Underwater Adventures at Iberostar Cozumel

Cozumel has long been a favorite destination for divers, and after our recent trip, it’s easy to see why. Staying at the welcoming Iberostar resort and diving with the professional and friendly Dressel Divers, we experienced a truly memorable adventure beneath the waves. From rare fish sightings to exciting night dives, Cozumel delivered an incredible mix of vibrant marine life and stunning reefscapes.

The quest for the Splendid Toadfish
The highlight of the trip for many of us was the quest for the legendary Splendid Toadfish, a species found almost exclusively in the waters around Cozumel. This beautifully patterned, shy creature, with its striking yellows, browns, and blacks, is a master of camouflage. Our experienced divemasters from Dressel Divers knew just where to look, and after patiently exploring crevices and coral formations, we finally spotted one peeking out. The excitement of seeing this unique fish was absolutely electrifying and a moment we won't soon forget.

Palancar Gardens: A diver's paradise
While every dive site offered its own magic, our absolute favorite was Palancar Gardens. This stunning section of the larger Palancar Reef system is a true underwater garden, featuring a maze of vibrant coral formations, passageways, and towering pinnacles. Drifting along its gentle currents felt like flying through a pristine landscape. We saw a rich variety of marine life here, including graceful French Angel Fish, curious Hog Fish, and intricate Star Fish decorating the reef.

Becoming an advanced diver in paradise
For one member of our group, the trip was a major milestone—earning his advanced scuba certification. With Dressel Divers operating right from the Iberostar resort, the process was seamless and surprisingly affordable. The course was easy to integrate into our vacation plans, allowing plenty of time for both training dives and fun dives. He found the advanced training both educational and confidence-building, and it opened up new dive sites for him to explore. Coming from the Midwest, he found the concept of getting dive certified while you aren't freezing in a dark quarry or lake a nice change from his open water certification.

Creatures of the deep: A night dive adventure
Another incredible experience was our night dive. With the sun below the horizon, we plunged into a different kind of underwater world. Our dive lights revealed a spectacular scene of nocturnal life. We were captivated by the sight of numerous octopuses, usually reclusive during the day, now out hunting along the reef. We also spotted a shy spotted eel and countless other creatures that emerge after dark. It was a completely different perspective on the reef and a must-do for any diver visiting Cozumel.

A comfortable base at Iberostar Cozumel
Back on land, the Iberostar Cozumel provided the perfect all-inclusive haven. The resort is conveniently located near the dive sites, with Dressel Divers' boats picking up right from their pier. After a day of diving, we loved relaxing by the pool or on the beach. With a variety of food options, including delicious buffets and á la carte restaurants, we were never short on dining choices. The decent drinks from the resort's bars were the perfect way to unwind and share stories of our underwater adventures.