The Cozumel Photo Shootout 2011 is an event that seeks to continually promote of the natural beauty of Cozumel island through an encounter of photographers which will also serve to create awareness amongst the local population and visitors about the importance and urgency to take actions to stop environmental deterioration and to direct us towards a true sustainable development.
Cozumel island is recognized globally by its coral reefs rich in biodiversity and truly spectacular beauty. But the island also has land ecosystems of great esthetic and biological value. For this reason, we're rescuing the "Shoot out" that used to be held annually for underwater photography and now we're including land ecosystems as part of the event.
Cozumel Photo Shootout promises to be a great experience for all those amateur and professional photographers that have an interest in capturing the light of these tropical ecosystems of the Mexican Caribbean. Visit our web site.

OUR TRIPS

Reef Schedule

2 Tank Dive Trips 8:15am and 1:30pm

	1st Dive Depth 80 ft.	2nd Dive Depth 50-60 ft.
Monday	Palancar Horseshoe	Paso del Cedral
Tuesday	Santa Rosa Wall	Tormentos Reef
Wednesday	Colombia Wall	San Francisco Reef
Thursday	Palancar Bricks	Yucab Reef
Friday	Palancar Caves	Paso del Cedral
Saturday	Santa Rosa Wall	Paradise Reef
Sunday	Palancar Gardens	Punta Tunich

- Schedule may change IF weather conditions are NOT SAFE for DIVERS -
- Private Charters have choice of Reefs & Profiles –arters have choice of Reefs & Profiles –

COZUMEL REEFS

Paradise Reef
Depth: 20 to 50 feet
Skill level: Novice
This is a popular spot for snorklers as well as night dives and second-tank shallow dives. There are many shallow patch reefs, large brain coral, sea fans and sponges. Also a good chance of finding Cozumel's Splendid Toadfish.

Balones of Chankanaab
Depth: 60 to 70 feet
Skill level: Novice
A series of ballon - shaped coral heads. Colorful, abundant marine life, lobster and crab.

Chankanaab Caves
Depth: 35 feet max
Skill level: Novice
This is an interesting dive at the south end of Chankanaab park. Excellent beach dive that can be reached either from Chankanaab park itself or by entering south of the park towards Corona beach where there is no park entrance fee.Cold fresh water flows out of limestone caves called cenotes. Large Tarpan can be found swimming around in the entrance to the caves. Stay in the ambient light and do not venture far back.Interesting mixing of cold fresh water on the top layer with the warm salt water below.

Tormentos Reef
Depth: 50 to 70 feet
Skill level: Intermediate
Some of the fastest currents can be found here. Many large coral pinnacles covered with brain and whip corals. Eels, angelfish,groupers, grunts and snapper are common as well as smaller reef fish.

Yucab Reef
Depth: 45 to 60 feet
Skill level: Novice
Excellent 2nd dive. Dense reef full of color and marine life including lobster, eels and crab.

Punta Tunich
Depth: 50 to 130 feet
Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced
Often swift current. From a sand bottom at 70 feet, a long ridge of coral rises from the sand dunes between 40 to 60 feet. Big grouper and playful green moaray eels.

San Francisco Reef
Depth: 35 to 50 feet
Skill level: Intemediate
One of the shallowest wall dives. Vey rich with marine life. Excellent 2nd dive.

Santa Maria Reef
Depth: 40 to 60 feet
Skill level: Intermediate
Many large schools of angelfish.

Santa Rosa Wall
Depth: 40 to 130 feet
Skill level: Intermediate
Popular deep dive. Drift dive over huge coral heads that rise up from the deep blue. Impressive overhangs and colorful sponges. At the northern end are a series of swim through tunnels that the divemaster will lead you through. Keep your eye open towards the deep channel where you may spot eagle rays and turtles.

Paso de Cedral
Depth: 35 to 60 feet
Skill level: Intermediate
Popular spot for feeding the locals! Massive black groupers will follow you once you enter the water. Do not feed the fish though. Let the divemasters feed the eels and groupers here as they have more experience. Spectacular cavern, tunnel and swim through diving.

Cedral Wall
Depth: 50 to 90 feet
Skill level: Intermediate
Usually strong current present. Fairly flat but full of color and marine life.

Little Caves
Depth: 50 to 70 feet
Skill level: Novice
This is an interesting dive with many colorful canyons, deep ravines and crevices.

Palancar Horseshoe
Depth: 25 to 125 feet
Skill level: Intermediate
Towers of brain, star and sheet coral heads protrude within 20 feet of the surface. Excellent dive spot.

Palancar Gardens
Depth: 40 to 70 feet
Skill level: Novice
This is a great 2nd dive after diving Palancar Caves. Beautiful dive with plenty of color and many nice caverns.

Palancar Caves
Depth: 60 to 90 feet
Skill level: Intermediate
Excellent tunnels and caves to swim through. Abundant marine life. Very popular deep dive

Columbia Wall
Depth: 60 to 90 feet
Skill level: Intermediate
One of my favorite dives. Not as many divers come here due to the distance. Huge coral pinnacles and a very impressive drop off. You can often see large marine life such as eagle rays, turtles and large baracuda.

