Chunchacah - Cozumel

Grande Passe is one of those spots that feels like a proper ocean gate. We often drop onto a plateau, maybe 10 or 12 metres down, before easing into the channel itself. The current here is the main event, and we go with it, not against it, so it's a drift dive. What we love about Grande Passe are the pinnacles, absolutely smothered in gorgonians, like purple and orange trees in an underwater forest. Keep an eye out for the Electric Flame Scallop, they’re truly striking. This is a site where you spend a lot of time looking out into the blue. We've seen blacktip and whitetip sharks cruising past, often grey sharks too. Schools of tuna, jacks, and barracuda frequently whip by. Our favourite time to dive it is on an incoming tide – the water tends to be clearer, and the bigger fish seem more active. The entry and exit can sometimes be a bit sporty, so you need to be comfortable with a bit of chop and current. Grande Passe is for divers who appreciate a good drift and the thrill of pelagic encounters rather than seeking out tiny critters.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.271800, -87.010900
Type
pinnacle

Marine Protected Area: Arrecifes de Cozumel

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 Chunchacah

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 Chunchacah

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