i dove both Cozumel and Akumal. i think the consensus would be that Cozumel offers better diving than Akumal, in terms of variety of dive sites and things to see underwater.
as someone mentioned, with a newly certified diver, you may want to stay and do most of your diving this time around at Akumal and perhaps do a day trip to Cozumal. but i would definitely recommend that you do a dedicated trip to Cozumel the next time around.
i used 'Dive with Martin' at Cozumel, which i would recommend. at Akumal, i dove with 'Akumal Dive Center', which was a mistake. depending on where you will stay, i would look into 'Akumal Dive Shop' (shop vs center, it can be confusing), or 'Akumal Dive Adventures.'
i stayed at Hotel Akumal Caribe and had a rental car. a good location to be doing some afternoon trips to Mayan ruins and other interesting spots.
you will have a great time there!
as someone mentioned, with a newly certified diver, you may want to stay and do most of your diving this time around at Akumal and perhaps do a day trip to Cozumal. but i would definitely recommend that you do a dedicated trip to Cozumel the next time around.
i used 'Dive with Martin' at Cozumel, which i would recommend. at Akumal, i dove with 'Akumal Dive Center', which was a mistake. depending on where you will stay, i would look into 'Akumal Dive Shop' (shop vs center, it can be confusing), or 'Akumal Dive Adventures.'
i stayed at Hotel Akumal Caribe and had a rental car. a good location to be doing some afternoon trips to Mayan ruins and other interesting spots.
you will have a great time there!