Cozumel, Mexico
    Arrecifes de Cozumel

    Chankanaab

    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 - Chankanaab offers some of Cozumel's richest wreck 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
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    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.

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

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    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)

    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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