The Best Scuba Diving Spots in Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is an island in the Caribbean Sea – off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The island is covered with mangrove forest and is home to many animal species. The tropical savanna climate and the abundance of cenotes make it a perfect location to explore an underwater paradise – from amazing coral reefs to stunning marine life. See some of the best scuba diving spots in Cozumel, Mexico here…

Chankanaab Reef

Chankanaab Reef is the perfect spot for novice divers – the dive reaches a depth of just 12 metres. The site has a long continuous band of colourful coral reef filled with cracks and crevices which attract all sorts of marine life. The reef has two distinct sections which are divided by a sand channel – the south section is slightly shallower and is very popular for night dives as the dark brings out toadfish, spotted moray eels, octopi, and lobsters. The north section hosts marine animals such as crabs, stonefish, and scorpion fish, as well as the occasional seahorse.

Paradise Beach

This site is a great introduction to diving in Cozumel – with beautiful clear waters and stunning reefs housing crustaceans, angelfish, and brightly coloured marine species. You can dive during the day or at night – and it’s regularly used for certification practise dives. You’ll discover a magical underwater world just minutes offshore – as you swim with Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles in an unforgettable dive experience.

Palancar Gardens Reef

Suitable for all experience levels due to the moderate current the Palancar Gardens dive descends to a depth of about 25 metres. The brightly coloured coral is one of the outstanding features with numerous formations interspersed with orange and purple sponges. The reef stretches for over 3.5 miles providing great photo opportunities. As you swim up to the surface you’ll get glimpses of angelfish, parrotfish, and octopi.

Santa Rosa Wall

One of the most popular dive sites – this wall begins at about 15 metres and extends deep into the sea. The dive has so much to offer including enormous sponges, caves, stony coral overhangs, and tunnels to swim through. It’s best visited in the afternoon when the light is good – then you’ll see sea turtles, eagle rays, toadfish, and bright parrot fish. An intermediate level of experience is needed for the dive as currents can be strong.

Columbia Wall

The Colombia wall is over 30 metres high and boasts stunning tunnel, cave, and cavern systems. The shallows of this site are perfect for taking stunning images. As you dive you’ll see pillars of giant coral some of which tower at 20 metres tall. Large barracuda are often seen swimming around, and Blue Tangs – also known as surgeon-fish with their scalpel-sharp tails – join large sea turtles, eagle rays and reef fish. Open Water diving skills are required for this dive experience.

Maracaibo

Maracaibo is a deep dive of about 46 metres – and is found on the southernmost reef. Divers need to descend slowly and take extreme care. Currents are often unpredictable and sometimes there are large ocean swells as you go into the water. However the rewards are great as you reach underwater terraces with amazing coral limestone structures – and sightings of reef and nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles and eagle rays. You’ll need to have reached advanced diver level to tackle this dive.

Punta Sur Reef

Punta Sur is located within the Cozumel National Park – protecting the Barrier Reef system which is the second largest coral reef system in the world. The 27 metre dive is divided into distinct sections – the southern and the northern. The southern section hosts the Cathedral chamber which attracts spotted eagle rays, toadfish, and barracuda. The northern section has a spectacular cave formation known as Devil’s Throat. This dive is only available to divers with great experience due to the strong currents and the depth.

Punta Tunich

Diving in this location starts around 20 metres amongst swift currents and drifts. The stunning white sandy bottom has long extended ridges of coral which rise from the sand dunes. Beneath the coral overhangs you’ll find resident sponges, grunts, and snapper fish. Sea fans, whips, and gorgonians are all found in abundance. Most marine life is sighted along the upper part – including the occasional patrolling Nurse Shark and Barracuda. Due to the currents this dive is for experienced divers only.

Barracuda Reef

This dive for advanced divers only – has crazy currents and magnificent marine life and is the dive of a lifetime. You’ll also need drift diving experience to witness the vast array of fauna and flora. There’s soft and hard coral, tube and vase sponges, red and yellow gorgonian fans, and anemones. You’ll be joined on your dive with moray eels, stingrays, marlins, tuna, and of course the barracudas. The dive has a maximum depth of 35 metres.

Aerolito de Paraiso

Whether you’re a scuba diver or a caver you can explore the sun filled passages as you enter the cenote through an emerald lagoon. This is one of three sacred sinkholes found on Cozumel – only five minutes south of the man town. Its home to some stunning marine life including young barracuda, lobster, and sea stars. You’ll need to be a cave-certified scuba diver to deal with the added attraction of resident crocodiles!

Recommended Training

When you want to participate in Cozumel scuba diving you need to get all the expertise required to safely enjoy exploring. Why not take a course with Koox Diving? You’ll be guided through a scuba diving certification path – ensuring you have fun and feel comfortable while learning all the skills and practising as you go.

Materials and manuals are all provided – theory and practice will go hand in hand. Scuba diving courses range from DEF Open Water through to Instructor Training Courses, PADI Discovery Courses through to Dive Master, and there’s the option of technical and deep sea diving courses too. Whatever dive you desire – you’ll get the training needed to achieve it.