Not all the area’s wonders are on dry land. The world’s second longest reef system, the Mesoamerican Reef, stretches along the coast of the Mexican Caribbean south into Belize.

Surpassing even the rain forest in terms of biodiversity, coral reefs are the richest ecosystem on the planet, and the Mesoamerican Reef lives up to the billing. It boasts spectacular coral formations, over 500 species of fish and other colorful marine creatures.

The reefs range from challenging walls, caves and canyons in deep water for advanced divers to shallow, sheltered inlets suitable for snorkeling.

One of the world's leading dive destinations, Cozumel owes its fame to the clarity of the water - visibility can be up to 200 feet -, the mighty Palancar reef and the dropoffs or walls that tumble down into the impenetrable dark of an ocean trench thousands of feet deep.

Dive and snorkeling trips in the Cancun-Isla Mujeres area, the Riviera Maya and Cozumel can be booked through Thomas Moore Travel. Each resort has an in house scuba operation and resident PADI instructors. What are you waiting for, take the plunge!

Book your scuba diving tour at Thomas More Travel