Colombia Reef - Cozumel

Guaraguao I isn't about dizzying depths, it’s about history you can touch. At a shallow 15 metres, it’s a friendly dive, great for knocking off some rust or introducing new divers to something beyond a simple reef. This isn't a modern wreck, mind you. Here, you're exploring an artificial archaeological site, laid out with cannons, cannonballs, and old muskets salvaged from a sunken galleon. We love the way the coral has started to claim these historical artefacts, painting them in oranges and purples. You’ll spot plenty of typical Caribbean residents around the scattered pieces: yellowtail snapper drift past the cannon barrels, angelfish pick at the encrusted metal. Keep an eye out for nurse sharks tucked under ledges, and we’ve occasionally seen eagle rays glide over the sandy patches between the "debris." Our favourite part is lingering over the muskets, imagining the hands that once held them. Visibility averages 18 metres, often allowing the sunlight to dapple right down to the sand, illuminating the scene beautifully. This is a wonderfully relaxed dive, rich with a sense of the past.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.303100, -87.027900
Type
wreck

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 Colombia Reef

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 Colombia Reef

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