Punta Dalila - Cozumel

Soul Scuba Reef, right off the shop, might sound like a simple shore dive, but we think it’s a brilliant example of Raja Ampat’s quiet magic. We've spent hours here, often just after breakfast, dropping in from the jetty or a quick boat ride. The reef slopes gently down to 18 metres, a proper coral garden where you can really slow down. Look for the little things here, that’s where Soul Scuba shines. We’ve found pygmy seahorses tucked into gorgonians, and it’s a hotspot for tiny, colourful gobies – the Yellow-red and Wasp Pygmy Gobies are always a treat. The real joy of Soul Scuba Reef is its versatility. It's fantastic for a relaxed daytime explore, perfect for macro enthusiasts hunting for Hayashi's Cardinalfish or the Minute Triplefin. At night, it transforms. Lionfish cruise in the torchlight, and we've seen a few octopus out hunting. The visibility averages around 19 metres, which is consistently good. This is a site for divers who appreciate the subtle beauty of a healthy reef, who are happy to move slowly and really observe. Forget the big pelagics for a moment; this is about the intricate life woven into the corals.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.345800, -87.027900
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Arrecifes de 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 Punta Dalila

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 Punta Dalila

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 Punta Dalila?
The reef at Punta Dalila typically sits in about 40-60 feet (12-18 meters) of water, making it a popular shallow diving site. The maximum depth recorded for this site is 19 meters (approximately 62 feet). This makes it an excellent choice for divers looking for a shallower experience.
What kind of marine life and coral can I expect to see when diving Punta Dalila?
When diving at Punta Dalila, you can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life, including spotted eagle rays, nurse sharks, turtles, stingrays, and moray eels. The site is also home to tons of reef fish and the unique, endemic Splendid toadfish, which is exclusively found in Cozumel. As a reef dive, you'll be exploring a diverse coral ecosystem.
Is Punta Dalila a good dive site for beginner divers, or is it more challenging?
Punta Dalila is considered a great dive site for beginning divers, as well as snorkelers, due to its relatively shallow reef sitting in 40-60 feet of water. It is a popular choice for dive charters as a second, shallower dive. While generally classified as intermediate difficulty, its characteristics make it very accessible for those new to diving.
What is the best time of year to dive at Punta Dalila for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify a "best time of year" for diving at Punta Dalila for optimal conditions. However, Cozumel generally offers excellent diving year-round. For more general information on when to dive in the region, you can visit our When to Dive section.
What level of diving certification or experience is recommended for Punta Dalila?
Punta Dalila is considered a great site for beginning divers, suggesting that an Open Water Diver certification is generally recommended. While the site is classified with an intermediate difficulty, its shallow reef, sitting in 40-60 feet of water, makes it accessible for those with foundational diving experience. It's a popular choice for dive charters as a second dive, suitable for a range of experience levels.
How strong are the currents typically at Punta Dalila, and what are the general diving conditions like?
The provided data does not specify the typical current strength at Punta Dalila. However, general diving conditions include an excellent average visibility of 27 meters (approximately 88 feet). As a popular shallow reef dive in Cozumel, it is often chosen as a second dive by charters, indicating generally favorable and manageable conditions.