Puerto de Abrigo - Cozumel

Snapper Hole, on Grand Cayman's East End, is a chaotic good kind of dive. It’s a tangle of swim-throughs and caverns that always keeps us guessing, maxing out at about 20m. We love getting lost in its maze-like structure, ducking under arches and squeezing through tight spots, though if you're not comfortable with overhead environments, maybe ease into this one. The BBC documentary cavern is impressive, dark and full of nooks. Look for the massive 1872 Spanish anchor propped against a coral head, a real piece of history down there. Our favourite feature has to be Papa Smurf’s House, a mushroom-shaped coral formation that’s just fun to swim around. In summer, the silverside swarms are so thick they blot out the sun, bringing in tarpon and jacks, a real spectacle. You'll often find schoolmaster snappers hanging out, and we’ve spotted a grumpy-looking green moray eel more than once. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, we've had good luck finding blennies and jawfish tucked into the sand patches between coral heads. It’s a site that rewards slow exploration, best for divers who enjoy poking into every corner.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.528800, -86.943100
Type
cave
Maximum Depth
15-40m

Marine Protected Area: Manglares y Humedales del Norte de Isla Cozumel

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 Puerto de Abrigo

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 Puerto de Abrigo

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 diving depth at Puerto de Abrigo in Cozumel?
Diving at Puerto de Abrigo typically ranges from 15 to 40 meters (45-130 feet). The impressive wall drop-off begins at a depth of 15 meters, offering a dramatic descent. Divers can explore various sections of this extensive wall within this depth profile.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Puerto de Abrigo?
Divers at Puerto de Abrigo can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life and impressive underwater features. The primary feature is a spectacular wall drop-off that extends over one kilometer. Throughout the year, you'll frequently spot barracudas, grunts, and surgeon fish. Additionally, schools of majestic eagle rays are famously seen here, swimming powerfully against the current.
How challenging is diving at Puerto de Abrigo for different skill levels?
Diving at Puerto de Abrigo is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. This is primarily due to the frequent strong currents that can take divers flying over the reef, sometimes even finishing the dive at another site. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving techniques and have good buoyancy control to safely navigate these conditions.
When is the best time of year to dive at Puerto de Abrigo for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify a particular "best time of year" for optimal diving conditions at Puerto de Abrigo. However, barracudas, grunts, and surgeon fish are present all year round, ensuring consistent marine life sightings. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Puerto de Abrigo?
The provided data for Puerto de Abrigo does not explicitly state specific scuba diving certifications required. However, given its intermediate difficulty and frequent strong currents, divers should possess sufficient experience and training to comfortably manage such conditions. It is always recommended to consult with local dive operators regarding their specific certification requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Puerto de Abrigo dive site?
Divers at Puerto de Abrigo should be prepared for frequent strong currents. These currents are a defining feature of the site, often taking divers on exhilarating drift dives. Despite the strong currents, the average visibility at this site is excellent, typically around 24 meters (80 feet), offering clear views of the wall and marine life.