Chun Zumbul Deep - Cozumel

Grano de Oro is where we head when we’re looking for something a bit different near Lima. Forget the tropical reefs you see on postcards, this is a cool, calm kelp forest, and it’s surprisingly captivating. Dropping in, you're immediately enveloped in swaying golden-green fronds that reach for the surface from the 13-metre seabed. It feels like swimming through an ancient, submerged forest, the light filtering down in dappled patterns. Visibility here averages around five metres, which some might call low, but we think it adds to the atmosphere, giving everything a mysterious, intimate feel. It forces you to slow down, to really look. We’ve spotted Pacific cornetfish drifting almost invisibly among the kelp, and the little barred pipefish are masters of disguise here, perfectly camouflaged. Keep an eye out for the Pacific speckled crabs scuttling over the rocks at the base of the kelp. Because it’s a protected bay, conditions are usually pretty mellow, making it a great spot for newer divers to experience a temperate water environment without strong currents. It’s a wonderful contrast to other South American sites.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.635800, -87.044000
Difficulty
advanced

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 Chun Zumbul Deep

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 Chun Zumbul Deep

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