It’s Dive O’Clock Somewhere: Cozumel

The turquoise waters of Cozumel allure divers from all over the world to Mexico — as does the tequila. With a four- or seven-night dive and stay package, you can experience the best of both. Drift the day away with Dive Paradise, then kick your fins off and watch the sun set into the Caribbean Sea from Casa Del Mar’s picturesque pool bar or restaurant.

Happy Hour Dive Site: Palancar Caves

Why It’s an Editor’s Pick: Palancar Reef has been a popular destination for Caribbean divers since Jacques Cousteau dived it in 1961. There are many options for touring this expansive reef, including sites like Palancar Gardens and Palancar Horseshoe, but the caves are a cut above. The underwater topography of the site is unmatched — deep fissures with plummeting coral-encrusted slopes break up stretches of pinnacles, arches, tunnels and caves. Lower currents and 100-foot viz make the site beginner-friendly, but most of the action happens between 60 and 80 feet, so intermediate and advanced divers might get more out of the experience. On your dive, you’ll be able to see spotted eagle rays, hawksbill sea turtles, different species of grouper, schools of bar jacks, and reef-dwellers like lobster, cleaner shrimp and moray eels.

Signature Experience: The site’s series of tunnels and caves have formed over millions of years. With swim-throughs galore, Palancar Caves is a diver’s playground. Just make sure to keep your buoyancy in check while exploring the fragile reef ecosystem.

After you’ve surfaced, the boat will drop you off at the Casa Del Mar pier, which is just steps from the resort.

Watch the Sunset during Happy Hour at: Casa Del Mar Pool Bar or Coral Reef Restaurant

Why It’s an Editor’s Pick: Wash the sea salt off at Casa Del Mar’s dreamy swim-up pool bar. Or if you’ve had enough time in the water, sit down at the resort’s Coral Reef Restaurant. The thatched-roof eatery is the perfect place to relax al fresco in the comfort of the ocean breeze sweeping off the Caribbean Sea. Offering both traditional Mexican dishes and favorites like lobster and fresh-caught fish, you’re sure to find something on the menu you love.

Signature Drink: Shots, anyone? When in Mexico, you’ve gotta go with tequila. Whether you fancy a top-shelf bottle like Casa Noble or the old reliable Jose Cuervo Especial, you won’t be let down — both brands are distilled nationally in the town of Jalisco, Mexico, about 1,000 miles from the island of Cozumel.