Devil's Throat at Punta Sur
The Devil's Throat (Spanish: La Garganta del Diablo)[1] is an underwater cave formation near the island of Cozumel, Mexico, at Punta Sur in the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park; it starts at approximately 80 feet (24 m) of depth and opens up at approximately 135 ft (41 m) - right at the edge of recreational dive limits.
Overview
The Devil's Throat is considered a "must dive" experience by scuba divers visiting Cozumel. Yet, due to the depth and the fact that it is a cave, it is considered an advanced dive and can therefore be dangerous (and even deadly) to inexperienced divers. A longer than standard safety stop, or stops, is heavily recommended to minimize risk of decompression sickness. A dive computer is recommended for additional safety.
The name "Devil's Throat" specifically refers to a narrow tunnel dropping through the red coral reef structure at around 45 degree, from about 100 feet (30 m) to 125 feet (38 m).[1] However, the entire formation, part of the Punta Sur (Southern point) area, is commonly referred to as The Devil's Throat as well. The formation also includes an underwater cave referred to as Catedral (the Cathedral). This was known for its unusual cross-shaped sponge formation in the ceiling of the cave, with a shaft of light from one of the tunnels striking the cross from behind as if it were deliberately illuminated. Unfortunately, Hurricane Wilma inflicted damage on portions of the Cozumel reef system, and the mysterious cross was lost to that storm.
Risks
Divers who exceed the no-decompression limits may require a decompression stop.
Other risks include nitrogen narcosis because most divers are using compressed air when diving at Cozumel and not trimix.
Diving the Devil's Throat requires use of an underwater light, and it is recommended that divers not scissor kick because it stirs up sediment which heavily obscures visibility.
