Enjoy long bottom times with Cubano and Nacho, DM and instructor, who have been in Cozumel for decades. If you have a friend who wants to get certified or just wants to try scuba diving for the first time, bring them along too.
We love it when we spot eagle rays searching for food in the shallows.
The 2021-22 eagle ray season in Cozumel turned out to be one of the most exciting ones in years. There were several days when we sighted more than 20 eagle rays. Though the season is officially over, it’s not uncommon to see a few rays still lingering as we move into the summer months — especially juveniles.
Another highlight from this year’s eagle ray season was a video recorded by a diver named Charlie Castro that went viral in April of a hammerhead shark chasing, capturing and eating a juvenile eagle ray in the shallows of El Cielo. We’d heard of such behavior before but until he caught it on video and shared it, we hadn’t seen it up close. Some viewers felt sorry for the eagle ray but we thought it was truly a privilege to witness nature at its purest — the apex predator doing its job.
According to our state’s official health services website, Cozumel and the rest of the Riviera Maya are now designated as a “green zone” (with low risk for epidemiological spread based on low rates of infection and hospital occupancy nearing 0%).Here’s some more good news in Cozumel:
As of May 10, our state’s Department of Health Services announced that using a face mask is now voluntary! While it’s still recommended that we use them in common sense situations (crowded indoor areas, public transport, hotels, hospitals, etc.), the announcement feels like an official affirmation of what we’re already feeling on the ground — our daily lives are slowly but surely returning to normal.
The first round of covid-19 boosters became available to adults this spring and we were thrilled to be able to get our whole PSD team fully boosted.
12 to 14-year-olds are now eligible for their first dose of the vaccine.
There are no longer limitations on operating capacity for outdoor activities.
Labs specializing in covid tests have popped up all over town — it’s now quick and convenient to get the covid test that’s required within one day of your return flight if you’re heading back to the U.S.
The proposed construction of a fourth cruise ship terminal, which was approved in 2021 and then met with significant resistance from local environment groups and concerned residents, was suspended in mid-April. Though the fight is nowhere near over, the ruling asserts that the construction project may cause irreparable damage to the ecosystem and the people who depend on it, so the company heading the project is prohibited from moving forward with construction until a writ of protection has been resolved in trial.
If you’ve been following this issue over the past several months, then you know that the way it’s framed totally depends on who’s telling the story. Proponents of cruise ship tourism assert that an additional pier would bring the island a much needed economic boost. Environmentally-minded writers argue that the construction would destroy a significant part of our reef system and negatively impact a nearby coral regeneration project that’s underway, and emphasize that thousands more daily visitors will put undue stress on an already woefully inadequate system for wastewater management.
Whether or not you’re a fan of cruise ships, we think it comes down to a simple calculation: Cozumel is special, and we know its value goes far beyond what it puts in the pockets of the people who live here. It’s time that people honestly consider what we want to put first: the lure of unbridled economic growth, or protecting and defending this gem of an island so that future generations can enjoy it too?
If you or someone you know is in college and is considering getting a PADI open water certification or completing a continuing education course, read on!
The American Council on Education (ACE), which evaluates courses and recommends college credit when they meet certain standards, has recommended college credit for 25 different PADI courses. Colleges and universities can apply the credit to a student’s major by replacing a required course or waiving a prerequisite course.
It’s important to note that students should always contact their particular college or university first to see what courses would be eligible at that institution. To ensure that the credit is validated, students will need an official transcript as proof of the course completion (not just a PADI certification card). For more information, send a request to college.credit@padi.com
More than 50 divers and photographers gathered to collect data about biodiversity at Villablanca Reef.
More than 50 divers and marine photographers came together on May 1st and 4th, 2021 to photograph species and collect data about the biodiversity of Villablanca reef. Their aim was to raise awareness about the vibrant marine life that is at risk if the government approves the construction of a fourth cruise ship pier at this location. The pier developers had recently submitted an Environmental Impact Statement to the government in which they claimed that there is little to no marine life or corals present at Villablanca, therefore purporting that this major construction project will have no significant environmental impact. The construction of this huge pier, and all the cruise ship traffic that will follow, will undoubtedly cause the destruction of coral formations and the habitat of marine creatures.
In response to the statement that the site had little marine life worth protecting, Punta Sur Divers’ DM and co-owner Cris sprang to action, organizing a group of divers who were as passionate about countering this false claim as she was. The collaborative photo log took place during a period required under Mexican law in which citizens and local experts can provide evidence to the federal government regarding the potential environmental impact of proposed projects. The findings from this activity, as well as findings from other initiatives led by local NGOs and research groups, all confirm that there is indeed significant biodiversity at this site, including fish and coral species currently protected under Mexican law.
As the group of divers worked to create a collaborative photo log of different species at Villablanca in early May, they were doing more than just collecting data. They were raising awareness about an issue that impacts the reef as well as our whole island.
