Cardona - Cozumel

Cardona. Now, there's a site we often overlook in Cozumel, and we shouldn't. It’s not a drift dive, which, let’s be honest, is most of Cozumel’s appeal, but that’s precisely what makes it special. Think of it as a macro paradise, a real treasure hunt for the patient diver. The currents here are usually negligible, allowing you to really slow down and pore over the reef. We love the vibrant colonies of rose and finger coral, sprawling over the gentle slopes. Keep your eyes peeled for those tiny, iridescent blackcap and candy basslets flitting in and out of the crevices. They’re shy, but if you hang back and wait, they’ll often emerge. This is also a fantastic spot for drums, their long fins undulating as they comb the sand. Our favourite time to dive Cardona is late morning, after the first wave of boats has passed, but before the afternoon rush. The light filters down beautifully, illuminating the turtle and manatee grass beds where you might just spot a silver mojarra or even a milk conch slowly traversing the seafloor. It’s a completely different rhythm to the usual Cozumel experience, offering a quiet intimacy with the reef. If you’re into photography, particularly macro, Cardona should be high on your list.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.342695, -87.043990

Marine Protected Area: Arrecifes de 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 Cardona

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 Cardona

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