El Farito - Cozumel

El Farito. It’s not the flashy cousin, but it’s our quiet little escape up north. We love dropping in here, particularly if we’re looking for a relaxed drift or a second, shallower dive after something deeper. The currents are generally gentle, a pleasant push rather than a drag race, which makes it perfect for just soaking it all in. You’ll find a sandy bottom that slopes gradually, dotted with coral heads and small rocky formations. It’s prime real estate for the smaller, more elusive critters. We’ve spent solid chunks of time here just watching Marbled Blennies dart in and out of crevices, or spotting the distinctive profile of a Sand Stargazer half-buried, eyes peeking out. Keep an eye out for Slender Mojarras ghosting over the sand, and if you’re lucky, a Common Snook might cruise past. It's a fantastic spot for macro enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys slowing down and really observing the reef's quieter residents.

Location: Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates: 21.244583, -86.750110

Marine Protected Area: Costa Occ. de I. Mujeres, Pta. Cancún y Pta. Nizuc

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to El Farito

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

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)
Gutong (Sparisoma aurofrenatum) - Reef Fish
Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) - Hard Corals
manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme) - Seagrass & Algae
Barber (Acanthurus bahianus) - Reef Fish
French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum) - Reef Fish
Hamlet (Gymnothorax moringa) - Reef Fish
Dark Green Parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) - Reef Fish
Black Moray (Gymnothorax funebris) - Reef Fish
Massive Starlet Coral (Siderastrea siderea) - Hard Corals
Grunt (Haemulon plumierii) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for El Farito

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