Puerto Morelos The Aquarium - Cozumel

Snapper Point in Cayman Brac always delivers a good dive, especially when the conditions line up. We love this site for its distinctive finger formations, dropping down to about 17 metres. You’ll find healthy coral here, especially those soft corals swaying on the reef top, catching the light. Look for the lettuce corals – they’re particularly vibrant here, and we've seen some impressive massive starlet coral heads too. Our favourite part is cruising along the sandy channels between the fingers. This is where you might spot a lemon ray settled on the bottom or a curious trumpetfish hovering nearby. Keep an eye out for jawfish peeking from their burrows in the rubble – they’re masters of disguise. While there can be a current, it often means more pelagics moving through. We've encountered schools of horse-eyed jacks here, a real thrill when they come into view. Visibility is usually excellent, around 27 metres, which lets you really appreciate the scale of the reef. This spot is great for divers who enjoy a drift and like exploring varied reef topography.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.828900, -86.866600
Type
reef

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 Puerto Morelos The Aquarium

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 Morelos The Aquarium

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 Puerto Morelos The Aquarium dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at Puerto Morelos The Aquarium is 14 meters. This makes it a great site for divers looking to explore a vibrant reef without extreme depths.
What kind of marine life and coral can I expect to see when diving at Puerto Morelos The Aquarium?
At Puerto Morelos The Aquarium, you can expect to encounter abundant reef life, including both stony and soft corals. The site is home to large schools of fish such as Yellow grunts, schoolmasters, porkfish, and trumpetfish, along with sightings of nurse sharks, moray eels, and chubs. For more details on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Puerto Morelos The Aquarium dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Puerto Morelos The Aquarium dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While its maximum depth of 14 meters is manageable, the intermediate rating suggests it might be more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. We recommend consulting with a local dive shop if you are a beginner considering this site.
What is the best time of year to dive at Puerto Morelos The Aquarium for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Puerto Morelos The Aquarium for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might find our When to Dive section helpful for planning your trip to Cozumel.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Puerto Morelos The Aquarium?
The provided data does not specify the exact diving certifications required for Puerto Morelos The Aquarium. Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 14 meters, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for sites of this nature, but it's always best to confirm with a local dive operator in Cozumel.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at Puerto Morelos The Aquarium dive site?
At Puerto Morelos The Aquarium, you can expect an average visibility of 17 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant reef. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this site. It's always advisable to check local conditions with your dive guide before entering the water.