Cozumel is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world! With its crystal-clear waters and abundance of marine life, it’s no wonder why Cozumel is a popular spot for scuba diving.
In this guide, we will explore all there is to know about scuba diving in Cozumel. From the best dive sites to what to pack for your trip, read on for everything you need to know about scuba diving in Cozumel!
Table of Contents
What You Need to Know Before Scuba Diving in Cozumel
Before you dive into the depths of Cozumel, there are a few things you should know.
The best time to scuba dive in Cozumel is between November and April. The water temperature during this time of year is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), which is perfect for diving. The visibility is also at its best during these months.
If you’re renting equipment, all you need to bring is your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a towel. If you’re bringing your own equipment, be sure to pack your BCD, regulator, wetsuit (depending on the time of year and your personal preferences, a shorty may be sufficient), fins, mask, and snorkel. Don’t forget your certification card and logbook!
Some of the most popular dive sites in Cozumel include Palancar Reef, Santa Rosa Wall, and Columbia Shallows. These sites offer stunning views of coral gardens and an abundance of marine life.
FInally, be sure to dive with a certified instructor or dive master – Cozumel is known for strong currents and drift dives that you should not explore on your own.
The Best Places to Go Scuba Diving in Cozumel
Here are our picks for the best places to go scuba diving in Cozumel:
Santa Rosa
This is one of the best-known dive sites on Cozumel, and many divers choose it as their first dive there. Sand and valleys divide the towering coral formations. Explore the reef’s many cracks, overhangs, and tunnels.
Eagle rays, turtles, lobsters, and horse-eyed jacks should all be on your list of potential sightings.
Paso del Cedral
If you’re looking for a great dive on the island, Cedral is a fantastic option. The current can range from weak to strong. Fantastic coral arches and pinnacles provide shelter for a wide variety of species. Divers with more expertise may choose to swim against the stream and explore the wall.
Green moray eels, angelfish, parrotfish, groupers, sting rays, turtles, and eagle rays can all be seen here. For photographers, this is a dream location.
Palancar Gardens
A great place for new divers to get their feet wet, with plenty of swim-throughs and photo opportunities for the more experienced.
At the very edge of the dive site, there lies a coral garden. Animals such as turtles, stingrays, eagle rays, grouper, jacks, angelfish, parrotfish, damselfish, blue chromis, and many more species may be found here. Sting rays and conch may be seen in the grassy area where the dive ends. Definitely a dive site on Cozumel you should not miss.
Palancar Horseshoe
The huge coral formations are the main attraction of this wall dive. This wall’s coral reefs seem like a massive mountain range with deep basins and canyons.
Having strong buoyancy control is essential because of the steepness of the wall. This is a dive not to be missed if you find yourself in Cozumel.
Palancar Caves
The Palancar Caves are another top dive site in Cozumel. Huge coral formations with a complex network of tunnels to explore, and inspiring photo ops for those who want to capture the vastness of the ocean.
The area is frequented by turtles, jacks, grouper, eagle rays, and even reef sharks. Blue tangs, four-eyed butterflies, and sting rays may all be seen swimming near the reef’s surface.
Palancar Bricks
This is the southernmost part of the world-famous Palancar dive sites in Cozumel. The dive site features higher coral pillars interspersed with sandy slopes. Swimming passages and tunnels traveling into and out of the depths are both stunning and functional.
This dive site is a classic because of the beautiful scenery and the mild currents.
Palancar Reef
Palancar Reef is one of the most popular dive sites in Cozumel, and for good reason. This massive reef system is teeming with marine life, and divers can see everything from nudibranchs and eels to sharks and barracudas. The reef also has a number of swim-throughs and caverns to explore.
Santa Rosa Wall
This is another must-see dive site in Cozumel. This dramatic wall drops down to over 1,000 feet, providing divers with a truly unique experience. Along the way, you’ll see a variety of marine life, including turtles, eagle rays, and pelagic fish.
Paradise Reef
You’ll find Paradise Reef right after you enter Cozumel Marine Park. This is a common choice for a night dive or second dive.
Mild, south-to-north currents are the norm. Try to find Sergeant Majors, Grunts, Snappers, and Angel Fish swimming in schools. Octopus, lobster, king crab, and the splendid toadfish are all nighttime catches.
Las Palmas
This is usually the second dive in a series, and the currents might shift in both directions. Las Palmas is a picturesque cliff that plunges from the reef’s edge 40 feet into the water.
Sponges, tiny coral heads, and soft corals stick to the reef. There is a chance of seeing turtles, lobsters, and brilliant toadfish.
Chankanaab
Chankanaab is typically a shallow one with calm currents. Chankanaab is also a popular spot for night diving.
Lots of reef fish go home in the coral heads that dot the reef’s landscape. The Caribbean Reef Squid, the Octopus, the King Crab, and the Moray Eel may all be found there.
Wreck C-53
This Mexican Navy minesweeper, the C-53, sank in June of 2000. It is 184 feet long and located 80 feet below the surface on a sandy bottom. Dive access ports have been carved out of the ship’s sides and interior.
