Welcome to the December 2023 edition of TheScubaDirectory newsletter, where we explore the incredible world beneath the surface of the ocean.

In this month's edition:

• Dive sites added for Cozumel
• Obsidian discovered from Neolithic Shipwreck
• Castles for Corals
• Scuba Magic

New on TheScubaDirectory

Dive Sites added for Cozumel

Photo by Darko Kukovec on Unsplash

🌴 Cozumel is widely regarded as one of the world's top scuba diving destinations. Located in the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, Cozumel offers incredible diving opportunities with its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life.

💨Strong currents flow along the island's reefs which allow for unique drift diving opportunities. This type of diving offers a thrilling experience with chances to see large schools of fish and stunning coral formations.

🐠 Cozumel is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. The reefs surrounding the island are teeming with diverse marine life, including colorful corals, sponges, and a wide variety of tropical fish.

📍 Cozumel Dive Sites

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As a diver, your experiences are very helpful to others and will help them in deciding what sites to dive and operators to dive with.

By sharing your experiences, you are making TheScubaDirectory a better resource for everyone.

🙏 Please take a moment to review a dive site or dive shop.

Industry News

Obsidian discovered from Neolithic Shipwreck

Photo Credit : Superintendency of the Metropolitan Area of Naples

A what was discovered? Obsidian, naturally formed volcanic glass that was used for cutting tools and weapons in ancient times. The piece of natural glass weighs about 17lbs (8 kg) and was found in the remains of a shipwreck near Capri, Italy.

The artifact was found in just 100 to 130 feet (30 to 40 meters) of water and was brought to the surface by Naples Police underwater unit. Archaeologists believe this was once part of a ship’s cargo during the Neolithic period over five thousand years ago.

Read More

Castles for Corals

Photo Credit: facebook.com/rrreefs

A Swiss organization called rrreefs is 3D printing clay structures that look like underwater castles to create artificial reefs. Combining art and science rrreefs clay structures are carefully designed to collect coral larvae carried by ocean currents. After the larvae encrust to the clay, these tiny corals can eventually form into a natural reef.

rrreefs was founded in 2020 and has now installed their artificial reefs at several sites around the world. Their mission is to revive 1% of coastal coral reefs by 2034 - restoring rich marine biodiversity for healthy oceans and people.

Lean More

Scuba Magic!

Photo Credit: YouTube/@antonriniti9653

✨A 13-year-old Scuba Magician, Avery Fisher attempted to break the word record for performing the most under water magic tricks in 3 minutes.

Performing the tricks in 58 F (14 C) degree water at the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco, Avery demonstrates amazing focus and moves through the tricks with ease. Looks like I need to keep a deck of cards in my BCD pocket for my next safety stop.

Watch the record attempt video here.

👏 Great work Avery!

Thanks for reading! If you have any comments or suggestions for this newsletter please contact us at admin@thescubadirectory.com.

Happy Diving,

Logan Brown