Cancun Diving
In 1974, a computer decided that the strip of sand called Cancun was ideal for a planned resort town. Well-behaved weather and the island's close proximity to North America ensured its popularity. The computer was correct: Mexico's number-one tourist destination and one of the ultimate dive travel spots was born.
Cancún offers Caribbean splendor -- translucent turquoise waters and powdery white-sand beaches - along with comfortable American-style resorts, plenty of nightlife, water sports, and good doses of authentic culture and history nearby.
Actually a narrow island 14 miles long connected to the mainland by two bridges, Cancun, which translates from Mayan to mean "Golden Snake," is separated from the Yucatan Peninsula by the expansive Nichupté lagoon.
You'll run out of vacation before you run out of things to do here. Sure, you could just beach it or stay poolside, but few sit still with so much variety available. Snorkeling, jet-skiing, jungle tours, ancient Maya ruins and modern eco-theme parks are the most popular diversions. In an effort to please every vacationer, Cancun has at least one of every water toy know to man. Shopping is another favorite pastime. There are a dozen malls with name-brand and duty-free shops as well as open-air markets. Haggling is expected in the markets. Great deals can be found on anything onyx. Silver is to Mexico what water is to the Caribbean, and you can't miss the million multicolored Mexican blankets.
When the sun sets, there are more than 350 restaurants and nightclubs to chose from. (The bar scene has made Cancun the number one collegiate Spring Break spot in the world.)
In addition to attractions of its own, Cancún is a convenient distance from the more traditional resorts. Isla Mujeres, a popular base for deep-sea fishing, is a favorite day trip on the ferry. Playa del Carmen, to the south, is a relaxing beachside village that's just starting to become known. Cozumel, just across the channel, is the area's scuba center. The Maya ruins at Tulum, Chichén-Itzá, and Cobá are all within driving distance.
DIVES NOT TO MISS :
The Palancar reef is one of the best reef dives in Cozumel with an incredible display of coral forms, caves and canyons with visibility up to 230 feet. It is at the outer edge of the continental shelf forming the deep-water channel between Cozumel and the Yucatan mainland and sits in about 80 feet of water. The northern end, Palancer Gardens, offers a shallower dive . The reef sits almost a mile offshore so you will need to book a day cruise or charter a boat to reach it.
