Staying in Cozumel longer term -- any recommendations for "off the beaten path" diving?

[ggunn]

You didn't list Villa Blanca, but I wouldn't go out of my way to dive there.

I disagree; we had an excellent dive on Villablanca a couple of weeks ago.

 

[ccrrp]

You can diving the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program's coral nursery. We do a scuba tour or if you have more time, you can even get certified to be a coral restoration volunteer and help plant corals with us.

You can check out the program here : www.ccrrp.mx.

The Villa Blanca reef was decimated with the construction of the cruise terminal, but it's cool to see the baby fish hanging around the coral nursery as the planted corals provide refuge for them.

 

[ggunn]

The Villa Blanca reef was decimated with the construction of the cruise terminal, but it's cool to see the baby fish hanging around the coral nursery as the planted corals provide refuge for them.

Holy zombie thread, Batman!

What part of Villablanca are you talking about? When I have dived that reef we usually drop in a bit south of La Cieba and get out before the lighthouse; There isn't a cruise ship dock there. Not yet, anyway...

 

[SwampTiger90]

Holy zombie thread, Batman!

What part of Villablanca are you talking about? When I have dived that reef we usually drop in a bit south of La Cieba and get out before the lighthouse; There isn't a cruise ship dock there. Not yet, anyway...

From:

About the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program

Read about how a new cruise terminal decimated the Cozumel corals and one man's will and dream to continue fighting to save and restore the coral reefs.

www.ccrrp.mx

In 1994, the Mexican government decided to build a cruise ship dock in the Cozumel Marine Park, a protected area. Despite protests from Dr. Mendez and many other residents, the government proceeded with the construction of the International Terminal. The marine park's boundary was moved south, excluding the Villa Blanca reefs from protection. The cruise ship dock construction killed nearly 97% of the surrounding coral.

 

[ggunn]

From:

About the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program

Read about how a new cruise terminal decimated the Cozumel corals and one man's will and dream to continue fighting to save and restore the coral reefs.

www.ccrrp.mx

In 1994, the Mexican government decided to build a cruise ship dock in the Cozumel Marine Park, a protected area. Despite protests from Dr. Mendez and many other residents, the government proceeded with the construction of the International Terminal. The marine park's boundary was moved south, excluding the Villa Blanca reefs from protection. The cruise ship dock construction killed nearly 97% of the surrounding coral.

There is still plenty of Villablanca Reef left to dive... for now, anyway

 

[mediumone]

There is still plenty of Villablanca Reef left to dive... for now, anyway

That's right. We don't run out of reef after 1 hr +.
It's one of my favorite dives. I always request it, as I think that it's just a matter of time until it's turned into rubble, and I want to dive it as much as possible while it exists.