Cozumel, Mexico
    Arrecifes de Cozumel

    Chen Rio

    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 - Chen Rio 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

    Forget everything you think you know about Cozumel diving. Chen Rio isn't your typical drift. We love it because it’s so… Cozumel, yet completely different. You’re not getting those dramatic drop-offs here. Instead, picture a shallower, labyrinthine reef system, all nooks and crannies, perfect for a slower, more deliberate dive. The big draw for us is the sheer number of things hiding in plain sight. We’ve spent whole dives just poking around the coral heads, finding Key Worm Eels tucked away, or watching the iridescent flash of a Goldspotted Killifish. The reef here feels alive in a different way, less about pelagics soaring past and more about the intricate ecosystems unfolding before you. You’ll definitely see Cero zipping by, and if you're lucky, a big Barracuda lurking. It’s a site that rewards patience. Our insider tip? Go slow. Really slow. Bring a good macro lens if you have one, but even without it, you'll find yourself mesmerized by the sheer volume of smaller life. It's a peaceful contrast to Cozumel's faster-paced diving, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to unwind and observe.

    Safety Notes

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

    Today05:4217:2911h 47m daylightGolden hour 16:59

    Nearest Dive Centres to Chen Rio

    Dive shops near Chen Rio

    View all dive centres in Cozumel

    Reviews for Chen Rio

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Chen Rio

    Chen Rio Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Chen Rio, 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)

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive Cozumel, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Cozumel

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Cozumel.

    Search stays in Cozumel

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near Chen Rio

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Cozumel