Las Palmas Reef - Cozumel

New Moon gives you that quintessential St. Vincent wall dive feel. We drop onto a sloping reef, really just a jumble of boulders at about eight metres, before the wall itself truly kicks in. It’s a proper sheer drop, heading down past our recreational limits, but we stick to the top section, usually around 15-20 metres, where the light still penetrates beautifully. You'll often find yourself drifting along with a gentle current, which makes for effortless viewing. Keep an eye out for mottled conger morays tucked into crevices and those big horse-eye jacks cruising past in the blue. This site is fantastic for divers who appreciate a good wall, but also love the hunt for smaller things. We've spotted everything from tiny dwarf wrasse darting between corals to the more unusual devilfish blending into the rock. It's an easy drift, so while there’s a wall, it’s not particularly demanding. We'd suggest it for anyone comfortable with a little depth, looking for a relaxed dive with plenty to see both big and small.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.459900, -86.990700
Type
reef

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 Palmas Reef

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 Palmas Reef

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for scuba diving at Las Palmas Reef?
Scuba diving at Las Palmas Reef typically involves depths up to a maximum of 18 meters. This gently sloping wall offers a comfortable dive profile for exploring the reef.
What marine life and coral formations can divers expect to encounter at Las Palmas Reef?
Divers exploring Las Palmas Reef can expect to encounter sandy patches and scattered coral balls. The site is rich in marine life, especially during night dives, with critters like king crab, spiny lobster, moray eel, squid, and octopus frequently seen among the sponges and corals.
Is Las Palmas Reef considered an easy dive site, suitable for beginner divers?
Las Palmas Reef is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. While it features a gently sloping wall, its classification suggests it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers.
When is the best time of year to dive Las Palmas Reef for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Las Palmas Reef for optimal conditions. For general guidance on dive seasons, you can visit our When to Dive section.
What level of scuba diving certification is recommended or required for Las Palmas Reef?
Given its intermediate difficulty rating, Las Palmas Reef is recommended for divers who have completed at least their Open Water Diver certification and possess some experience. Divers comfortable with gently sloping walls and potential night diving conditions will enjoy this site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Las Palmas Reef?
Divers at Las Palmas Reef can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 25 meters. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this site.