Cenote Chikin Ha - Cozumel

Ghosties always delivers a solid dive, especially when the conditions line up. Dropping onto the wall, we immediately head for the overhangs and the sandy patches below. That’s where you’ll usually find the resident eagle rays cruising past, sometimes a few at once, which is always a treat. We especially love picking through the weedy sections near the bommies for macro life, often spotting Southern Bobtail Squid, their little eyes peeking out from the sand. The reef here slopes to a maximum of 12 metres, making it an easy, relaxed dive, ideal for those who prefer to take their time exploring the nooks and crannies. Visibility averages around 9 metres, so while it's not always crystal clear, it’s usually good enough to appreciate the schools of butterfly perch and the occasional Common Pike-conger lurking in the darker spots. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs, too; there’s always something new to find clinging to the kelp. It’s a great site for photographers or anyone who enjoys a peaceful poke around.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.499600, -87.261400
Type
reef

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 Cenote Chikin Ha

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 Cenote Chikin Ha

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 maximum depth for diving in Cenote Chikin Ha?
The maximum depth for diving at Cenote Chikin Ha is 13 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many certification levels, allowing divers to enjoy its unique underwater environment without extensive deep diving experience.
What kind of formations and visual effects can divers expect to see in Cenote Chikin Ha?
Divers exploring Cenote Chikin Ha can expect to encounter fascinating cavern and cave formations. The crystal-clear waters enhance visibility, allowing for stunning views of the underwater landscape and potentially spotting wildlife such as turtles, which are also visible to snorkelers.
Is Cenote Chikin Ha considered a difficult dive site for recreational divers?
Cenote Chikin Ha is considered an intermediate difficulty dive site. While not overly challenging, divers should possess good buoyancy control and comfort in overhead environments for the best experience in its cavern and cave sections.
What is the best time of year or day to dive Cenote Chikin Ha for optimal conditions and light?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive Cenote Chikin Ha for optimal conditions and light. For general guidance on planning your dive trips, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive in Cenote Chikin Ha?
The specific scuba diving certifications required for Cenote Chikin Ha are not detailed in the provided information. However, given its cavern and cave diving opportunities, divers typically need appropriate overhead environment training, such as Cavern Diver or Cave Diver certifications, beyond basic open water certification.
Are there any strong currents or specific water conditions, like temperature or visibility, in Cenote Chikin Ha?
Cenote Chikin Ha is known for its crystal-clear waters, boasting an excellent average visibility of 31 meters. The provided data does not specify information regarding strong currents or water temperature for this dive site.