dive that was led by a relaxed and easy guide. Lots of intact and beautiful corals and fish.