Cenote Maravillas - Cozumel

Gili Asahan’s slope is a mellow dive, a good pick for a relaxed afternoon. We’re talking about a sandy bottom that gently slopes down to 16 meters, sprinkled with some coral patches. There's an artificial reef here, too, which has done a decent job of attracting soft corals. You’ll find puffers and porcupine fish often hanging around, maybe a moray eel tucked into a crevice. Visibility hovers around 11 meters, so it’s not always super crisp, but clear enough to spot the lionfish and scorpionfish camouflaged on the bottom. It’s a pretty easy dive, currents are usually mild, making it a comfortable spot for newer divers or anyone just wanting a chill time underwater.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.868000, -87.043700
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
20-40m

Marine Protected Area: Arrecife de Puerto Morelos

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 Maravillas

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 Maravillas

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

How deep is Cenote Maravillas for recreational diving?
For recreational diving, most dives in Cenote Maravillas are conducted up to 30 meters (100 feet). While the cenote reaches depths exceeding 70 meters (230 feet), divers typically stay above 28 meters to avoid the dense hydrogen sulfide cloud. This allows for an extraordinary experience within the recommended recreational limits for advanced divers.
What unique geological formations and features, like the hydrogen sulfide cloud or light beams, can divers expect to see in Cenote Maravillas?
Divers exploring Cenote Maravillas can expect to encounter a unique geological feature: a dense hydrogen sulfide cloud. This distinctive cloud typically begins around 28 meters (90 feet) deep. Most dives are conducted up to 30 meters to experience the cenote's extraordinary underwater landscapes while staying near the cloud's upper edge. The provided data does not mention specific light beam phenomena.
What is the difficulty level for diving Cenote Maravillas, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Diving Cenote Maravillas is rated with an intermediate difficulty level. However, the site is specifically described as offering an extraordinary experience for advanced divers seeking unique underwater landscapes. Therefore, it is not suitable for all experience levels and is best enjoyed by those with more advanced diving skills.
What is the best time of day or year to dive Cenote Maravillas to experience its famous light beams?
The provided data does not specify a best time of day or year to dive Cenote Maravillas to experience light beams. Information regarding specific light beam phenomena is not available in the current context. Divers should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions and recommendations.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended to dive Cenote Maravillas?
While Cenote Maravillas is rated as intermediate difficulty, it is described as an extraordinary experience for advanced divers. Therefore, a certification beyond Open Water Diver, such as Advanced Open Water, is highly recommended to safely and fully enjoy the unique underwater landscapes and depths up to 30 meters. It ensures divers have the necessary skills for this challenging environment.
Are there any significant currents or specific water conditions, like visibility or temperature, that divers should be aware of in Cenote Maravillas?
Divers exploring Cenote Maravillas can expect excellent water conditions, with an average visibility of 25 meters. The provided data does not mention significant currents or specific water temperatures for this dive site. It's always advisable to check with local dive centers for the most current conditions before your dive.