Cozumel Reefs

[DavidHickey]

Good morning,
A while back I heard how the hurricanes had really tore up Cozumels reefs, just wondering if they have recovered much since or still pretty bad. I was in Cayman not long back and alot of the dives we did were pretty dull because of the same problem. Anyhow if any if you have been there lately I'd appreciate some info. Kinda debating Cozumel or Bonaire,
Thanks!
David

 

[Paco]

Go to the Cozumel forum and read tons on this topic. I have dived there before and after Wilma. The reefs are fine. Not quite what they were before, but they are coming back very nicely. Fish are absolutely awesome. Even the seahorses are coming back. IMO you would not regret a dive trip to Cozumel. It still is my favorite dive destination.

 

[HighTide370]

We went to Cozumel a couple of weeks ago. The reefs seemed to be in pretty good shape. Not a great deal of wildlife but we did see all the usual suspects including turtles and huge groupers. The wreck Felipe was a blast, she's upright with super easy penetration. Be sure to have your picture taken in the still together head. If the reefs aren't up to par for you, be sure to ferry over to Playa and do the Cenotes. They are amazing and cost as much to dive as the reefs. Our guides were great.

Have fun!

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

The Felipe? Is that a different wreck than the C-53, or one and the same?

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Heading down there tonight, actually ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[fisherdvm]

I dove cozumel in Jan. The fish are abundant.... Much more than I saw in Nassau and Freeport....

 

[Karibelle]

The Felipe? Is that a different wreck than the C-53, or one and the same?

FELIPE XICOTANCATL C-53

one and the same...

kari

 

[bvmjethead]

Was in PDC in January and the reefs here were stunning. Abundant fishes.

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

FELIPE XICOTANCATL C-53

one and the same...

kari

Ah.. Got it. We were the last team to dive it, just before Wilma hit. We dove it in the early afternoon, and just a few hours later, the Harbour Master closed the port.

My dive buddy, Bobby, descending ahead of me:

 

[mjatkins]

The vast majority of the reefs are good. On the deeper reefs it would be hard to tell that anything is different unless you are very familiar with the reefs. Some of the medium depth reefs are a little sand covered, and a fair bit of finger coral has been destroyed. I have not been on Yucab since the storm, but I understand it's very badly damaged. Some of the shallow reefs are in worse shape, but some seem untouched.

My wife and I lead a group there in February, and everyone was thrilled with the diving. I would not hesitate to recommend going there.

Matthew