Drift Diving: 5 Tips to Make the Most of It

Do you drift dive or dream of trying it?
This article is for you.
It’s that simple.

In a current dive, you often don’t even need to kick a fin. The current does the work, carrying you along as if you were flying underwater. Sounds effortless, right? Well, not so fast.

• What if the current gets too strong?
• How do you avoid getting separated from your group?
• What gear do you need to stay safe and in control?

If you’ve ever wanted to try drift diving but had no idea where to start, this guide has you covered.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• How to become a confident drift diver without letting the current turn your dive into a disaster.
• Common mistakes nearly everyone makes—and how to avoid them (your wallet and your nerves will thank you).
• The best drift diving destinations worldwide (yes, Cozumel is on the list, but I’ll show you why it’s THE place).
• A game-changing secret about ocean currents that will transform the way you dive forever.

This isn’t just another blog post.
It’s your ultimate guide to the thrill of drift diving.

Ready to dive in?

1. What is Drift Diving?

Drift diving is, quite simply, letting the ocean carry you. It’s about effortlessly gliding with the current, exploring new underwater worlds without having to kick your fins. In short, it’s the type of diving where the current is your guide. No need to fin or struggle—just float. Sounds like a dream, right?

But like everything in life, drift diving has its little catch. It’s not like your typical dive. In drift diving, you won’t return to where you started. Instead, you’ll end up somewhere completely new. So, how do you get back to the boat after surfacing? That’s where the drift boat comes in.

You dive in at one spot, and the boat follows the current, picking you up wherever the ocean decides to take you. It’s like a giant water slide, but with a lot more fish.

However, drift diving isn’t something you can do just anywhere. You need strong currents, like the ones in Cozumel, which is a scuba diver’s paradise for this kind of diving. The currents there are perfect for drift diving, giving you the perfect balance of thrill and relaxation.

And here’s the best part: drift diving is incredibly efficient. You don’t need to work hard to keep moving. In fact, sometimes you won’t even need your fins. But you’ll still use them to adjust your buoyancy and avoid crashing into the reef. It’s a win for conserving energy and air, allowing you to enjoy your dive without worrying about the small stuff.

Now, don’t expect to go back to see that turtle you missed because you won’t be able to fight the current.

To sum it up: drift diving is effortless, exciting, and can only be done in the right spots. Ready to let the current take you away? Let’s dive deeper into the details.

2. Why Choose Drift Diving?

Imagine this: you’re effortlessly floating in the ocean, no kicking, no fighting the surge. It’s just you and the water, moving together in a serene and silent dance beneath the surface. This is drift diving. And trust me, if you’re craving that perfect mix of adrenaline and pure relaxation, there’s nothing quite like it.

Forget what you know about traditional diving. With a drift dive, the ocean becomes your playground. The current does all the work, carrying you through underwater worlds most people can only dream about. It’s the ultimate way to explore marine environments, letting the water’s natural drift guide you.

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned drift diver, there’s a spot for everyone to enjoy this incredible activity. It’s about harnessing the power of the drifting water to your advantage, reaching places that traditional diving just can’t. Plus, every drift dive is a unique experience—no two dives are ever the same.

Now, let’s talk about the magic that happens when water drift meets marine life. Currents act like highways for sea creatures, delivering nutrients from the deep and attracting a stunning variety of marine biodiversity. When you’re drift diving, you’re front and center for this natural spectacle. You’ll glide through rich ecosystems bursting with life: turtles, rays, colorful fish, and maybe even a shark or two. A drift dive is like an underwater safari, where the ocean decides your next move.

So, why choose drift diving? Because it’s not just a dive—it’s an adventure, a thrill, and a chance to experience the ocean in a way that traditional dives can’t match. Ready to let the current take you on an unforgettable journey?

3. What Do You Need for Drift Diving?

Drift diving is an exhilarating experience where the ocean’s currents guide your underwater journey, allowing you to cover large areas effortlessly while soaking in breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re exploring the currents of Cozumel or any other drift diving hotspot, knowing what to expect and having the right skills is essential.

