Cozumel: 2-Tank Dive, Eagle Ray Wall for Certified Divers

Ready for an exciting underwater adventure in Cozumel? This 2-tank dive tour at Eagle Ray Wall (Cantarel) offers certified divers a chance to see turtles, nurse sharks, rays, and morays in crystal-clear waters. The tour, led by The Bubble Path, lasts approximately 4.5 hours and departs from the Puerto de Abrigo area, near the airport. Expect a well-organized experience that emphasizes safety and the thrill of drift diving, especially in strong currents.

Designed for certified divers with at least 20 logged dives, this tour provides a guided exploration of Cozumel’s vibrant marine ecosystem. The activity is suitable for those in excellent health and fitness, with recommended experience in drift diving, Nitrox, and advanced open water certification. No skin creams or sunscreens are allowed, so be prepared with long-sleeve clothing, sunglasses, and a hat for surface time.

Key Points

• Two-tank dive tour lasting 4.5 hours at Eagle Ray Wall in Cozumel.
• Guided by an experienced instructor who speaks English and Spanish.
• Vibrant marine life includes turtles, nurse sharks, rays, morays, and schools of fish.
• Ideal for certified divers with a minimum of 20 logged dives and good health.
• Strong currents mean drift diving is common, requiring prior experience.
• No sunscreen or skin creams allowed; bring sun protection like long-sleeve clothing, sunglasses, and a hat.

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Starting Point and Logistics in Cozumel

This tour begins at the Kay Kib location, near the lighthouse and gas station on the side of Puerto de Abrigo. The meeting point is easy to reach by taxi, with coordinates 20.52825355529785, -86.94009399414062. The guide, identifiable by a white longsleeve shirt, ensures a smooth start to your day.

The activity involves a 20-minute speedboat ride to Cantarel, followed by the first scuba diving session. After the initial dive, there is a break of about one hour for rest and onboard meals, then a second dive either at the same site or a nearby location. The return trip includes a 35-minute speedboat ride back to Kay Kib, wrapping up the day’s underwater highlights.

The Unique Appeal of Eagle Ray Wall in Cozumel

Eagle Ray Wall, also known as Cantarel, is famous for its stunning drift diving experience. As current flows over the wall, divers are carried along, feeling the rush of the water while observing marine life. During winter months, the chances to see eagle rays increase, adding a special highlight to the trip.

The wall’s vibrant coral formations serve as a backdrop for a variety of marine creatures. The area is known for turtles, nurse sharks, rays, morays, and schools of fish, making each dive dynamic and lively. The strong currents are a draw for experienced drift divers but require prior familiarity with such conditions.

Marine Life Encounters and Underwater Highlights

The marine ecosystem around Eagle Ray Wall teems with life. Turtles are often spotted grazing near the coral, while nurse sharks may rest on the seabed. Rays, including eagle rays during the winter, glide gracefully over the wall, providing excellent photo opportunities.

Divers also see morays, often peeking out of crevices, and are surrounded by schools of colorful fish. These sightings underscore the area’s appeal as a hotspot for divers seeking diverse and active marine environments. The guides emphasize safety and observation, ensuring a respectful interaction with the underwater creatures.

The Experience of Drift Diving in Strong Currents

This tour’s standout feature is drift diving, which allows you to cover larger sections of the wall effortlessly. The strong currents require prior drift diving experience, and the guides are skilled at managing the group safely through these conditions.

Participants should be comfortable with buoyancy control and experienced in handling currents. The guided instruction ensures that even with the water’s flow, divers remain safe and enjoy the scenery. The second dive may replicate the first or explore another nearby site, maintaining variety within the same overall experience.

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Safety, Equipment, and Preparation Tips

Safety protocols are a priority on this tour. The guide, who communicates in English and Spanish, closely monitors each diver’s condition. Since skin creams and sunscreen are prohibited, travelers should bring long-sleeve shirts, sunglasses, and hats for surface protection.

Recommended gear includes diving certification, at least 20 logged dives, motion sickness pills if needed, and hair ties to keep hair out of the way. The small group size of only 4 participants enhances personalized attention and safety. It’s essential to be in excellent health and fit, with drift diving experience suggested for a smooth trip.

The Importance of Proper Certification and Experience

This activity is strictly for certified divers, specifically those with 20 or more logged dives. The tour emphasizes safety and familiarity with drift diving, making it unsuitable for beginners or those with health issues like heart or respiratory problems.

Participants should also consider Nitrox certification and advanced open water certification as recommended enhancements. The physical demands, including handling currents and extended underwater periods, mean that good health and fitness are necessary for an enjoyable experience.

The Value of a Small Group Experience

Limited to 4 participants, this tour offers a personalized and focused experience. The small group size allows the instructor to provide detailed guidance and ensure safety throughout the dives.

This setting is ideal for divers who prefer a quieter, more controlled environment compared to larger tour groups. It also facilitates more meaningful interactions with the instructor, enhancing the overall quality of the dive.

Booking, Cancellation, and Additional Details

Reservations can be made with flexible cancellation options—full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance. The payment process is flexible, allowing you to reserve now and pay later.

The tour operates in both English and Spanish, accommodating diverse travelers. It is important to arrive prepared with sunglasses, hats, long-sleeve clothing, and motion sickness prevention if needed. Since the activity lasts 4.5 hours, participants should be ready for a full, engaging day on the water.

Final Thoughts on the Eagle Ray Wall 2-Tank Dive Tour

This Cozumel offering from The Bubble Path stands out for its guided exploration of Eagle Ray Wall, with a focus on drift diving in strong currents. The chance to see marine species like turtles, nurse sharks, rays, and morays makes it a compelling choice for experienced divers eager to explore one of Cozumel’s top underwater sites.

While the strong currents require prior experience, the small group size, expert guides, and well-organized itinerary ensure a safe and memorable adventure. This tour is especially suited for those comfortable with drift diving, seeking lively marine encounters, and wanting a personalized dive experience in Cozumel’s renowned waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum certification required for this tour?
Certified divers with at least 20 logged dives are eligible to participate.

How long does the entire tour last?
The activity lasts approximately 4.5 hours, including boat rides, dives, and breaks.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at Kay Kib, near the lighthouse and gas station on Puerto de Abrigo.

Is prior drift diving experience necessary?
Yes, experience in drift diving is recommended due to the strong currents present at Eagle Ray Wall.

What marine animals might I see?
Expect to see turtles, nurse sharks, rays (including eagle rays during winter), morays, and schools of fish.

Are skin creams or sunscreen allowed?
No, sunscreen and skin creams are prohibited; bring long-sleeve shirts, hats, and sunglasses instead.

What language does the guide speak?
The guide speaks English and Spanish to accommodate different participants.

Can I choose the same site for both dives?
Yes, the second tank can be at the same site or a nearby location.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring diving certification, sunglasses, hats, hair ties, motion sickness pills if needed, and long-sleeve clothing.

Is this tour suitable for divers with health issues?
No, it is not recommended for people with heart problems, respiratory issues, recent surgeries, or those with low fitness levels.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations are available with full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

This 2-tank dive at Eagle Ray Wall offers a well-structured, safe, and lively underwater experience for certified divers. Its emphasis on drift diving through strong currents and encounters with marine wildlife make it a memorable part of any Cozumel diving itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby