Las Palamas - Cozumel

Las Palmas. Ah, Las Palmas. For those who dismiss Cozumel’s northern sites as mere drift dives, Las Palmas offers a reminder that there’s substance beyond the speedy current. We love this site for its slower pace, a welcome change from the typical Cozumel express. You’ll still get a gentle push, but it’s more of a lazy river than a rollercoaster. This allows you to really lean in and appreciate the smaller stuff. We’ve had some fantastic encounters here with Sharpnose Pufferfish, bobbing around the coral heads like tiny, indignant balloons. Keep an eye out for Harlequin Bass, they’re quite common here and surprisingly bold, often darting out from crevices. It’s a great spot for macro enthusiasts, with plenty of nooks to poke around in, searching for those smaller gobies and little crabs. The coral here feels more established, with some robust Golfball Coral formations that provide excellent shelter. While it might not have the dramatic swim-throughs of other Cozumel spots, we often suggest Las Palmas for an afternoon dive when you want to unwind and just cruise. It’s a superb site for photographers who appreciate a bit more time to compose a shot without being swept away.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.384539, -87.040560

Marine Protected Area: Arrecifes de Cozumel

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cozumel

Nearest Dive Centres to Las Palamas

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

Recommended Packing List for Las Palamas

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