World-renowned underwater photographer Mike Bartick shares his journey pioneering blackwater diving, what makes Cozumel special, and what you can expect from Black Water Week 2026. This July, we're bringing something extraordinary to Cozumel: Black Water Week 2026. At the heart of this experience is Mike Bartick a world-renowned underwater photographer who has spent 15+ years pioneering blackwater diving around the globe. We sat down with Mike to ask him about his journey, w

If you’ve spent any time diving with Aldora in Cozumel, you already know what we care about: uncrowded boats, extra-long bottom times, and drifting effortlessly past deep, dramatic walls with a tight-knit team who just love to dive. Together, we’ve mastered the currents at Devil’s Throat and shared quiet moments with the splendid toadfish. But as an advanced diver, there is always a voice in the back of your head wondering what else is out there. You start craving something w

Last week, our team captured something extraordinary: sponges releasing millions of gametes into the water column. It's a phenomenon that 99% of recreational divers never witness. Discover what spawning is, why it matters for the reef ecosystem, and how Aldora Divers' small group approach means you have the best chance of experiencing this magical moment yourself. Read the full story on the blog

I If you're planning your next diving adventure, one destination keeps coming up again and again: Cozumel, Mexico . And for good reason. Despite growing global competition, Cozumel continues to stand out in 2026 as one of the best diving destinations in the world . But what exactly makes it so special? Let’s dive in. 1. Protected Reefs Full of Life Cozumel is part of the Mesoamerican Reef System , the second-largest reef in the world. Many of its dive sites are located within

This week brought some unexpected moments beneath the surface in Cozumel. During several dives, our dive masters encountered both bull sharks and hammerhead sharks in areas where these species are not commonly seen. These rare sightings may be connected to seasonal changes in marine life, possibly linked to the end of the eagle ray season. In this post, we share the videos captured during these encounters and explore what might be bringing these impressive predators closer to

Experience One of the Most Unique Dive Weeks of the Year Imagine hovering in the dark open ocean while mysterious creatures rise from the depths, illuminated only by powerful lights that simulate the moon. This is Blackwater Diving —one of the most extraordinary and rare underwater experiences a diver can have. In 2026, Aldora Divers invites you to join us for our 4th Annual Blackwater Week , a special event designed for adventurous divers, marine life enthusiasts, and underw