Pargos - Cozumel

Sao Jose isn't just another wreck. We love how she sits upright, almost posing for you, at about 28 metres. The command house is still there, largely intact, which is a real treat for a wreck in this area. You can even poke your head into the engine room, a tight squeeze, but worth it for the dark, cavernous feel and the clouds of glassy sweepers that burst out. The visibility averages around 18 metres, sometimes more, giving you a good view of the whole structure as you approach. We've seen some serious schooling action here, Atlantic bumpers and king mullet swirling around the superstructure, and grunts tucked into every crevice. Keep an eye out for the resident nurse sharks, usually just chilling on the sand nearby. Sao Jose is a firm favourite for those who appreciate a wreck with character and a decent shot at some big fish encounters.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.820900, -86.854300
Type
wreck

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 Pargos

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 Pargos

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 Pargos?
The typical maximum depth for diving at Pargos is 16m, making it a suitable site for exploring its vibrant coral formations at moderate depths. This allows divers to comfortably enjoy the white sand paths and diverse marine life.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Pargos?
Divers at Pargos can expect to explore beautiful underwater features including white sand paths winding between diverse coral formations. The site boasts an immense variety of gorgonians, sea fans, and stony corals. You'll also encounter different types of fish, with the grunt fish being the predominant species, making it a great spot for marine life observation.
How challenging is diving at Pargos, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Pargos is rated as intermediate in difficulty. While not ideal for absolute beginners, certified divers with some experience will find it a rewarding site to explore.
What is the best time of year to dive at Pargos for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Pargos for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on when to dive in Cozumel, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Pargos?
Given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers visiting Pargos should ideally hold an Advanced Open Water certification or have equivalent experience. While not explicitly stated, this level of certification is generally recommended for intermediate sites to ensure comfort and safety.
What are the typical water conditions, such as currents and visibility, at the Pargos dive site?
At the Pargos dive site, divers can expect an average visibility of 16m, offering clear views of the vibrant coral formations and marine life. Information regarding typical current conditions at this specific site is not provided in the available data.