5-15m
    Cozumel, Mexico
    Costa Occ. de I. Mujeres, Pta. Cancún y Pta. Nizuc

    El Garrafon

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Costa Occ. de I. Mujeres, Pta. Cancún y Pta. Nizuc

    Why dive here

    With 177+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, bull sharks, dolphins, eagle rays and nurse sharks - El Garrafon offers some of Cozumel's richest reef diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest August, September, October.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda, Bull Sharks, Dolphins, Eagle Rays and Nurse Sharks · 177+ species recorded
    Water27-30°C · warmest August, September, October
    CharacterReef dive · max 5-15m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    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.

    Typical El Garrafon Dive Profile

    5mSafety Stop0m5m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Strong currents typical this month (avg 79 cm/s). Good buoyancy control essential.

    Today05:4117:2811h 46m daylightGolden hour 16:58

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for El Garrafon

    El Garrafon Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for El Garrafon, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Yucatan Basin - 120 NM ESE of Cozumel, MX (227km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    30°C

    85°F · Range: 28.7–32.3°C

    Air Temperature

    29°C

    84°F

    Current Speed

    78.6 cm/s

    Direction: NE (36.7°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.046 mg/m³

    Very clear (oligotrophic)

    Salinity

    35.99 PSU

    Wave Height

    1.1m

    6.7s period

    Wind Speed

    5.5 m/s

    10.7 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1010.7 hPa

    Visibility

    24.1 nmi

    Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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