Diving in Cozumel

Explore 226 dive sites in Cozumel, Mexico. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Cozumel

The warmest water temperatures in Cozumel occur in September, averaging 29.8°C (up to 32.1°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 26.9°C.

The calmest sea conditions are typically in September with average wave heights of 0.70m. Average current speed: 95.0 cm/s.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.2°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • February: 26.9°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • March: 27.0°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • April: 27.5°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • May: 28.4°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • June: 29.0°C (air: 28.8°C)
  • July: 29.4°C (air: 29.4°C)
  • August: 29.6°C (air: 29.5°C)
  • September: 29.8°C (air: 29.5°C)
  • October: 29.6°C (air: 29.0°C)
  • November: 28.8°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • December: 27.9°C (air: 26.8°C)

Marine Life in Cozumel

Home to 181 recorded species including 140 reef fish, 15 hard corals, 9 other, 7 sharks & rays, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 whales & dolphins.

Dive Site Difficulty in Cozumel

Cozumel has 3 beginner, 2 intermediate, 7 advanced dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Cozumel

Based on average water temperature of 28.4°C, visibility 23 nmi, currents 87 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins (stiff blade recommended for strong currents)
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Cozumel

  • Sian Ka'an - Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Isla Contoy - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Sian Ka'an - World Heritage Site (natural or mixed) (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Yum Balam - Flora and Fauna Protection Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Playa adyacente a la localidad denominada Río Lagartos - Sanctuary (IUCN Category II)
  • Tiburón Ballena - Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Arrecifes de Sian Ka'an - Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Arrecifes de Cozumel - National Park (IUCN Category IV)
  • Arrecife de Puerto Morelos - National Park (IUCN Category IV)
  • Costa Occ. de I. Mujeres, Pta. Cancún y Pta. Nizuc - National Park (IUCN Category IV)
  • Sian Ka'an - UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Dzilam - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Parque Nacional Isla Contoy - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Sian Ka'an - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Parque Nacional Arrecife de Puerto Morelos - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Playa Tortuguera X'cacel-X'cacelito - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Yum Balam - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Parque Nacional Arrecife de Cozumel - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Manglares y Humedales del Norte de Isla Cozumel - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • La porción norte y la franja costera oriental, terrestres y marinas de la Isla de Cozumel - Flora and Fauna Protection Area (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Reserva Estatal de Dzilam - State Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Caribe Mexicano - Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)

Getting to Cozumel - Nearest Airports

  • Cozumel International Airport (CZM), Cozumel - 12 km away, approx 28 min travel time
  • Cancún International Airport (CUN), Cancún - 53 km away, approx 73 min travel time
  • Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport Tulum (TQO), Tulum - 81 km away, approx 103 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres