Page 130 - Mexico Diving From the Caribbean to Pacific Isles

Drift Diving and the Abyss

Cozumel is famous for its drift diving as a result of the Gulf
Stream current. Currents are usually mild (1 -2 Knots) allow-
ing divers to glide effortlessly along the reefs. The Gulf Stream
runs along the entire cost of Quintana Roo, flowing from the
South to the North.

T he Reefs of Cozumel are by continuous structures rising Wall is rated one of the top 50
reached by dive boats and into coral peaks high above dives in the World. These three
magnificent dive sites start in
we classify the majority of the the edge of the drop off zone. approximately 60 feet of water
and extend to the Abyss. The
Reef Systems as being either and extending to as much as famous vertical walls and swim
through are world famous.
Mid Reefs with depths of 30 180 feet (55 meters) below the Santa Rosa Wall has a spectacu-
lar vertical wall. Columbia Wall
to 60 feet or Edge Reefs with a surface. has a series of swim throughs
with large coral peaks and
depth of 60 feet to the abyss. pinnacles rising from the sandy
CThe three most famous reef bottom to over 100 feet in
ozumel is famous for its height.
systems on Cozumel are located drift diving as a result

on the Southwest side of the of these currents. Currents

Island. Columbia Wall, Palancar are usually mild (1 -2 Knots)

and Santa Rosa Wall are spec- allowing divers to glide

tacular dives. effortlessly along the reefs.

The Big Three on Cozumel The Gulf Stream runs along
are classified as Edge Reefs. the entire cost of Quintana
Roo, flowing from the South

Edge Reefs are characterized to the North. Santa Rosa