Attracting divers from all over the world every year eager to explore its majestic coral reefs, Cozumel was declared the World’s Best Dive Destination in this year’s FITUR travel fair in Madrid.

Cozumel’s spectacular chain of reefs was made famous by Mexican diver Rene Cardona in the 1960s and Jacques Cousteau in the 1970s. Magnificent coral buttresses and walls festooned by huge red, yellow and orange sponges and gently waving sea fans are honeycombed with caves and canyons and inhabited by shimmering rainbow-colored fish of all shapes and sizes.

Scientists have identified 47 species of coral and 48 of sponges and more than 300 species of fish, including the endemic splendid toad fish and other colorful marine life such as sea anemones, Caribbean pink conch, dolphins, manta rays and hammerhead sharks.

Water visibility is as high as 200 feet and the current enables divers to practice drift diving and literally fly past coral walls and drop-offs descending into the depths, keeping pace with sea turtles, huge groupers and schools of dappled eagle rays.

Cozumel’s reefs are part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the world’s second longest coral reef system and there are dives for every level of experience, from beginners to advanced, open water divers. Divers can spend a lifetime exploring reefs like La Herradura, San Francisco, Tormentos, Yucab, Santa Rosa, El Tunel, Colombia, Maracaibo and the largest of them all, Palancar, famous for its coral pillars, caves and walls.

Cozumel’s snorkeling favorites

Some shallower reefs such as Chankanaab and Paraíso are great snorkeling spots and swimmers come face to face with queen angelfish, parrot fish, blue tangs, sergeant majors and jacks. For visitors who would prefer to see the underwater world without getting wet, there are glass-bottomed boats and an unforgettable immersion on the Atlantis submarine, which dives to a depth of 100 feet.