Pargo Cave - Cozumel

Sanur Beach gets a bad rap sometimes. People hear "beach dive" and think it's just a sandy bottom, but that's a mistake here. Our favourite thing about Sanur is the macro life that absolutely thrives in the shallows. We're talking ghost pipefish swaying with the soft corals, tiny sea moths scooting across the sand, and lionfish fanning their spines in crevices. Drop in before high tide, when the water is pushing in, and you’ll find a surprising amount of activity. The visibility averages around 9m, so you’re always close to your subject. It’s a shallow site, maxing out at 12m, making it perfect for long bottom times and really searching through the rubble and coral patches. We’ve spent entire dives just watching spotted green gobies tend their burrows, or carefully observing a prickly spotted drupe inching along. It's a photographer's dream, especially for those who love to slow down and really appreciate the small stuff. We'd suggest it for anyone who wants a relaxed dive with plenty of unique critters, without the boat ride.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.635700, -87.054800
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 Pargo Cave

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 Pargo Cave

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