Cozumel Guide: What Is Scuba Diving?

Scuba Diving Get Certified

Discover Scuba Beginners

Snorkeling Tours Maximum 8 People

Tips: Many of the scuba diving shops in Cozumel offer an introductory scuba diving course and scuba diving trips. It is highly recommended that scuba diving certification is obtained before attempting scuba diving in Cozumel but if you are a non-certified diver and you decide to do this, please be very cautious in the scuba dive shop that you choose.

Please read Marine Park Rules if you plan to dive or snorkel.

SCUBA Diving: S.C.U.B.A. stands for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.

Beginner's Introduction to Scuba Diving in Cozumel

What is scuba diving?
Scuba diving is essentially a way for humans to be able to explore the underwater world by using an underwater breathing apparatus. The basic equipment used is:
-mask
-snorkel
-fins
-wetsuit
-regulator: a mouth piece with hose that is attached to the tank
-BCD: buoyancy controlling device (jacket or vest)
-tank: compressed air
-a pressure gauge attached to the tank to monitor the amount of AIR used

Wondered about what scuba diving would be like?
It's a great water sport that many people think about but only a few actually attempt the sport. However, it is a fast growing sport worldwide. Scuba diving in my opinion is the next best thing to space travel. You get to experience a whole new realm of existence. It's not a difficult sport but care and special instruction is needed to explore this wondrous water world.

What could I expect to see? In Cozumel, there's so much marine life it's endless. It has over 16 abundant scuba diving reefs and is known for the second largest reef in the world. It is also known to be the second best dive place in the world. You can see so many varieties of fish from teensy weenie ones to ones the size of a human (groupers). Common and exciting to see are moray eels, nurse sharks (harmless), barracudas, crabs, lobsters, sting rays and the list goes on. Here are a few pictures of actual sightings in Cozumel waters:

Is scuba diving dangerous?
Scuba diving is not dangerous when precautions are taken. It is highly recommended that beginners take the PADI/NAUI course before attempting to scuba dive. With this course, you will obtain a diving certification. From there, you will be certified to dive almost anywhere. People interested in more specialized diving can work their way up to a master scuba diver.

Can I dive without a certification?
In Cozumel, many dive shops offer scuba diving to non-scuba divers. This can be dangerous because as a diver, you should be aware of your own situation instead of depending on someone else. If you are interested to try diving without the certification, it is highly recommended that you use a good dive shop.

Is it expensive to scuba dive?
Scuba diving can be expensive but it's definitely worth the money. It's a good idea to budget this in before going on a trip. In Cozumel, the rates do not vary too much but the reputation and establishment of the dive shops do vary.

Introduction to scuba: Dive with a dive master with basic instructions and be able to dive.
Average Duration: usually a 45 minute on land instruction and then 2 dives (30-45 minutes each)
Cost: $50-60 US / 2 dives
Equipment: $10-15 US

2 Tank Dives (with certification)
Average Cost: $50-60 (does not include equipment)

3 Tank Dives (with certification)
Average Cost: $75 (does not include equipment)

Night dives, twilight dives, cave diving, nitrox diving and advanced reefs are available.

Certification: PADI/NAUI certified
Duration: 3-4 days on average on the island (half days)

Check out the scuba dive shops to find the right scuba dive shop for you.

Want to remember your scuba diving trip? Why not have your trip video taped? Check out under video photography services on our Specialty Services page.

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