Jardines - Cozumel

Mary’s Place is one of those sites that sticks with you. We love it because it’s not just another wall dive; it’s a geological anomaly, a deep crack in the reef that feels like diving into a forgotten cathedral. Descending into the fissure, the light plays tricks, shafts piercing through the narrow opening above, illuminating the gorgonians and sponges that cling to the vertical walls. It’s like entering a different world, quieter, cooler. The crack itself runs for a good stretch, maybe 30 meters, and it's full of small crevices and overhangs where you’ll spot schooling French grunts and squirrelfish tucked away. Keep an eye out for larger Nassau groupers patrolling the edges where the fissure opens onto the main reef. Our favourite part? Popping out of the crack onto the main wall at 20 meters, where the vibrant reds and purples of the soft corals explode into full view. It’s a riot of colour after the subdued tones of the interior. We’d suggest going early in the morning to avoid the crowds, as it can get busy, but even with a few other divers, the unique structure makes it feel intimate. It’s a relatively easy dive, perfect for those who enjoy exploring tight spaces and dramatic reef topography.

Location: Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates: 20.827400, -86.852900
Type: reef

Marine Protected Area: Arrecife de Puerto Morelos

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 Jardines

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 Jardines

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