The ship is home to lobsters, crabs, eels, schools of glassy sweepers, and sardines. Barracudas and groupers are common in the open water.
Tormentos
Overhangs and aquatic life are abound in the lovely coral reef. At times, the currents can be rather forceful. Separating the two halves of Tormentos lies a narrow strip of sand.
In the sand, you may find lobsters, splendid toadfish, eels, pipehorse, triggerfish, and jawfish. The reef is a riot of color and bustle, with a diverse array of aquatic life. For photographers, this is the perfect second dive.
Yucab
Divers should be aware of the strong currents at this stunning wall dive. Beds of robust Finger Coral and Elephant Ear Sponges stretch for a considerable distance. In the top 60–70 feet, the majority of marine life will be found.
Turtles, eagle rays, barracudas, splendid toadfish, and nurse sharks have been seen there. An exhilarating high-speed drift is possible around this reef.
San Francisco
Beautiful sponges and sea fans make this wall dive a sight to see. This is a great dive for someone’s first or second time underwater.
Reef fish are plentiful, and you may see turtles, eagle rays, nurse sharks, damselfish, splendid toadfish, green moray eels, and more.
La Francesca
Most divers use their second tank for this shallow dive. Nurse sharks, eagle rays, turtles, sting rays, and other crustaceans may all be found on this reef. Photographers will love this reef dive.
Punta Dalila
This shallow dive is generally a second tank dive. Expect nurse sharks, eagle rays, turtles, sting rays, and more on this dive.
Columbia Deep
This is one of Cozumel’s iconic wall dives. Columbia is easily recognizable due to its towering coral pinnacles, separated by sand chutes that drop down into the abyss. Beautiful soft coral sponges of many hues may be seen, and there are several swim-throughs to explore.
Look for turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, grouper, barracuda, and more!
Columbia Shallow
Excellent choice for a second reef dive! Its modest depth and gentle currents are perfect for photography. In this area, you can find the greatest concentration of tropical fish in all of Cozumel. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an aquarium thanks to the pristine water and abundant tropical marine life.
Punta Sur
The dive site at Punta Sur, Cozumel’s southernmost point, has a spectacular wall. Popular among visitors is a swim-through that involves descending into the Devil’s Throat. At 80 feet, you squeeze into a little tunnel, from which you emerge at 130 feet. As you make your way towards a safe haven, you’ll encounter a network of coral tunnels that will lead you back to where you started.
Punta Sur Cathedral
As the southernmost dive location in Cozumel’s marine park, Punta Sur Cathedral is a must-visit for every scuba diver. Especially impressive is the cathedral part. At about 110 feet, you’ll find a big cavern with plenty of room to swim in.
Lookout for eagle rays, turtles, and reef sharks!
El Cielo
This shallow reef is covered in beautiful coral and home to an abundance of tropical fish. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle or two.
Best Dive Shops in Cozumel
Here are some of the best dive shops in Cozumel:
Aldora Divers (Best Choice)
This place is a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center that offers a wide range of courses for all levels of divers. They have a team of experienced instructors who are passionate about diving and teaching others.
Aldora Divers has repeatedly been voted as the best dive shop in the world. They have the largest and fastest fleet of boats on the island and offer small tailored groups matched to your specific experience level. The best thing: Aldora offers longer dives than any other dive shop on Cozumel (70 minutes minimum) with their HP steel tanks.
Scuba Life Cozumel
Scuba Life is a small, family-run dive operation that offers personalized service. They have a great team of guides who know the reefs around Cozumel like the back of their hand.
Maple Leaf Scuba
It is a professional dive center that offers everything from beginner courses to advanced technical diving. They have a fleet of modern boats and all the latest equipment.
The Best Time to Scuba Dive in Cozumel
If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to scuba dive in Cozumel is during the shoulder seasons of April to May and October to November. The water is still warm and the visibility is excellent, but there are fewer tourists. This means you can enjoy the quiet beauty of Cozumel’s reefs without having to share them with too many other people.
If you’re more interested in seeing lots of fish and marine life, then the peak season of November to April is the best time to scuba dive in Cozumel. This is when the water is at its warmest and most pleasant for both divers and fish alike. You’ll be treated to an underwater spectacle as thousands of brightly-colored fish swarm around you.
Where Should You NOT Dive in Cozumel?
There are a few places where you should not dive in Cozumel. These areas are either too shallow, have too much boat traffic, or both.
- The area around the dock at San Miguel de Cozumel – This area is very shallow (only about 10 feet deep) and there is a lot of boat traffic. It is also full of algae and sea grass, which can make it difficult to see what you are doing.
- The Cenote – This cenote (a natural freshwater pool) is only about 20 feet deep and is surrounded by rocks. There is also a lot of people in this area. If you are interested in Cenote diving, check out our guide on scuba diving in Tulum.
What To Do When Not Scuba Diving in Cozumel?
There is plenty to do when not scuba diving in Cozumel.