To promote informed decision making, local environmental experts have participated in community research in hopes of educating the public about the true implications of the pier project. Cris has been participating in local citizen science initiatives for years, and she’s passionate about community members collaborating through research to build knowledge. She believes it’s crucial to increase awareness of the ways that many development projects put stress on Cozumel’s delicate ecological equilibrium, especially considering that island’s ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to stressors such as water use, increased coastal development, mass tourism, and poor waste management. She hopes that the gathering of these passionate divers will draw attention to the fact that blind exploitation of the island’s precious resources without focusing on its long-term ecological needs could be irreversibly consequential.
Cozumel is flanked by a reef system that forms part of the second largest barrier reef system on the planet, a system that’s been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Responsible development in Cozumel requires that people consider not only economic goals but also ecological balance and the health and wellbeing of our entire community and of future generations. There is a growing sense among academics, NGOs, citizen groups and the public that we need to better understand the true implications of coastal development projects. More and more local residents are asking what responsible regenerative tourism can look like here. How can we continue to make Cozumel a competitive tourist destination while also keeping the long term health of our ecosystems front and center?
As of June 2021, the fourth pier project is currently still under revision. Though lawyers and community members will continue to lobby against the proposed project, Villablanca’s future is far from secure. Various interest groups will continue to put pressure on the government to approve this project despite evidence against its ecological viability. This is where you come in, dear divers and Cozumel lovers!
How can you help protect Villablanca Reef and Cozumel?
Share your Villablanca reef pictures on social media. Take a stance and help us educate others about the biodiversity that exists there.
Choose to spend your money in ways that create a positive impact on the local community. Practice responsible tourism and follow local laws and regulations. Hire legal operators that follow sustainable practices and abide by fishing bans.
Read and inform yourself about the environmental and economic impacts of mass tourism and the cruise ship industry.
Contact us here if you’re interested in engaging in coral reef restoration or a citizen science activity during your next visit. We’d be thrilled to help make your next vacation more than just a vacation.
Once you’re certified to dive, you’ll never run out of new things to learn and ways to improve your own skills. Continuing your scuba education is fun and helps you reach new personal diving goals. Here are just a few of our most popular courses for divers who are already open water certified:
Nacho and a student practice using a compass before a dive.
Consider taking the Advanced Open Water course if you want to improve your diving skills and get a brief intro to various specialities. Besides the required focus areas of deep diving and navigation, you’ll choose three other focus areas. Common options in Cozumel include drift diving, fish identification, peak performance buoyancy, night diving and wreck diving.
Speciality courses are an awesome way to take your diving to a new level by focusing on one particular aspect of diving that’s most intriguing and relevant to you while working closely with an experienced instructor. Specialties that are especially popular in Cozumel are the deep speciality, peak performance buoyancy specialty, and drift specialty.
If you’ve ever wondered what the big deal is with Nitrox, you’ll be pleased to know it’s one of the shortest, simplest courses we teach; you can be enjoying longer allowable bottom times after just a couple hours of training. This is a great option if you want to invest in your own growth as a diver but you also want to minimize the amount of vacation time you spend on a course.
If you love hands-on and interactive learning, one of our most popular courses is the Rescue Course. Learn about how to handle emergencies at the surface and underwater.
If you’re looking to broaden your skills, learn more, focus on a particular aspect of diving that’s most fascinating to you, or prepare for a specific goal like a liveaboard dive trip or cenote diving, one of our courses could be the perfect addition to your next vacation!
This unforgettable snorkeling experience is only available from June through September each year. Experience the exhilaration of swimming alongside the largest fish in the world — the whale shark — which migrates through the area off the coast of Cancun each summer in search of plankton. These gentle giants are breathtakingly beautiful and you won’t want to miss the chance to see them up close.
The one-day snorkeling excursion costs $179 usd per person and includes transportation between Playa del Carmen and Cancun as well as snorkeling gear, a certified snorkel guide, and a light lunch on board. For people based in Cozumel this is usually scheduled on Wednesdays, but if you have a group interested then it could be organized on any day of the week. Transportation to/from the mainland by ferry is not included in the price.
As of mid-June 2022, air passengers entering the U.S. are NO LONGER required to show proof of a negative covid-19 test before boarding. Please do make sure to check with your airline, and with your destination country if not the U.S., to make sure you understand the testing requirements for your own particular flight.
Below is some information on how to get a test should you want or need to get one while you're here!
How to get a covid test in Cozumel
There are multiple testing locations here on the island. Here are just a few of the available locations for testing:
Several hotels and resorts are offering on-site testing as well as special arrangements for quarantining if you were to test positive before your return flight and need to extend your stay. Check your hotel or resort directly to get details about the resources and accommodations it can offer.
