Ojo de Agua - Cozumel

Robyn’s Reef on St. Vincent is a reliable drift dive, the kind you settle into easily. We often start at Flat Rock, which, as the name suggests, is a good spot to scan for frogfish if you’re patient. From there, it's a gentle ride down the slope. It’s not a frenetic dive, more a slow reveal. The reef here has some pretty substantial azure vase corals, really eye-catching against the sponges. We've seen good numbers of French grunts and blue creole wrasse. Keep an eye out for queen triggerfish too, they’re usually patrolling the deeper sections. While the drift is relaxing, there’s enough action with the Jacks and Snappers to keep things interesting. It maxes out around 23 metres, so it’s a good one for intermediate divers. The visibility averages 16 metres, which is decent enough for wide views of the corals and schooling fish. It’s a good choice if you're looking for a comfortable dive with consistent marine life, especially in the late morning when the light hits the reef just right.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.849400, -86.871700
Type
drift

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cozumel

Nearest Dive Centres to Ojo de Agua

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 Ojo de Agua

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 maximum depth for diving at Ojo de Agua in Puerto Morelos?
The maximum depth for diving at Ojo de Agua in Cozumel is 5 meters. This makes it a very shallow and accessible shore diving spot, perfect for extended bottom times and observing marine life up close.
What marine life and unique underwater features, like the halocline, can divers expect to see at Ojo de Agua?
At Ojo de Agua, divers can experience a unique underwater cenote that provides rich nutrients, attracting an abundance of marine life. You can expect to encounter various species such as Barracudas, Sergeant fish, Triggerfish, Queen Angelfish, Gray Angelfish, French Angelfish, Lobsters, and Octopus. While the data doesn't specifically mention a halocline, the cenote feature itself is a unique draw for marine biodiversity.
What is the difficulty level for diving at Ojo de Agua, and is it suitable for beginners?
The difficulty level for diving at Ojo de Agua is rated as intermediate. While its maximum depth of 5 meters is shallow, the dive type is described as a drift dive, which typically requires some experience. Therefore, it might not be ideal for absolute beginners without proper guidance or prior drift diving experience.
What is the best time of year to dive at Ojo de Agua for optimal visibility and marine life encounters?
The provided data for Ojo de Agua does not specify a particular best time of year for optimal visibility or marine life encounters. However, with an average visibility of 11 meters and a consistent presence of various species like Barracudas and Angelfish, it appears to be a rewarding dive spot year-round. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Ojo de Agua?
While no specific certification is explicitly stated for Ojo de Agua, its classification as an intermediate drift dive suggests that an Open Water Diver certification is a minimum requirement. Given the drift diving aspect, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or specialized drift diving experience would be highly recommended to ensure comfort and safety.
What are the typical water currents and general conditions like at the Ojo de Agua dive site?
The Ojo de Agua dive site is characterized as a drift dive, which indicates the presence of noticeable water currents that divers will navigate with. The general conditions include an average visibility of 11 meters, offering clear views of the abundant marine life attracted by the unique underwater cenote.