05/08/2026
RECAP: Cozumel 2026
We’re fresh off our trip to Cozumel and once again, it did not disappoint! This was our 23rd (!!!) year of diving the island’s beautiful reefs. Iberostar is such an awesome resort. The food and hospitality were spot on and they always have so much to do, even for our non-divers. Many had spa days and enjoyed the beautiful beach lounging in the breezy cabanas. Diving again with Dressel Divers was great as well. The reefs are so close to the resort, so the boat rides to some of the dive sites were only a few minutes away. Of course, that meant we could grab a quick snack during our surface intervals at the snack bar. We kept the dive boat crew very happy with plates of Chicago, “Mexican” style hot dogs (with jalapenos) and fries!
Now for the diving! On our very first morning dive, a few of us were lucky to see a spotted eagle ray that hung out for moment or two. What a great way to start the week! The currents were swift most days, which made it difficult for the underwater photographers at times, but that just meant clipping your camera to your BCD and enjoying the ride. The reefs were abundant with sea life as well! We saw many splendid toadfish, which are native only to Cozumel’s reefs. Nurse sharks, a free-swimming moray eel, crabs, lobsters out for walks on the sand and a handful of huge turtles made each dive so memorable! On the night dive saw up to six octopus. On the other hand, and it’s good thing, the lionfish population was scarce.
Those divers who went out on Friday morning witnessed a rare show of corals spawning! What an incredible sight to see. Some huge coral heads released billowy clouds of gray smoke while other types released whiteish “gametes” into the water. The lively currents made it easy for the coral babies to drift along and find the perfect spot to settle and form new colonies of beautiful coral.
There were also stories and possibly a sighting of a saltwater crocodile that likes to linger in the shallows at night in front of the resort. There is even a sign on the walk over to Alberto’s, warning to be on the lookout for her.
All in all, this trip was amazing. We met some new friends and as always, had some “Repeat Offenders” with us. The CBD table just keeps extending and we wouldn’t want it any other way!
Next up, we are heading to the Bahamas in August with All Star Liveaboards. We are really looking forward to being pampered all week on their beautiful yacht! If you didn’t sign up for this trip, not to worry. We are heading to the Philippines next spring and trips to Bonaire and Palau are in the works. Please join us on these once in a lifetime dive adventures and for another chance to Dream, Discover and Descend with Crystal Blue Diving!
Until next time….
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