Marko Test Zone mobile laboratory
Several locations – one right at the ferry pier, one by Punta Langosta pier near Señor Frog, another on the corner of 65 Avenida and Andres Quintana Roo (Calle 11). (For updated locations, scheduling and prices, you can call +52 984 139 1962).
Antigen test is 500 pesos (about 25 usd) as of June 2022
PCR test is also available (higher price)
Home visits available for small additional fee (100 pesos or about 6 usd)
Technically an appointment is required but if you just go right there, you can scan a QR code with your phone to make an appointment on the spot.
Our personal option — super convenient, reliable, easy to use.
42/7 Medical Service and HouseCalls Cozumel (see their FB page here)
House calls available
Covid tests accredited by all airlines
Results in your email inbox in just a couple hours
800 mxn (about 40 usd)
Call or Whats App +52 1 987 104 1713 to make an appointment, or email urg24hrs@gmail.com
International Hospital
Located right downtown on Calle 5 sur between Rafael Melgar and Calle 5 sur.
Antigen test:
450 pesos (24 usd according to exchange rate in fall 2021, subject to fluctuations!)
No need to make an appointment
Testing available daily between 7:30 AM and 7 PM
Results emailed to you in about an hour (though the lab is closed on Sundays so testing done on Sundays would be available on Monday).
PCR test:
1450 pesos (65 usd according to exchange rate in early Oct. 2021, subject to change!)
Recommended that you make an appointment in advance
Testing available daily between 7 AM – 10 AM.
Results by email in in 12-24 hours (though the lab is closed on Sundays so testing done on Sundays would be available on Monday).
Call +52-987-872-1430 to make an appointment.
Drugstore at Marina Fonatur (pharmacy linked to the International Hospital)
Open 8-4 pm; no appointment necessary. Fast and convenient, especially for divers meeting at the marina
Antigen tests for 25 usd.
Test results available in just a couple hours; get a printed version or have it emailed to you.
Azumed
They’ll come to you! Home visits available from 9 am – 5pm
PCR test – 120 usd – results available in 24-36 hours.
Antigen test – 40 usd – results in 8-10 hours
To schedule your appointment, email COZUMEL@AZUMED.MX or dial the phone +52 554-551-4954 (if calling from a local line, just dial the last 10 digits, not the +52 country code).
CMC Costamed
Located on Calle 1 sur between Av. 50 and 50 sur bis (a very short bike ride or taxi ride from downtown).
One of the top tier clinics on the island; it has a great reputation. It caters to a lot of tourists and you’ll have no problem finding staff who speak English.
PCR test (viral test accepted for US + Canada) is 2499 pesos (as of today about 124 usd, subject to change based on exchange rate) and results are ready in 24-48 hours.
Antigen test (viral test accepted in US) is 999 pesos (about 50 usd today) and results are available in 2-4 hours.
They also offer antibody tests but it looks to me like that’s not accepted for flights into either US or Canada.
To make an appointment or get more info, call the Cozumel clinic at +52-987-872-9400 (or a general call center at 1-800.900.1133). You’ll have an option to speak with someone in English.
Clínica San Miguel
Located right downtown on Calle 6 norte between 5ta and 10a Avenida
Rapid antigen test (valid only for US travel) is 699 pesos (~37 usd) and results are available in a couple hours
PCR test is 2500 pesos (~132 usd) and results will be available in 24-48 hours.
Regular testing hours are from 7 am – 2 pm.
Call +52-987-872-0103 to make an appointment at least 24 hours in advance. Bring your ID.
Home testing service available upon request for an additional fee.
If you think of other questions (or if you have used any of the clinics or services listed above and want to let us know what your experience was like so we can make try to keep this page updated and accurate) please feel free to email us at info@puntasurdivers.com
We’re happy to see that more and more visitors have been arriving here now that so many people in the U.S. and Canada have been able to get fully vaccinated and international travel is less risky. Cozumel’s residents continue to follow basic precautions like mask-wearing in public and businesses have adapted to be able to operate safely. Most businesses operate at a limited capacity to avoid overcrowding. The majority of businesses require a quick temperature check at the door as you enter, and many restaurants have adapted in order to accommodate outdoor seating so people can be comfortable socializing together while eating and drinking. While things here don’t feel “normal” yet, we do feel pretty safe, in general, and we think it’s a great time to visit while still following local guidelines and protocols to minimize your chance of contracting or spreading covid.
Getting tested in Coz
In short, as soon as the covid test became a requirement for all US-bound flights in January, people here started bending over backwards to make it easy and stress-free for tourists to get the test. There are multiple testing sites around town in clinics and pharmacies as well as a couple of stand-alone testing operations. There are also several testing services in which you can arrange for someone to come to your hotel/condo/private residence to carry out a test, if that’s more convenient for you. There’s even a mobile testing lab right outside the Cancun Airport for those true procrastinators. If you need more information about the requirement or testing locations, check out our detailed blog post here.
