Page 108 - Mexico Diving From the Caribbean to Pacific Isles
P. 108
It also follows that no Franko’s Map which EAGLE RAY WALL 9-12m (70-90ft) Drift LA CEIBA DROP-OFF 20-30m+ (66-
caters to a beautiful island and it’s div- starts in front of Coral Princess Hotel, then 100ft.+) Boat dive in very fast-moving drift
ing would be complete without local reef divers pause at a handy cut in the wall to dive. Interesting corals and sea life, but the
creature information. In fact, the finish- wait for eagle rays, usually Nov.-March. drift is too fast for photos.
ing touch on side one of Franko’s Map Rich wall dive with pelagic species and reef AEROPLANE WRECK 5-12m (16-40ft.)
of Cozumel is Franko’s Caribbean reef fishes. Enter at Hotel La Ceiba pier to dive a DC3
creatures guide. This biological interpre- PICO’S REEF (BARRACUDA REEF) to 9m Convair sunk for movie set in 1977. Hurri-
tive data includes over 100 species of fish, (30ft.) Shore entry in front of Hotel Bar- canes have scattered the wreckage remnants.
invertebrates, corals and sponges, depicted racuda pier where divers see conch shells, PARAISO NORTE 12-15m (40-50ft.) Enter
in full color with names for easy identifica- octopi and sea horses! Great snorkeling. at Hotel La Ceiba pier steps or swim from
tion. This includes everything from green VILLABLANCA REEF to 6m (20ft.) Easy the Aeroplane Wreck to coral heads with
sea and hawksbill turtles to white-spotted check-out dive spot off of Hotel Villablanca colorful sponges rising out of sand.
eagle rays, trumpetfish, blacktip reef sharks, with stingrays, peacock flounders and many INTERNATIONAL PIER 6-20m (20-66ft.)
and longspine squirrelfish. It also includes small reef fish. Harbormaster permission required to enter
mountainous star coral, finger coral, sheet VILLABLANCA DROP-OFF 21-30m+ (69- the
coral, sea fans, and the one coral feared by 100ft.+) Boat dive just off Hotel Villablanca waters south of Hotel La Ceiba pier to dive
Franko - fire coral. The favorite of all of Co- to a steep slope (almost a wall). This is a the International Pier.
zumel’s undersea creatures is it’s own unique very fast and difficult drift dive. PARADISE REEF 7-12m (22-40ft.) Boat
Cozumel splendid toadfish. This curious GORGONIAN FLATS to 8m (25ft.) This dive outside Laguna Caleta is a second dive
creature is depicted peering out from a hid- shore dive in front of Caribe Blue Resort is or a favorite night dive. Night divers see
ing spot, as usual. This beautiful depiction from the Villablanca pier, or by Hotel Casa morays, octopi, and Cozumel’s splendid
of Cozumel’s fabulous undersea life is a Del Mar. It has a shallow sandy slope and toadfish. Fabulous on a big moon.
combination of carefully drawn artwork, small corals, but not great visibility.
intermingled with Franko’s underwater
photography that has been blended into the
artwork.
LA CEIBA REEF PRESERVE 6-12m (33-
40ft.) Enter at Hotel La Ceiba pier to a
coral and patch reef by Aeroplane Wreck.
Great for beginners and snorkelers to see
brain, star and pillar corals, and gorgonians.
