- Devil's Throat at Punta Sur
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The Devil's Throat is an underwater cave formation located offshore at Punta Sur in the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park of Cozumel; 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. On the 15th of July 2011, Brad Pitt went diving here with his wife Angelina Jolie. According to the paparazzi, they strongly disliked the experience and were put off by the instructor's childish jokes about sharks being in the area.[citation needed]
Part of the Punta Sur (Southern point) coral reef, the Devil's Throat is actually a narrow, almost vertical tunnel through the coral reef structure. However, the entire formation is commonly referred to as The Devil's Throat. The formation also includes an underwater cave referred to as Catedral (the Cathedral). This is 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, in 2005, Hurricane Emily 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.
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