Aquanauts - Cozumel
The team at Aquanauts are the real deal, a small operation that feels like diving with old friends, even if it's your first time out with them. They're based in Puerto Morelos, which we actually prefer to the bustling resorts of Playa del Carmen – it's quieter, more authentic, and feels like a proper escape. These guys really shine when it comes to tailoring trips. You’re not just another body on a big boat here; they'll chat with you about what you want to see, whether it's the sheer walls of Cozumel, the unique geology of a cenote, or chasing seasonal thrills like bull sharks. We’ve had some cracking dives with them, especially over on the Cozumel side. It’s a bit of a trek, but completely worth it for the drift dives. You just drop in and let the current carry you along those dramatic drop-offs, watching turtles glide past and eagle rays soar in the blue. One time, we drifted past a massive school of tarpon, shimmering like liquid silver in the sunbeams. Back in Puerto Morelos, the local reef diving is surprisingly good too, often overlooked but rich with schooling snapper and barracuda patrolling the coral heads. If you're looking for a dive shop that genuinely cares about your experience and avoids the cattle boat vibe, Aquanauts is our pick.
- Location
- Cozumel, Mexico, North America
- Coordinates
- 20.831387, -86.890274
- Website
- https://www.aquanautsdiveadventures.com/
- Courses
- LEARN TO DIVE, DISCOVER SCUBA, NEW TO SCUBA, CONTINUING EDUCATION
Dive Sites Near Aquanauts
Aquanauts provides access to 15 dive sites in Cozumel.
- Agua Negra Cozumel (reef)
- Agua Negra Cozumel (reef)
- AGUSTIN MELGAR - 13m (wreck)
- Akumal Dive Shop
- Amancay Freediving
- Aristos
- Bajo de Molas
- Bandera - 15-30m (reef)
- Barco Hundido - Wreck Cadete Juan Escutia C-56 (reef)
- Barco Hundido - Wreck Cadete Juan Escutia C-56 (wreck)
- Barracuda - Cozumel (drift)
- Barracuda - Cozumel (reef)
- Barracuda - Playa del Carmen (reef)
- Barracuda - Playa del Carmen (reef)
- Barracuda Point
Other Dive Centres in 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)
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 Marine Life
- loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
- Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
- Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
- Great star coral (Montastraea cavernosa) - Hard Corals
- turtlegrass (Thalassia testudinum) - Seagrass & Algae
- Cowfish (Tursiops truncatus) - Whales & Dolphins
- Spiny Brittle Star (Ophiocoma echinata)
- Reticulated brittle star (Ophionereis reticulata)
- Blue Doctor (Acanthurus coeruleus) - Reef Fish
- Harlequin Brittle Star (Ophioderma appressum)
Recommended Packing List for Cozumel
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