Hero photo of Cozumel Mexico

Dive destination guide

Cozumel Mexico

Cozumel = effortless drift diving over cathedral sponges, swim-throughs, and famous walls (Palancar, Santa Rosa). Water is bathtub-warm and viz can hit 40m – 50m m. Winter brings eagle rays; summer is calm and uncrowded. Boats drop you, the current does the work, and the captain scoops you up.

Why Dive Cozumel

  • World-class drifts: Long reefs and walls with predictable currents.
  • Big viz: 30m – 50m typical; bright sponges and turtles galore.
    • Easy logistics: Fast boats, short rides, two-tank mornings.

How the Diving Works

  • Negative entries and group drifts; SMBs required by many ops.
  • Shore options exist but the best diving is by boat in the Marine Park.

Surface Interval Ideas

  • Tacos and coffee in San Miguel, east-side beach combing, or cenote day trips via Playa del Carmen.

Permits & Practicalities

  • Cozumel Reefs National Park fee: ~MXN 218/day (2025). Operators usually include a wristband/day fee.
  • Airports: Cozumel (CZM) or Cancún (CUN) + ferry.
  • Currency: MXN; USD widely accepted for diving.

Safety & Conservation

  • Don’t touch or chase turtles and rays; no gloves/knives per park rules.
  • Sites rotate closures for reef rest - respect daily operator guidance.
Hero photo of Cozumel Mexico

Why divers love it

Snapshot notes from contributors and trip leaders on what makes this destination special.

Drift Capital

Effortless wall/glide dives with big viz.

Iconic Reefs

Palancar, Santa Rosa, Columbia formations.

Easy Access

Short boat rides, pro operators, fast turnarounds.

Season planning intel

Monthly normals from Meteostat. Use them for macro planning, then confirm the week’s marine forecast before you fly.

Air temperature trend

Monthly average, daytime high, and overnight low.

Rain & wind outlook

Monthly precipitation totals and prevailing wind speeds.

Top dive spots

View all spots
Agua Negra Cozumel dive spot

Agua Negra Cozumel

Entry

Boat Entry

Type

Scuba Diving
Barracuda - Cozumel dive spot

Barracuda - Cozumel

Entry

Boat Entry

Type

Scuba Diving
Barracuda Pinnacles dive spot

Barracuda Pinnacles

Entry

Boat Entry

Type

Scuba Diving
Blackbeard dive spot

Blackbeard

Entry

🏖️Shore Entry

Type

Scuba Diving
Cannons dive spot

Cannons

Entry

Boat Entry

Type

Scuba Diving
Cantarel (Eagle Ray Wall) dive spot

Cantarel (Eagle Ray Wall)

Entry

Boat Entry

Type

Scuba Diving
Cantarell dive spot

Cantarell

Entry

🏖️Shore Entry

Type

Scuba Diving
Cardona dive spot

Cardona

Entry

🏖️Shore Entry

Type

Scuba Diving
Casa Blanca dive spot

Casa Blanca

Entry

🏖️Shore Entry

Type

Scuba DivingFreediving
Cedar Pass dive spot

Cedar Pass

Entry

🏖️Shore Entry

Type

Scuba Diving
Cedral Wall dive spot

Cedral Wall

Entry

🏖️Shore Entry

Type

Scuba Diving
Chankanaab dive spot

Chankanaab

Entry

🏖️Shore Entry

Type

Scuba Diving

Frequently asked questions