El Cielo, Cozumel

Planning

We knew the weekend of our anniversary was bringing some good weather, so plans were in the works to make the trip across toward Cozumel to El Cielo.  Thankfully, Dee did engine checks several days in advance because we quickly found out we had some port engine issues and the raw water pump was the culprit.  On Friday, he made the run on his motorcycle up to Cancun to pick up a new pump.  Again, thankful we found a pump, so quickly in Mexico.  He was back and and had the pump in by the end of the day and we were ready to head out early Saturday morning.

It's Go Time

Happy Anniversary to Us!  We decided to celebrate 33 years of marriage by taking a trip over to Cozumel and El Cielo to see what we have read is one of them most beautiful places to dive and snorkel.  It did not disappoint!
We left Puerto Aventuras early and headed across on a smooth day on the water.  We hardly noticed crossing  the Yucatán Current. I believe the only boat we saw was the Mexican Navy or Marina out patrolling the waters.  As we came into the El Cielo we did not see a tremendous amount of boats, yet.  One thing we did learn is that the weekend might not be the best time go across.  Most were dive boats, but one other boat was anchored.  We crossed the reef and headed into about 6 feet of water in a beautiful sandbar to anchor Journey for the day.

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Beach Time

After a swim around the boat because who could resist this beautiful water, we dropped Shelby and headed first to the isolated beach.  It was beautiful to walk along a beach that is on the leeward side without Sargassum to ruin the beaches and create that foul smell.  I am not sure which view is better the one toward the beach from the boat or the one from the beach toward Journey.  The beach was pristine and the waters a stunning blue.    While on the beach we began to see boats coming in closer to the beach along the sandbars.  People were standing in the water having a beer,  so we headed over that way to hang out and swim around with some rays and fish attracted to the boats coming into the area.  

Snorkeling the Reef

 Now it was time to snorkel which is one of the main reasons we are here.  So out toward the reef we head catching a glimpse of a turtle swimming by.  The water is so clear you can see the Bottom in 20 to 40 feet.  It was beautiful snorkeling in this crystal clear blue water and seeing some bigger fish and a few we had never seen before.  There really are no words to describe just how beautiful this place is.  Very special and one I will not forget, but I certainly hope to make a return trip.  

Flying Chicken Hawk

Dee flew his drone named Chicken Hawk so we could share this magical place.  We have some great video footage, so don't miss out on the video when I finally get it published.  Yes, I need a GoPro.  Mine died at the Dry Tortugas.  This is the best we can do for this trip.  Finally, we have to say goodbye to this very special place.  but we have plans for the next time when we hope to spend the night and find the starfish!  And we have now learned where the starfish are! For now, ​Good Bye Cozumel and El Cielo until next time.

The video below has a sneak peek of El Cielo and the marina where Journey is located.  Time to plan a visit to Mexico!