Cozumel, Mexico
    Arrecifes de Cozumel

    Cardona

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Arrecifes de Cozumel

    Why dive here

    With 177+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, bull sharks, dolphins, eagle rays and nurse sharks - Cardona offers some of Cozumel's richest diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest August, September, October.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda, Bull Sharks, Dolphins, Eagle Rays and Nurse Sharks · 177+ species recorded
    Water27-30°C · warmest August, September, October
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Cardona often gets overlooked for its flashy neighbours, but we love it as a chilled-out, genuinely colourful second or third dive. It’s shallow, capping out around 19 metres, so you get plenty of bottom time and lots of light. We think it’s one of the best spots for just soaking in the Caribbean reef vibe. You drift along, eyes peeled, and you’ll find sponges and soft corals that seem to glow. Damselfish dart in and out, angelfish glide by, and if you slow down, you’ll spot blennies poking their heads out of coral crevices – fantastic natural light photo ops there. Keep an eye out for the Spotfin Dragonet, they’re particularly charming. Cardona is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed dive with consistent beauty, rather than heart-pounding drift. It’s a great site for newer divers building confidence, or anyone wanting a gentle, vibrant end to their dive day.

    Safety Notes

    Strong currents typical this month (avg 79 cm/s). Good buoyancy control essential.

    Today05:4217:2911h 47m daylightGolden hour 17:00

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Cardona

    Cardona Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Cardona, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Yucatan Basin - 120 NM ESE of Cozumel, MX (227km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    30°C

    85°F · Range: 28.7–32.3°C

    Air Temperature

    29°C

    84°F

    Current Speed

    78.6 cm/s

    Direction: NE (36.7°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.046 mg/m³

    Very clear (oligotrophic)

    Salinity

    35.99 PSU

    Wave Height

    1.1m

    6.7s period

    Wind Speed

    5.5 m/s

    10.7 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1010.7 hPa

    Visibility

    24.1 nmi

    Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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