Chankanaab
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 - Chankanaab offers some of Cozumel's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest August, September, October.
Chankanaab gets a bad rap sometimes because it's part of a bigger park, but honestly, we love it for a chill day. You walk right in from the shore, which is a real luxury in Cozumel, especially if you're not feeling a boat dive or just want to squeeze in an easy afternoon. The reef plateaus around 10-12 metres, then drops gently to 16 metres, creating this perfect shallow garden. We’ve spent hours here just poking around the nooks and crannies. Keep your eyes peeled for the smaller stuff – pearl blennies peering out of sponges, cherub pygmy angelfish darting between corals, and more gobies than you can count. It’s also one of our top spots for spotting the splendid toadfish, a real Cozumel celebrity. They’re usually tucked away under ledges, so move slowly and look carefully. Visibility is typically excellent, often 25 metres or more, making it ideal for photographers or anyone who just wants to relax and enjoy the clear water. It’s a fantastic option for families, new divers, or anyone who appreciates an unhurried dive with zero hassle.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Strong currents typical this month (avg 79 cm/s). Good buoyancy control essential.
Nearest Dive Centres to Chankanaab
Dive shops near Chankanaab
CARIBE PARADISE DIVERS
Blue Note Scuba Diving
Scuba XOC Dive Center Cozumel
Scuba Life Cozumel
Dive Palancar
Roberta's Scuba Shack
Reviews for Chankanaab
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Chankanaab
Chankanaab Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Chankanaab, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Yucatan Basin - 120 NM ESE of Cozumel, MX (227km away)
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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