El Garrafon - Cozumel

We think El Garrafon is often overlooked by divers chasing the big wall dives further south, and that’s a shame. It’s right on Cozumel’s southwest coast, a pretty easy entry from shore, making it perfect for those days you want to avoid a boat trip or get in a relaxed second dive. The reef here, while not dramatic, is a tapestry of smaller corals, often with schools of juvenile fish darting between the cracks. We’ve had some of our best macro encounters here, spotting those shy Bicolor Toadfish peeking out from under ledges, and on a good day, the flash of a Goldspotted Killifish. Look closely in the sandy patches for Sand Stargazers, they’re masters of disguise and a real treat to find. It’s a calmer dive, usually without the ripping currents Cozumel is famous for, which means you can really take your time and explore. Our favourite tip? Go early in the morning before the day trippers arrive. You get the whole place to yourself and the light coming through the water is something else, especially when it catches a flash of a Blue Parrotfish grazing on the coral. If you’re into spotting the smaller, more unusual stuff and appreciate a relaxed pace, El Garrafon is a winner.

Location: Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates: 21.204336, -86.719124
Type: reef
Maximum Depth: 5-15m

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 Garrafon

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 Garrafon

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