Permits Matter in Cozumel’s Marine Park

Cozumel’s reefs are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest reef system in the world. This fragile ecosystem is protected under the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Dive operators, like DIMI Scuba Tours, who hold official permits are not just businesses—they are stewards of this sanctuary.

Environmental Protection

Buceo en Isla Cozumel

Permitted operators follow strict rules: maintaining a safe distance from coral, prohibiting feeding fish, and requiring rash guards instead of sunscreen. They help prevent damage from careless practices like dragging gear or touching coral, which can kill fragile reef structures. By choosing a permitted operator, divers actively support conservation efforts that keep marine biodiversity thriving.

Richer Dive Experience

Diving in Cozumel

Operators with permits have access to the best dive sites — Palancar Reef, Santa Rosa Wall, and Punta Sur are all within the sanctuary. These sites are home to endemic species like the splendid toadfish, plus turtles, eagle rays, and nurse sharks. Permitted operators ensure these encounters happen responsibly.

Legal & Ethical Responsibility

Diving without a permitted operator can mean breaking local laws. Fishing, collecting souvenirs, or disturbing marine life is prohibited. Permitted operators pay park fees that directly fund reef monitoring, ranger patrols, and restoration projects. Your dive fee becomes an investment in conservation.

Safety & Professional Standards

Marine Park Bracelet

Permitted operators are required to maintain boat permits, safety procedures, and trained staff. Divers are issued Marine Park bracelets. Reputable operators refuse service or offer courses to refresh divers who lack buoyancy control, protecting both the reef and the diver. This ensures a safer, more professional experience for everyone in the water.

The Bigger Picture

Green Sea Turtle on the Reef

When divers choose operators within the sanctuary, they’re not just booking a trip—they’re joining a global movement for ocean conservation. Cozumel’s reefs are under pressure from tourism, climate change, and pollution. Supporting permitted operators helps balance tourism with sustainability, ensuring that future divers can still marvel at the same vibrant coral walls and marine life.

A dive in Cozumel is unforgettable—but only if the reef remains healthy. By choosing DIMI Scuba Tours that belongs to the Cozumel Marine Park sanctuary and holds permits, you’re guaranteeing not just a spectacular underwater adventure, but also playing a vital role in protecting one of the planet’s most extraordinary ecosystems.

Operador Autorizado - Authorized Operators List