Cantarell Sand Reef - Cozumel

Cantarell Sand Reef gets overlooked sometimes, tucked away as it is, but we always make a point of diving it. It’s not about dramatic walls here, this site is pure tranquility. We love drifting over the undulating sand, watching the light play on the ripples, and spotting the shy inhabitants. Keep an eye out for the green razorfish, they’re masters of camouflage, burying themselves in the blink of an eye. The brown garden eels sway like wheat in the current, creating an almost hypnotic scene. We’ve spent whole dives just watching them, occasionally catching a glimpse of a broadnose worm eel nearby, which is always a treat. It’s an excellent site for macro lovers and anyone who appreciates a slower, more mindful dive. We often find angelfish and parrotfish picking their way across the sand, and if you’re lucky, a tarpon might glide by in the distance. The coral patches, like the finger and star corals, act as little oases, attracting beltfish cardinalfish and yellowhead wrasse. Our favourite time to dive Cantarell is in the late afternoon, as the sun gets lower; the colours really pop, and the light filtering through the water is something else.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.534113, -86.949580
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Manglares y Humedales del Norte de Isla Cozumel

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 Cantarell Sand Reef

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 Cantarell Sand Reef

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