Mexico/Central America

---

Belize

Belize is home to the world's second largest barrier reef, a massive Blue Hole and three of the only four true coral atolls found in the hemisphere.

Underwater Belize offers a combination of reefs blanketed with coral and sponge growth and walls beginning as shallow as 20-40 feet. The marine life that inhabits the barrier reef is extraordinary and diverse…everything from schools of tarpon, turtles and stingrays to a wide variety of tropical species, and of course, the famed Blue Hole. No matter how many times I dive this vertical cavern I never tire of it, the sheer size of it still boggles my mind. Perfectly round and 1,000 feet in diameter, the site has a maximum depth of 412 feet but you don't need to go deeper than 130 to explore the mouth of a cave that is filled with rows of stalactites and stalagmites.

Diving the Blue Hole is one of the sport's "do it before you die" experiences, and just one more reason to come visit us in Belize.

Back to Top

---

Cocos Island

This is a very unique itinerary. The 300 mile voyage to a natural wonder of the world. Cocos is the only island in the tropical eastern Pacific with a tropical rainforest. Its position as the first point of contact with the northern equatorial counter-current, and the myriad interactions between the island and the surrounding marine ecosystem, make the area an ideal laboratory for the study and observation of life both above and below the surface.

Limited to a very few divers at a time, this coveted drift diving destination delivers you to one of the most concentrated large animal marine encounters in the world. The convergence of multiple ocean currents bring in massive schools of hammerheads, tuna, jacks and more. Passing dolphins, whale sharks and manta rays are sighted as well as an occasional sailfish.

Truly an incredible live-aboard journey and a visual feast above and below the waters of this World Heritage Site. The marine diversity also includes turtles, octopus, morays and creole fish.

Cocos Island must be at the top of every divers ‘Bucket List’.

Back to Top

---

Cozumel

The Island of Cozumel is a place of legends. Once an island capital for the esatern Mayan empire, Cozumel's fame now lies in its diving, restaurants, and nightlife. The island is located just off the eastern tip of the Yucatan peninsula in the Caribbean, and is blessed with a warm equatorial current which helps to support one of the most dramatic coral reefs in the world. Crystalline blue waters, in concert with a shear wall that extends for miles along the island's western coast, combine to attract divers from around the globe. Cozumel's attributes are undeniable!

So, pack your bags and let us take you to the paradise which is Cozumel!

Back to Top

---

Galapagos Islands

Any time is a good time to visit Galapagos. The large schools of rays and sharks, plus sea turtles, sea lions, iguanas and penguins are found all year round. There are two main seasons, but the exception is during an El Nino or La Nina phenomenon, which changes everything.

Whale Shark Season, from April to November, is when the chance to see whale sharks is almost 100%, and when the water in the central islands happens to be the coolest. The water temperatures at Wolf & Darwin, where we spend most of the time is warmer than in the rest of the archipelago (74-78°F). The divers who choose to travel during the cool season will be rewarded by the almost guaranteed presence of whale sharks at Darwin Island.

Warm season, when the temperature all over the archipelago goes from 75° (at the central Islands) up to 80° (at Wolf & Darwin) and when the chance to see whale sharks is 50-50%, and when there is more "ray" activity (Manta, mobula, spotted eagles, and golden eagle rays get together in sometimes large schools to mate). December to April is the warmer wet season with water temperatures ranging from the mid 70's F to the low 80's F. The general rule is that the warm season is not as windy as the cooler season.

There are several major currents that influence the water temperatures throughout the archipelago. It is a general rule that the northern islands (Wolf, Darwin, Marchena, Genovesa and Pinta) are the warmest. The central islands are cooler but highly variable, depending on localized upwelling (Santa Cruz, Santiago, Floreana, Espanola, Pinzon and Santa Fe). The coolest part is located on the western side (Isabela and Fernandina). Some currents run parallel to the coast and are greatly influenced by tidal change. There are also localized down currents and upwellings. Even though divers may be experienced, it is a good idea to follow the advice of the Divemaster.

Back to Top

---

Honduras

Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands and hosts the most development and resorts. The reefs begin in as little as 20 to 40 feet of water with delightful drop offs to 100+ ft. Most interestingly about Roatan are the people and culture of this once British Island. Yes, British. Roatan offers some of the best peas and rice in the Caribbean. With the size of Roatan (33 miles long) you have the opportunity to find a resort which meets your interests and needs.

Let's back up a little and bump in to the small Island (or is that a Caye?) of Utilla. Utilla offers some of the greatest diversity in diving in the area. Walls that drop off to 1000 feet, whale sharks, sharks, rays and underwater topography which ranges from sea mounts to reefs make Utilla a truly wonderful island to visit.

Guanaja... an island with no roads and many, many steep drop offs is an island guaranteed to provide world class diving and relaxation. Easy to dive reefs that start in very shallow water makes Guanaja an easy, relaxing location for those divers who want to truly get away from it all.

Back to Top

---

Mahahual

Mahahual, Mexico is a unique dive destination. Along the very well known coast of the Yucatan peninsula, four hours south of Cancun, Mahahual, also known as Costa Maya is a blast from the past. A 180 degree difference from popular Cancun, Mahahual will provide visitors with a taste of old Mexico. A small fishing village with some very nice hotels dotted along the coast, provides divers with pristine reefs and a chance to see what diving used to be like in Mexico. Wether you visit Mahahual for a couple of days or decide to spend an entire vacation relaxing and really kicking back, you will be impressed. With days of diving and boat rides to gorgeous reefs as little as 5 minutes away and a possibility to explore reefs further away that have only had a handful of divers ever on some of these sections of reef.

After your day of diving, you can find a beach that will be all yours alone. So bring a cerveca and put up a hammock and you will have found your true paradise. Mahahual is what a real vacation is supposed to be about; white sandy beaches, blue Caribbean water, warm sea breezes, and some of the friendliest people you will find anywhere. A special place and the only way to really understand is to visit. Be careful though because once you go you will find yourself returning year after year.

Back to Top