El Cantil - Cozumel

Joe’s Farm sits a short boat ride from Mantaray Island, offering a slightly different look than many of the Somosomo Strait’s famous walls. This submerged reef features a scattering of bommies and pinnacles, with plenty of space to cruise between them. We’ve seen healthy patches of table and plate corals here, some showing encouraging new growth, which is always good to see. Keep an eye out for Indian Scads schooling around the pinnacles; visibility typically hovers around 12m, making for decent wide-angle opportunities. It’s a good spot for a relaxed dive, maxing out at 20m, perfect if you’re looking for a chill afternoon.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.615300, -87.062900
Type
reef

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 El Cantil

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 El Cantil

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at El Cantil dive site?
The maximum diving depth at El Cantil is 23 meters. This amazing deep wall is particularly great for deep diving training, offering an experience in the Caribbean abys.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at El Cantil?
Divers at El Cantil can expect to encounter a free descending wall with no discernible bottom, characteristic of the Caribbean abys. It is very usual to find sharks and huge sponges in this environment.
How challenging is diving at El Cantil, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at El Cantil is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it less suitable for absolute beginner divers. Its deep wall and drift dive conditions are particularly great for deep diving training and experienced divers seeking super conscious deep dives.
What is the best time of year to dive El Cantil for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive El Cantil for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on dive seasons, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for diving at El Cantil?
Given that El Cantil is an intermediate difficulty dive site and is described as great for deep diving training, an Advanced Open Water certification or a Deep Diver specialty certification would be highly recommended. These certifications would prepare divers for the maximum depth of 23 meters and the deep wall environment.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at El Cantil dive site?
El Cantil is characterized as a drift dive, indicating the presence of currents. Divers can generally expect excellent visibility, with an average of 20 meters, offering clear views of the deep wall and marine life.