3.1. Drift Diver Course

The Drift Diver course is your gateway to mastering this unique diving style. Designed for divers eager to explore the wonders of drift dives, this course provides essential knowledge and techniques to navigate currents safely and confidently. You’ll learn about the causes and effects of tides, waves, and surges, as well as key skills like:

• Buoyancy control to glide effortlessly with the current.
• Effective buddy organization and underwater communication.
• Safety stop procedures tailored for drifting water.
• Proper entries and exits for current dives.
• Recognizing and managing potential hazards during drift dives.

The course also introduces you to specialized equipment such as surface markers, floats, lines, reels, and compasses, all crucial for a seamless drift dive experience.

3.2. Essential Gear for Safe Drift Diving

Having the right equipment ensures a smooth and enjoyable drift diving adventure. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Surface marker buoys (SMB): These are essential for signaling your position to the boat crew, ensuring a safe pick-up.
• Reef hooks: When stationary observation is required, such as watching pelagic action, reef hooks help you stay in place without harming the reef.

3.3. How Drift Diving Works

There are two common methods for conducting drift dives:

1. Descending with a buoy line:
   • The group descends along a line attached to a buoy and holds on until ready to drift.
   • At the end of the dive, the guide deploys an SMB for the boat to locate the exact pick-up point.
2. Following the guide:
   • The guide enters first, and the group follows to begin the descent and drift.
   • The boat tracks the group’s surface bubbles, ensuring they remain in sight.
   • If any buddy team ascends early, the SMB signals their position for safe retrieval.

Drift diving in Cozumel is a prime example of how these techniques ensure safety while enjoying the beauty of underwater currents.

4. Drift Diving Tips

4.1. For Drift Diving, Follow Your Dive Guide’s Instructions

Drift diving requires knowledge and experience, and dive guides are experts in these waters. They understand the peculiarities of the currents, influenced by tides and wind, ensuring your drift dive is both safe and enjoyable.

Even if tidal maps are accessible online, their information doesn’t always reveal the intensity of the current at depth. Observing marine life during your dive can offer clues: if fish or soft corals move in a different direction, it may signal a shift in the current. Local divers are invaluable sources of information, so don’t hesitate to ask them for advice before your drift dive.

Downward currents can also be a rare but not impossible concern during a drift dive, making it essential to follow your guide’s instructions closely. Cozumel drift diving is particularly famous for its breathtaking underwater currents, and practicing it with a professional guide from Dressel Divers helps a smooth and thrilling experience.

4.2. The Better Your Buoyancy, the Better Your Drift Dive

Mastering buoyancy control is a game-changer for drift divers. A horizontal position about one meter above the seabed minimizes resistance and helps you flow with the current. Floating upright or moving too far from the reef increases drag, making your drift dive less efficient.

Proper weighting is also essential for smooth drift dives. If you’re unsure about buoyancy techniques, explore our guide: “3 Secrets of Buoyancy Control to Dive Like an Expert Diver,” written by our HR Director and technical diving specialist, Víctor Córdoba.

4.3. Go With the Drift

Swimming against the current during drift dives is both exhausting and futile. Instead, embrace the flow. Use the reef’s formations to shelter from strong currents when needed, and always stay near your dive buddy.

If separated from the group, deploy your SMB (Surface Marker Buoy) to signal the boat for pickup. The golden rule in drift diving is to surface and regroup rather than waste time searching for others. Cozumel drift diving offers some of the best underwater currents, making it a top destination for both beginners and experienced drift divers.

4.4. Drift Dive, Keeping an Eye Out

Soft corals and gorgonians are excellent natural indicators of current direction and strength, helping you adapt to the drifting water. While navigating, watch for obstacles like reef pinnacles and rocky formations, anticipating movements to avoid collisions.

For underwater photographers, drift diving presents unique challenges and opportunities. Keep your camera ready, as you often have just one chance to capture that perfect shot of marine life in motion.

4.5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When it comes to drift diving, there are a few common mistakes that divers may make, especially when trying this exciting activity for the first time. Understanding these mistakes and knowing how to avoid them can make your experience safer and more enjoyable.