Columbia Shallow
Depth: 35 feet max
Skill level: Novice
This is one of the best shallow dives on the island in my opinion. huge variety of marine life and many coral heads. Usually 2nd dive only for those divers who have just finished the first dive at either Columbia Wall or Punta Sur due to the location.

Punta Sur
Depth: 90 to 130 feet
Skill level: Advanced
This is diving for the experienced at it's best. Home to the famous "Devil's Throat" which starts at the opening of a dark narrow tunnel at 90 feet and takes you out into a sunlite opening at 130 feet on the wall. Eagle rays and sharks are occasionally spoted here. Other spots include the cathedral, which is a large cave opening with giant sponges that form a cross in the ceiling of the cave where light passes through.

Maracaibo Deep
Depth: 90 to 140 feet
Skill level: Expert
This is the southernmost reef on the island and is very exposed to current and topside surf. Wall starts at 90 feet and is covered with large orange elephant ear sponges, black coral and sheet coral. Sharks, rays and loggerhead turtles swim through the channel.

Baracuda Reef
Depth: 80 to 100 feet
Skill level: Expert
Baracuda lies on the north side of the island. This dive site is rarely visited due to rough conditions, even in good weather. The current runs 2 to 3 knots and downcurrents are not uncommon. For the truly adventurous diver, it is a rewarding challenge though and you can often site large schools of fish, turtles, and even hammerhead sharks have been sighted here in the past.

COZUMEL REEFS

1. Barracuda Wall (90'-120'+)
2. Barracuda (90-120'+)
3. San Juan (40'-50')
4. Villa Blanca Wall (50'-60')
5. Paraiso Reef (40'-70')
6. Paraiso Wall (60'-120')
7. Chankanaab (35'-40')
8. Bolones de Chankanaab (40'-70')
9. Tormentos (50'-60')
10. Yucab Wall (80'-120')
11. Yucab (40'-50')
12. Punta Tunish Wall (50'-120'+)
13. Cordona
14. Cordona Deep (50'-60')
15. San Francisco Wall (45'-120')
16. Santa Rosa Shallows (40'-50')
17. Santa Rosa Wall (50' - 120+)
18. Paso del Cedral (50'-60')
19. Cedral Wall (60'-120')
20. Palancar: La Francesca (30'-60')
21. Palancar: Big Horseshoe (35'-120')
22. Palancar: Gardens (30'-80')
23. Palancar: Little Horseshoe (50'-90')
24. Palancar: Palancar Caves (50'-120'+)
25. Columbia (60'-120')
26. Punta Sur (90'-120')
27. Chun Cha Cab (80'-120'+)
28. Maracaibo Shallows (70'-90')
29. Maracaibo (120+)

SCUBA DU...OUR SISTER COMPANY!!!

SCUBA DU has been the In-House Dive Center at the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa since 1992, over 15 years, this alone speaks volumes about the sustained level of quality services and safety provided by SCUBA DU over the years to it’s clients. Of course our services are available regardless of lodging location, we service guests staying at any hotel, condo, house rental or villa in Cozumel, and guests staying on the mainland that come to Cozumel. We provide World Class services and personal attention, with a strong emphasis on safety and quality on all of our diving, fishing and snorkeling trips. Our fleet of 6 custom dive boats are equipped with DAN oxygen units, VHF radios and very experienced and friendly Staff of Captains & Crew.

Our DiveMasters and Instructors are all PADI Certified & Insured, and have many years of experience in Cozumel, they will make your diving experience with SCUBA DU very safe and also lots of fun. Our attention to safety first and personal service is the reason why SCUBA DU has one of the best safety records, and has been repeatedly recognized as one of the top dive operators in Cozumel and the Caribbean for many years by industry publications like Scuba Diving Magazine, Sport Diver and Undercurrent.

With a Mexican heart and a Caribbean soul, Cozumel is a paradise where tradition, flavor and joy come together. You will always find a friendly face and a warm welcome to make your stay an unforgettable one.

Famous all over the world for its coral reefs, there are plenty of water sports such as diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, kayaking and more. Cozumel's mostly undeveloped territory at the center of the island is covered by jungle and swampy lagoons, which are home to tiny mammals and endemic birds that have never left the island. Noteworthy is the Chankanaab National Park, a Cozumel icon, and the Punta Sur Ecological Reserve. This huge protected area at the southern tip of the island includes Punta Celarain and its historical lighthouse, as well as the Colombia Lagoon, a shelter for many of the island's endemic species, as well as other endangered forms of life, such as marine turtles and their nesting areas.

With its beautiful beaches and exotic locale, Cozumel is an ideal destination where honeymooners can enjoy colorful and breathtaking sunsets, moonlit walks on secluded beaches, swim through crystal clear blue waters and romantic candlelight dinners

El Cozumeleño's in-house dive shop, get the most convenient and professional services, the best staff and boats, and the most value in return for all of your Certified Scuba Diving, Scuba Lessons, Reef Snorkeling Tours, Deep Sea Fishing, Parasailing, Sunset Cruises and Power Snorkel.
We have been El Cozumeleño Beach Resort's recommended Tour Company fot Water Sports for 10 years.
WE ARE LOCATED ON THE BEACH OF THE RESORT!