Cozumel is a very popular diving destination. Pretty much everybody already knows this, but Cozumel located off the eastern coast of Mexico. It is home to some of the most breathtaking dive sites in the world. Divers from all over the globe flock to Cozumel to explore its pristine waters and diverse marine life. Yet, I, ignorantly shrugged off Cozumel until two years ago when I began doing work for a client there.
Mostly, I chose other destinations because diving in currents has never really been my thing. I have logged hundreds of drift dives over the years–some were amazing–but, most of the time, currents and cameras don’t go well together.
What I discovered about Cozumel when I finally went there, is that for most dives it isn’t all that hard to duck out of the current. The topology, marine life, warm water and visibility make diving there truly world-class. With that, here’s a look at the most popular dive sites in Cozumel.
Cozumel Dive Sites
- Palancar Reef Palancar Reef is one of the most famous dive sites in Cozumel. It is located on the southwest coast of the island and is known for its impressive coral formations, sea fans, and sponges. The site is suitable for both beginner and experienced divers, as the depth ranges from 50 to 80 feet.
- Santa Rosa Wall Santa Rosa Wall is another popular dive site located on the southwest coast of Cozumel. It features a breathtaking wall that drops down to over 100 feet. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including eagle rays, barracudas, and turtles.Santa Rosa Wall Santa Rosa Wall is a perfect dive site for those who want to see larger marine life. The site is located in the southwest part of the island and has a depth range of 50-70 feet. As its name suggests, the dive site features a vertical wall that drops into the abyss. Divers can spot sea turtles, nurse sharks, and eagle rays swimming in the blue. The site is best for intermediate to advanced divers due to the depth and currents.
- Punta Sur Reef Punta Sur Reef is located on the southern tip of Cozumel. This dive site features colorful coral formations, sea fans, and sponges. One of the most popular of all Cozumel dive sites, divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and eels.
- Columbia Wall Columbia Wall is located on the southwest coast of Cozumel. This dive site features a vertical wall that drops down to over 100 feet. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including turtles, barracudas, and moray eels.
- Chankanaab Reef Chankanaab Reef is located on the west coast of Cozumel. This dive site features a variety of coral formations and marine life, including angelfish, parrotfish, and nurse sharks. The site is suitable for both beginner and experienced divers, as the depth ranges from 30 to 60 feet.
- Paradise Reef Paradise Reef is located on the west coast of Cozumel. This dive site features a variety of coral formations and marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles. The site is suitable for both beginner and experienced divers, as the depth ranges from 30 to 60 feet.
- Yucab Reef Yucab Reef is located on the southwest coast of Cozumel. This dive site features a sloping reef that drops down to over 60 feet. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including spotted eagle rays and nurse sharks.
- San Francisco Reef San Francisco Reef is located on the southwest coast of Cozumel. This dive site features a variety of coral formations and marine life, including schools of fish and turtles. The site is suitable for both beginner and experienced divers, as the depth ranges from 30 to 60 feet.
- Tormentos Reef Tormentos Reef is located on the northwest coast of Cozumel. This dive site features a variety of coral formations and marine life, including barracudas and groupers. The site is suitable for experienced divers, as the depth ranges from 60 to 90 feet.
- Maracaibo Reef Maracaibo Reef is located on the northeast coast of Cozumel. This dive site features a variety of coral formations and marine life, including nurse sharks and eagle rays. The site is suitable for experienced divers, as the depth ranges from 60 to 100 feet.
- Cedral Wall Cedral Wall is one of the most popular dive sites in Cozumel, offering an incredible drift dive experience. The site is located in the southwest part of the island, and it has a depth range of 50-70 feet. The wall is full of life, with an abundance of colorful coral formations and sea fans, sponges, and plenty of fish species, including angelfish, triggerfish, and jacks. This dive site is suitable for intermediate to advanced divers due to the sometimes-strong currents.
Cozumel is undoubtedly one of the most exciting places to dive in the world, with plenty of dive sites to choose from. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced diver, there is something for everyone. With an incredible marine life and crystal clear waters, it’s no wonder that Cozumel attracts divers from all over the world. I was slow to catch on, but you don’t have to be. So, grab your gear and get ready to explore these incredible dive sites.