Los Arcos - Playa del Carmen - Cozumel

Heading out from Padang Bai, the Coral Restoration Area is a gentle, shallow dive, topping out at 13 meters. It’s the home of Livingseas’ restoration project, so while you’ll spot parrotfish and Yellowstripe Monocle Bream, the real focus here is the growing coral, particularly the staghorns. It’s a good spot for newer divers, or when you just want a relaxed dive with a feel-good factor, watching the reef slowly come back to life. Keep an eye out for a resident porcupinefish, we often find it poking around the newer structures.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.645400, -87.031900
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Caribe Mexicano

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 Los Arcos - Playa del Carmen

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 Los Arcos - Playa del Carmen

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 diving at Los Arcos in Playa del Carmen?
The maximum depth for diving at Los Arcos in Cozumel is 20 meters. This makes it accessible for various dive levels, though the site's conditions require experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Los Arcos dive site in Playa del Carmen?
Divers at Los Arcos can expect to explore a vibrant reef teeming with diverse marine life. You have good chances to encounter big animals such as sharks (even out of season), groupers, big schools of spiny mackerels, green morays, big snappers, lobsters, and turtles.
How challenging is the Los Arcos dive site in Playa del Carmen, particularly regarding currents?
The Los Arcos dive site is considered challenging due to its significant currents. It is specifically suitable only for advanced or experienced divers who are comfortable managing strong water movement.
When is the best time of year to dive Los Arcos in Playa del Carmen for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify a "best time of year" for optimal conditions at Los Arcos. However, it notes that there are good chances to see big animals like sharks even out of season, suggesting marine encounters can be frequent. For general guidance on diving seasons, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Los Arcos in Playa del Carmen?
Due to the challenging conditions, Los Arcos is suitable only for advanced or experienced divers. Additionally, it is highly recommended to have a NITROX certification to maximize your bottom time and fully explore this extensive site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Los Arcos dive site in Playa del Carmen?
The Los Arcos dive site is known for having a lot of current, making it suitable only for advanced or experienced divers. Despite the currents, the average visibility is quite good, typically around 17 meters.