North Side Adventures & Lionfish Hunting: A Different Kind of Cozumel Dive

Most divers know Cozumel for its classic southern reefs—long, effortless drifts and towering walls that never get old. But once you’ve spent a few days diving here, it’s natural to start wondering what lies beyond the familiar.

That curiosity is what leads some of our guests to one of the most unique experiences we offer: Aldora Adventures.

This is not a standard two-tank morning dive. It’s a full-day commitment, a different pace, and a chance to explore parts of Cozumel that very few divers ever get to see.

What is an Aldora Adventure?

Aldora Adventures is a full-day, three-tank Nitrox dive trip to the north and east sides of Cozumel, available only when conditions allow.

These trips are built around flexibility and exploration. We have a range of less-visited and “secret” sites to choose from, selected on the day based on weather, sea state, and diver experience. No two Adventure days are exactly the same.

The boat departs early—7:30 am from our downtown dock—and returns later in the afternoon, making this a true expedition-style dive day.

The north side: fewer divers, bigger surprises

The north side of the island offers a very different feel from the south:

• More exposed sites

• Less diver traffic

• Complex reef structures and dramatic topography

These conditions often attract pelagic life, making each dive unpredictable in the best possible way.

• Visited by pelagic species and fast-moving fish

In some areas, divers can also explore the cannons of a historic Spanish galleon shipwreck, adding a sense of history to the adventure.

The East Side truly feels wild—open ocean, powerful energy, and reefs that remind you what Cozumel looked like long before mass tourism.

Lionfish hunting: diving with purpose

Many Aldora Adventure trips also include lionfish hunting in the northern reefs.

For divers who choose to participate, this is an opportunity to:

• Learn how to safely use a Hawaiian sling spear

• Actively help control an invasive species

• Contribute directly to reef health

Lionfish are abundant in these areas, and responsible removal plays an important role in protecting native reef life.

As a reward after a long day of diving, all lionfish caught are freshly prepared by our captain into a delicious ceviche lunch on board—a well-earned and memorable way to end the day.

Thinking about your next Aldora trip?

If you’ve dived with us before and are looking for something beyond the usual routine, Aldora Adventures offers a chance to experience Cozumel in a completely different way.

Let us know when you’re thinking of coming back, your experience level, and whether an Adventure day is on your wish list. When the conditions line up, we’ll take it from there.

Some dives are about enjoying the reef. Others are about exploring its edges—and helping protect it.

Aldora Adventures lets you do both.