Drift the walls, chase winter eagle rays, and meet Cozumel's iconic toadfish
Currently Viewing:
Overview
Cozumel is Mexico's classic drift-diving island where clear water, steady currents, and towering coral architecture create effortless wall dives. Most sites lie inside Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, so marine rules are strict and conservation-focused. Expect glassy water around 27°C to 29°C for much of the year, with winter "Nortes" periodically closing ports. Signature sites like Santa Rosa Wall, Palancar, and Punta Sur deliver swim-throughs and dramatic drop-offs, while shallow reefs like Colombia Shallows are perfect for long second tanks and snorkeling. Topside, Cozumel fits easy logistics: a small international airport, constant ferries to Playa del Carmen, and short hops to parks, beaches, and Mayan history.
Trip callouts
Reliable currents create long, low-effort wall dives across protected reefs.
DiveJourney destination guides are living documents built from local knowledge, operator experience, and publicly available sources. Conditions, regulations, and logistics can change. Each guide shows its last update date and sources used.
Last updated: October 30, 2025 • 17 sources
If you see something inaccurate or outdated, you can submit an update. This is how the platform improves.
Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park enforces no-touch, no-gloves rules with daily wristbands.
Seasonal flights of spotted eagle rays in winter and the Cozumel splendid toadfish under ledges.
Short boat rides from the hotel zone and frequent ferries to the mainland.
scuba
Why Cozumel for Scuba Diving
Cozumel is pure drift-diving joy. Walls like Santa Rosa and Palancar drop into blue with giant sponges and swim-throughs, while shallow second tanks at Colombia glow in sunlight. Winter brings eagle rays to northern sites. Operators run efficient small boats with experienced guides and nitrox widely available.
freedive
Why Cozumel for Freediving
Clear water, boat-access reefs, and reliable currents make Cozumel a scenic open-water classroom. Schools on the island teach AIDA and PADI curricula, with training off the leeward coast and optional mainland day trips to cenotes.
snorkel
Why Cozumel for Snorkeling
Easy boat trips and select shore entries put you over living reef within minutes. Colombia Shallows and Paradise offer colorful corals and turtles; El Cielo's sandbar delivers starfish views in clear, shallow water. Follow marine-park rules and never touch marine life.
topside
What to do when you're not in the water
Cozumel blends nature parks, beaches, and Maya heritage. Climb the Celarain lighthouse at Punta Sur, snorkel from shore at Chankanaab, roam the wild east-coast beaches, and wander San Miguel's malecon for tacos and sunsets. Ferries make day trips to Playa del Carmen and Tulum easy.