Vaccination progress
Vaccinations are currently underway here and have been made available according to age groups. Right now people age 50 and up are eligible, so while we’re a bit behind the US in terms of widespread accessibility, we’re heartened by the public’s enthusiasm about the vaccine and excited to see progress. Cubano is the first one on our team to qualify and just received his first dose last week (woo hoo!).
We officially launched Punta Sur Divers almost a year ago in summer 2020. It’s been an exciting and challenging ride. We’re super excited about being able to run a dive shop in our own style and by our own high standards. We’ve all worked for different companies for years, and it felt like the perfect moment to carve our own path. Here’s what’s been going on with us and our community over the past year.
Our Team
Jorge (Cubano) participated in several triathlon races last fall and this spring, including the Ironman, Half Ironman, and Ultra355 (5K swim, 300k bike and 50 km run!). As always his training and dedication have paid off, and he earned first place in the Ultrathon, 2nd place for his age group in the half Ironman, and 11th place for his age group in the Ironman. We are so proud of his accomplishments!
Cris has been selected to participate in the SAM Leadership program which brings together conservation-minded people who want to learn about strategies for promoting the conservation of the Mesoamerican reef system. She’s excited to deepen her understanding of citizen science, reef conservation and public policy.
Nacho has really enjoyed teaching a variety of courses lately! Whether it’s an Open Water Course or the Rescue course, he loves training divers and sharing in their enthusiasm for exploring the underwater world.
When she’s not changing diapers or attending daily royal balls in her living room, Cait has been busy responding to your emails and helping set up your dive reservations. She also keeps track of the dive sites you visit and updates our ever-evolving Island Guide, so if you have any questions about pricing, our services, or visiting Coz make sure to contact her at info@puntasurdivers.com
Hurricanes
The two hurricanes that passed through in October really hit us hard. While the storms weren’t devastating, many people on the island (including us) went days without power and had permanent damages to their homes. We’re grateful for the way that our neighbors, friends and colleagues pulled together to check on and support each other in the days following each storm.
Creativity and solidarity
Anyone who’s been here during the last 14 months will tell you that covid-19 hit us HARD. Everyone living on Cozumel depends directly or indirectly on the tourism industry, and when tourism came to a near standstill last year, it felt like the rug had been pulled out from under us. There were people here who had nothing — no income, no savings, no support from the government and no help from their employers. Eventually the government organized a biweekly delivery of food and basic supplies to any resident in need, and several grassroots groups and informal organizations have also formed to help support the most vulnerable community members. Many people were forced to leave the island because there was absolutely no way to make a living here.
We’re grateful that we were able to make it through those tough months and launch this dream project. We’re also really proud of our community. Several creative entrepreneurial endeavors have sprung up out of necessity, and you’ll see those if you visit. A perfect example is the new outdoor food truck patios where you can select from a number of cuisines and eat outside at picnic tables. They are an inspiring example of how people used their limited resources and worked collectively to innovate due to the current covid protocols and diminished tourism industry.
Reef Conservation and Sustainability
You may have noticed that our national marine park now follows a reef rotation system to allow popular sites a chance to recover throughout the year. This month all dive operations are avoiding visits to Punta Dalila, Palancar Horseshoe and Palancar Gardens. Don’t worry — we still have the OK to visit most of your favorite sites, and we know long term that it’s in everyone’s interest to make sure we don’t overtax the reef!
We believe at PSD that our own choices, both big and small, have an impact on the health of our ecosystem. Some of our efforts to be a responsible, sustainable business include: • composting the waste from your snacks during the surface interval • providing sanitized reusable water bottles on board rather than single-use plastic cups • encouraging customers to bike to and from the marina meeting point using bikes from our partner company, Rent a Bike Cozumel
Reef resting periods are scheduled throughout the year to allow popular reef sites a chance to recover.
Giving back
If you’re looking for a way to give back when you visit (or even from afar), we have lots of ideas for you! Here are just a few:
Donate money (or your time) to one of our community kitchens that are serving individuals in need. More info about Cocinas Comunitarias de Cozumel here.
Check out volunteer opportunities with Friends of Cozumel. They organize ongoing volunteer activities and are currently focused on providing water purification systems to low-income families.
Learn about organized beach and mangrove clean ups here.
Donate money or school supplies to Cozumel Chrysalis group, a highly-regarded local organization that provides resources to children whose families can’t afford to basic requisites for attending public school. In Mexico, families of kids who attend “free” public schools are responsible for paying for uniforms, registration fees and supplies — and sometimes they are simply unable to cover those costs.
Check out the CCRRP(Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Project) to learn about current efforts to preserve our reef system and local volunteering opportunities.
