Jacques Cousteau himself made the observation that, “the best way to observe a fish is to become a fish,” and scuba-diving is basically the closest human beings can get to doing this. Water lovers take note, here are some of the best diving sites in Mexico and Jamaica for discovering paradise both above and below the surface.

“Jacques Cousteau himself made the observation that “the best way to observe a fish is to become a fish.”

The Underwater Diving Heaven of Cozumel

Diving in one of the best scuba-diving destinations in the world makes it well worth taking time out from your well-deserved all-inclusive vacations in Cozumel, Playa del Carmen or Cancun. Among the huge variety of other Caribbean dives around Cozumel, one of the most signature experiences is that of Santa Rosa Wall, an intermediate-level dive which boasts an enviable plethora of local sea fauna, with sea turtles, seahorses and much more.

Palancar Reef, off the southernmost point of Cozumel, is a wonderland of coral reef with different sections. Highlights of this reef are Palancar Bricks, offering an intermediate-level dive brimming with coral reef mazes and sponges over a three-mile stretch of canyons and caves; and Palancar Gardens, filled with stunning coral formations, which offers a novice-intermediate level dive for those who are still finding their fins when it comes to diving.

Novel diving sites in Cancun and Isla Mujeres MUSA Cancun Underwater Museum

The creepily fascinating Underwater Museum of Art is tucked between Cancun and Isla Mujeres, and houses hundreds of underwater statues of people, and even a VW Beetle (literally jam-packed with fish), now covered with sea life. The artistic installation has become a favorite of divers and art enthusiasts alike, as well as a boon to the local marine life population.

Cave of Sleeping Sharks, Isla Mujeres

This ominous-sounding site, which featured in a Jacques Cousteau documentary, is located off the north of Isla Mujeres and is a great place to see sharks at their most passive. The phenomenon of the sleeping sharks is a result of fresh water bubbles that attract a variety of bull, black tip, nurse, and gray reef sharks. The air pockets, some 60 to 70 feet below the surface, have a calming effect on the intimidating creatures, allowing divers close range interaction.

Cenote Diving in the Riviera Maya,cenote Dos Ojos, Playa del Carmen

For those looking for fun things to do in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, visiting one of the many cenotes or ‘natural water sinkholes’ is definitely near the top of the list. An added plus for divers is that Cenote Dos Ojos offers a system of enormous underwater caves, eager to be explored. Cool water and stalagmites growing from the limestone rock create an out-of-this-world environment unlike any other.

The Uniqueness of Diving in Los Cabos

Other unique diving spots to mention in Mexico include the mind-boggling Sand Falls just off Cabo San Lucas, which is like an underwater hourglass with the constant trickling of sand. Not far out is another stunning dive at Land’s Point where you can spot sea lions in their day-to-day activities of chasing mackerel bait.

Between San Jose del Cabo and Can San Lucas there are also number of dives to consider, especially if you are staying at an all-inclusive luxury resort along the corridor. Suitable for all levels of diver, shallow dive spots to mention are Gavilanes, offering the loveliest coral reef in Los Cabos; Whale’s Head, where you can often hear the sound of humpback whales singing underwater; and Chileno Bay, which is particularly appealing to beginners.

Shipwrecks and Cavern-diving in Jamaica

Although Jamaica is not famed for being a diving destination, there are definitely a number of sites well worth exploring. One of the most popular dive sites off the Caribbean island is the shipwreck of a WWII Canadian minesweeper, the ‘Catherine’ (or sometimes ‘Kathryn’), sunk in roughly 50 feet of water along a cavernous reef system, not far from Ocho Rios. By this means, you not only get to explore the vessel but also the caverns.

For the advanced divers among us and keen fans of night dives, Jamaica Wall or Dickie’s Reef make spectacular destinations, with a whole host of sea life to spot.

Whether you are a novice looking for a stunning first dive or a pro in search of an intrepid adventure, make a mental note to explore some of these novel diving spots this vacation.