Stepping off the edge

The main reason we come to Cozumel is to scuba dive. It is well known for its beautiful reefs and fish. Apparently Jacques Cousteau named it the second best diving after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Most of the dive sights fall within the protected Cozumel Marine Park. According to figures from Mexico’s National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (CONANP), its waters are currently home to 105 different types of coral and 262 species of fish.

Keith and I first came to Cozumel in 2008 to be certified as Scuba Divers. Keith had asked me if I was interested in diving as it was something he’d always wanted to do. Although I’ve always been a swimmer I was a little nervous about scuba diving.

We learned to dive in a 6 week course in the winter in a swimming pool in Edmonton. When our instructor offered to certify anyone in the class in Cozumel, where they lived part-time, we jumped at the chance. The other option would have been a cold, dark, lake in Jasper! No thanks!

I hadn’t really enjoyed the pool experience but once I was in the ocean I loved it. To be in a quiet environment with so many beautiful coral and sponges and happy, colourful fish is amazing!