Underestimating the Current

One of the most common mistakes when drift diving is underestimating the strength of the current. Divers may think they can swim against it or misjudge how quickly it will carry them.
How to avoid it: Always check current conditions before your dive. Experienced guides can help assess the water drift, and it’s essential to understand the potential risks of strong currents. Always follow the dive plan and stay aware of your surroundings.

Lack of Experience in Handling Strong Currents

Some divers may struggle to manage strong drift dives or may panic when being carried by the current.
How to avoid it: Practice staying calm and controlling your buoyancy. If you’re new to drift diving, take a specialty course that focuses on drift dives, so you can develop the skills needed to handle strong currents effectively.

Not Conserving Air or Energy

During a drift dive, you may be carried by the current, and the excitement can lead to faster air consumption or unnecessary energy expenditure.
How to avoid it: Keep a steady pace and control your breathing. Conserve energy by letting the current carry you rather than fighting it. Always monitor your air supply and communicate with your buddy.

5. Cozumel: The Paradise for Drift Diving

Cozumel is world-renowned for its incredible drift diving experiences, making it one of the most popular destinations for those looking to enjoy thrilling drift dives. What makes drift diving in Cozumel a must is the combination of clear waters, vibrant reefs, and strong currents, making it the ideal location for drift diving enthusiasts. Whether you’re an experienced drift diver or a beginner, Cozumel provides the perfect environment for drift diving lovers.

5.1. Why Drift Diving in Cozumel is a Must

Cozumel’s unique geography and drifting water currents create an unforgettable drift diving experience. The island’s reefs are globally famous for providing perfect conditions for drift dives, where divers effortlessly glide along the current while observing the impressive marine life. Drift diving here allows you to explore multiple dive sites in one trip, all while enjoying an adrenaline-filled dive.

5.2. Top Drift Diving Sites in Cozumel

When it comes to drift diving in Cozumel, the island offers several famous dive sites that provide exciting currents and crystal-clear waters. Some of the best places for drift diving in Cozumel include:

• Palancar Reef: Known for its drift diving opportunities, where you’ll glide along the current and see marine life such as eagle rays and sea turtles.
• Santa Rosa Wall: A deeper dive for experienced drift divers, featuring vibrant coral walls and dramatic drop-offs.
• Columbia Deep: Offers thrilling currents and an opportunity to see sharks and large schools of fish.

5.3 Other Places to Practice Drift Diving with Dressel Divers

Drift diving is one of the specialties of Dressel Divers. Approximately 90% of the dives made at our Mexico locations are drift diving. While in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, they account for about 50% of the dives depending on the time of the year. Therefore, if you are looking for an operator with whom you can practice drift diving in Cozumel or other Caribbean locations with the maximum guarantees of quality, trust the more than 30 years of experience of Dressel Divers. Contact us!

5.4. Other Top Drift Diving Destinations Around the World

Although Cozumel is the paradise for drift diving, there are several other global destinations that offer exceptional drift diving opportunities. Places like the Maldives, the Red Sea, and the Galapagos Islands are also known for their perfect drifting water conditions, making them must-visit locations for any drift diver.

5.5. Book Your Drift Diving Experience in Cozumel

To make the most of your drift diving adventure in Cozumel, check out our exclusive packages. Whether you’re looking for a single dive or a full day of exploration, we have options for all experience levels.

5.6. Exclusive Drift Diving Packages in Cozumel

• Two-Tank Packages: Enjoy two separate dives in one outing, each at a different reef, perfect for those who want to dive deeper into Cozumel’s underwater world. The more two-tank packages you book, the lower the price.
  • Two-tank packages are ideal for groups of drift divers, as they offer a more affordable way to explore several dive sites.
  • You can also enjoy Single Drift Dives and Night Dives.

All Packages Include
• Free Nitrox to enhance your drift dive experience.
• A professional dive boat and crew to ensure an enjoyable day.
• A professional dive guide to help you make the most of your drift diving adventure.
• Tanks, weight belts, and weights included to make your dive comfortable and easy.

Contact and Personalized Support
Contact us today to book your next drift dive adventure in Cozumel. Our team is here to provide you with all the details, answer your questions, and make your booking process as smooth as the drift dives themselves.