reef

Log This Dive

Palancar Reef

Palancar Reef, for us, is Cozumel's calling card. It’s what most divers picture when they think of the island, and for good reason. We love the sheer scale of the coral architecture here, great canyons and pinnacles that really do feel like swimming through an ancient city. You’ll drift past walls painted with rose coral and sponges, the current a gentle push encouraging you along. Look for the splendid toadfish, they’re endemic to Cozumel and we often spot them tucked into ledges here – a real treat. Our favourite sections are the Palancar Caves and Palancar Bricks. The Bricks, in particular, has this fantastic series of swim-throughs, not tight squeezes, but more like open archways that let shafts of light pierce the blue. You’ll often find schools of snapper and grunts hanging out in the dimmer areas. Visibility usually hits 30 metres plus, so you get a great sense of the depth and the dramatic drop-offs. It’s a site that suits everyone, from those new to current diving to seasoned pros who appreciate a classic Caribbean drift. Just keep an eye out for the trumpetfish, they often blend in perfectly against the coral.