The island has world-class snorkeling, freediving, fishing, windsurfing, sailing, and kiteboarding. There are also some Mayan ruins to explore, golf courses, and eco-park ziplining. When night falls, there are numerous bars and clubs to keep the party going until the sun comes up.
FAQ
Where is Cozumel Located?
Cozumel is an island in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The place is one of the ten municipalities (municipios) of the state of Quintana Roo. The town of San Miguel de Cozumel is the municipality’s seat and largest settlement.
What do I need to bring with me on a scuba diving trip in Cozumel?
In order to scuba dive in Cozumel, you will need to bring a few things with you. First, you will need a passport and a visa if you are coming from outside of Mexico.
You will also need to bring your diving certification card as well as your log book.
For those bringing their own diving equipment, the must-haves include a buoyancy control device (BCD), regulator and octopus, mask, fins, dive computer, and a wetsuit according to temperature preferences. Additional accessories such as a descent marker buoy (DSMB), underwater cameras, flashlights, knives and more are also recommended.
You can rent cylinders and weight belts from the dive shop you are going with. Additionally, divers may want to make sure they have a rash guard for UV protection, light jackets and hats for breezy boat rides after dives, as well as reef-safe sunscreen.
What kind of fish will I see while scuba diving in Cozumel?
Here are just a few of the many species of fish you might see while diving in Cozumel:
- Angelfish: These beautiful fish are often seen hovering near coral reefs, feeding on small invertebrates.
- Butterflyfish: As their name suggests, butterflyfish are brightly colored and have distinctive patterns that resemble butterflies. They can often be found swimming in pairs near coral reefs.
- Pufferfish: These quirky-looking fish are best known for their ability to inflate themselves with water (or air) when threatened. Pufferfish are usually found solitary, or in small groups near reefs.
- Tropical fish: Cozumel is home to thousands of different tropical fish species, too many to list here! Many of these fish are brightly colored and very active, making them a delight to watch while scuba diving.
How much does scuba diving in Cozumel cost?
The cost of scuba diving in Cozumel depends on a few factors, such as the dive shop you choose, the type of dive you want to do, and whether or not you need to rent equipment. A one-tank dive at a reputable dive shop will typically cost around $60-$80. If you’re interested in doing a guided tour or exploring a specific reef, the price may be higher.
If you don’t have your own equipment, you will need to rent gear from the dive shop. This usually costs around $20-$30 per day. You may also need to purchase a diving insurance policy, which can range from $5-$10 per day.
We recommend DiveAssure – the leading dive insurance with the most comprehensive Diving Accident and Dive Travel insurance plans. Get your dive insurance now and enjoy your scuba diving vacation without worries.
Once you factor in the cost of transportation to and from the island (if you’re not staying on Cozumel), your total cost for scuba diving in Cozumel will be anywhere from $85-$120 per day.
What type of climate does Cozumel have?
The climate in Cozumel is tropical, with an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit).
The months of December to April are the coolest, with temperatures ranging from 21-24 degrees Celsius (70-75 degrees Fahrenheit).
The months of May to November are the warmest, with temperatures ranging from 27-32 degrees Celsius (81-90 degrees Fahrenheit).
There is little variation in temperature throughout the year, and the humidity is usually high. The water temperature varies from 23-29 degrees Celsius (73-84 degrees Fahrenheit).
What is the water temperature in Cozumel?
The water temperature in Cozumel is pretty consistent throughout the year, averaging around 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit). This makes it a great destination for scuba diving all year round! The warm waters combined with the amazing visibility make Cozumel one of the top dive destinations in the world.
Do I need a diving certificate to scuba dive in Cozumel?
No, in theory you don’t need a diving certificate to scuba dive in Cozumel. However, we highly recommend taking a diving course or completing a Discover Scuba Diving program with a qualified instructor before scuba diving in Cozumel. The certification will not only give you the basic skills and knowledge necessary for safe diving, but it will also make your dives more enjoyable as you will have a better understanding of what you are doing.
Are there sharks in Cozumel?
Yes, there are sharks in Cozumel, but they are not the dangerous kind. The most common type of shark in Cozumel is the nurse shark, which is harmless to humans. There are also reef sharks and whale sharks, but these are much less common.
What are the pros and cons of scuba diving in Cozumel?
Pros
- The water is very clear, which makes for great visibility when diving.
- There is a lot of marine life to see, including colorful fish and coral reefs.
- The drift dives you can experience in Cozumel are a unique experience.
Cons
- Cozumel can be quite crowded due to its popularity, which can make it difficult to really enjoy the experience.
Which is better scuba diving destination, Cozumel or Cancun?
Cozumel is considered the better scuba diving destination. It has just more to offer: more dive sites, more tropical fish, unique drift dives and more. Also, Cozumel is regarded as more beginner-friendly than Cancun, with a greater number of dive sites suitable for those who are new to the sport.
Final Thoughts
After reading this guide, we hope you feel more prepared and excited to plan your scuba diving trip to Cozumel! This popular destination has so much to offer divers of all levels, from beginner to expert. With crystal clear waters, an abundance of marine life, and wonderful people, Cozumel is the perfect place to dive into a new adventure.
