Barracuda - Playa del Carmen - Cozumel

Corinne’s Reef is a site we always try to fit in when we’re on Mafia. We’ve had some truly fantastic dives here, especially when the light hits just right, illuminating the seagrass beds. It’s shallow, maxing out at 16m, which means plenty of bottom time to really soak it all in. What makes it a standout for us is the variety you find in such a compact area. You’ll drift over gentle corals, spotting those bigspot rockcods tucked into crevices, then suddenly the reef gives way to these expansive seagrass meadows. We often find green turtles here, lazily grazing, and we’ve seen some huge rays settled on the sand, almost blending in until they decide to glide away. The schools of beautiful fusiliers are often so dense they cast shadows over the reef, and it’s a site where we frequently spot blackside hawkfish perched on corals, watching the world go by. Keep an eye out for banded tobies and blackbar filefish, too. It’s a site that rewards slow, careful exploration rather than a frantic dash, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to relax and observe.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.578300, -87.109200
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-12m

Marine Protected Area: Caribe Mexicano

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cozumel

Nearest Dive Centres to Barracuda - Playa del Carmen

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Barracuda - Playa del Carmen

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth of the Barracuda dive site in Playa del Carmen?
The Barracuda dive site in Playa del Carmen is considered a shallow reef. Its maximum depth is 15 meters, making it accessible for a range of divers. While the average depth is not specified, it is a long wall reef.
What kind of marine life and coral can I expect to see when diving Barracuda Reef?
When diving Barracuda Reef, you can expect to encounter a great variety of fish and aquatic organisms due to the strong currents carrying many nutrients. Divers frequently spot turtles, sponges, moray eels, and rays. The reef is also home to many different coral formations and vibrant corals. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving the Barracuda dive site, and is it suitable for beginners?
The Barracuda dive site is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its strong currents and the need for good buoyancy control, it is not typically suitable for beginners. Divers should be comfortable in the water and experienced with descending in currents to dive calmly.
What is the best time of year to dive Barracuda Reef in Playa del Carmen for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data for the Barracuda Reef dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. We recommend checking local dive conditions closer to your planned travel dates. For general information on dive seasons, you can visit our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are required to dive at Barracuda Reef?
The provided data for Barracuda Reef does not explicitly state specific dive certifications required. However, given its intermediate difficulty, strong currents, and the need for good buoyancy, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. Always confirm specific requirements with your chosen dive operator.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Barracuda dive site?
The Barracuda dive site is known for its strong current, which carries many nutrients and contributes to the abundant marine life. Despite the currents, the average visibility at this reef is excellent, typically around 20 meters. Divers need to be comfortable in the water and have good buoyancy control due to these conditions.