Cozumel, Mexico
    Arrecife de Puerto Morelos

    J-3

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Arrecife de Puerto Morelos

    Why dive here

    With 177+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, bull sharks, dolphins, eagle rays and nurse sharks - J-3 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
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    J-3 is one of our picks for a leisurely drift when you just want to soak up the reef. You're only about five minutes from shore, and the site itself is shallow, topping out around 9m, making it perfect for a long bottom time. We love drifting over the expansive white sand, watching for the tiny, shy things like Crested Gobies popping up from the substrate, or the flash of a Green Razorfish darting into the sand if you get too close. Then you hit the coral wall. It isn't a dramatic drop like some of Cozumel's famous sites, but it's a vibrant, dense collection of coral heads and crevices, absolutely packed with juvenile parrotfish, blennies, and grunt. We’ve had some cracking encounters here with large Sargassum Triggerfish, just cruising, unfazed by our presence. Keep an eye out for the Ruby Brittle Stars tucked into the darker nooks. Visibility averages a comfortable 13m. This site is brilliant for newer divers or those who prefer a relaxed pace, offering plenty to see without the pressure of strong currents or deep profiles. It’s also our favourite for underwater photography when we’re focusing on macro subjects.

    Safety Notes

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

    Today05:4217:2911h 47m daylightGolden hour 16:59

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for J-3

    J-3 Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for J-3, 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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