Julio Kinscuba

Julio Kin VIP Scuba is a specialised dive centre situated in the South Hotel Zone of Cozumel, Mexico. Based at the Marina Fonatur ASIPONA, the centre is perfectly positioned for those looking to explore the island's famous reefs and walls via small, fast boats.

The centre is defined by its intimate approach to diving. Rather than large, crowded groups, the focus here is on small cohorts, ensuring you have the time and space to observe the subtle details of the reef without being rushed by the current.

The centre is led by Julio Kin, a local Divemaster who was born on the island. With over 20 years of experience, he brings an intimate, encyclopaedic knowledge of the local sites and the specific behaviours of the marine life found there.

Instruction and guiding are conducted with a focus on small groups, typically maintaining a ratio of 4 to 8 divers per guide. This ensures that whether you are working through a certification or looking for a specific species, the guide can provide the necessary attention.

Julio Kin is particularly noted for a slow, attentive style of guiding. This is ideal for photographers or those interested in macro-life who require a more methodical approach to navigating the reef and spotting smaller creatures.

The centre is affiliated with both PADI and SSI, offering a comprehensive range of training programmes. You can begin your journey with the Open Water Diver or Scuba Diver courses, progressing through to the Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver certifications.

For those looking to refine specific skills, the centre offers the Enriched Air Nitrox course and Scuba Refresher programmes. All training is conducted with an emphasis on safety and local environmental protection.

The centre operates small and fast boats designed to reach the best sites quickly. These vessels are equipped with oxygen and first aid kits on board to ensure safety during every excursion.

Daily departures are organised for both morning and afternoon sessions. On board, you will find refreshments including water, snacks, and fresh fruit to sustain you between dives.

For divers staying on the island for multiple days, the centre provides rinsing services and equipment storage. This allows you to keep your kit organised without having to carry it between dive sites and your accommodation.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time. The centre also provides safety oxygen on-site and on the boats.

The reefs around Cozumel are a vibrant tapestry of hard corals, brain corals, barrel sponges, and sea fans (Gorgoniidae). You will find a high density of colourful reef fish, including angelfish (Pomacanthidae), parrotfish (Calotomus), and various species of snapper (Lutjanus).

For those interested in larger animals, the area is home to many pelagics. You can regularly encounter sharks, including Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus), nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum), and blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus). Eagle rays (Aetobatus) and various species of turtles, such as the Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), are also frequently sighted.

Seasonally, you may have the opportunity to see whale sharks from July to September, bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) from November to February, and eagle rays in February.

Macro enthusiasts will find much to admire in the smaller details. The area is excellent for spotting nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), and various species of octopus (Octopus vulgaris). You can also find spiny lobsters (Palinuridae), moray eels (Muraenidae), and the endemic splendid toadfish during night dives.

Cozumel is famous for its drift diving, which is driven by the steady currents moving along the reef edges. While these currents make for exciting dives, they require a certain level of buoyancy control and awareness.

Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, typically ranging between 25°C and 29°C. The diving is accessible year-round, though the nature of the drift can vary depending on the current strength.