Punta Sur - Devil’s Throat - Cozumel

South Dolphin is one of our favourites in Watamu, especially if you’re looking for a relaxed dive with plenty to see without going too deep. The plateau itself starts around 12 metres, then gently slopes off to about 20. We usually descend on the buoy line, then drift along the edge, letting the gentle current guide us. What really sells South Dolphin for us is the coral coverage. It’s beautifully overgrown, a real mix of hard and soft corals that seem to just melt into each other. You get these lovely purple soft corals swaying with the surge, interspersed with brain corals and plate corals. It creates so many little nooks and crannies, perfect for spotting the smaller stuff. We’ve had some great encounters with scorpionfish here, perfectly camouflaged, and moray eels peeking out from every crevice. Schools of fusiliers often hang above the plateau, shimmering as they move. Keep an eye out for grey sweetlips too, sometimes huddled in small groups. Visibility averages around 14 metres, which is usually more than enough to appreciate the details. This site is ideal for those who prefer a less strenuous dive but still want a vibrant, healthy reef experience.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.282500, -87.002800
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 Sur - Devil’s Throat

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 Sur - Devil’s Throat

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 Punta Sur - Devil's Throat?
The maximum depth for diving at Punta Sur - Devil's Throat is 32 meters. Specifically, the famous Devil's Throat passage begins at around 90 feet (27.4 meters) and descends through a narrow cavern to 140 feet (42.7 meters).
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can I expect to see when diving Punta Sur - Devil's Throat?
When diving Punta Sur - Devil's Throat, you can expect to encounter impressive marine life such as large reef sharks, occasional hammerheads, and various large rays including eagle rays. The site is characterized by its reef formations and the unique Devil's Throat passage, a lengthy, narrow downward cavern where large lionfish reside. For more on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Punta Sur - Devil's Throat dive site, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The Punta Sur - Devil's Throat dive site is considered challenging and is specifically recommended for advanced level divers. This is due to the formidable prevailing currents and the typical depths encountered at these sites, making it unsuitable for all experience levels.
What are the best conditions or time of year to dive Punta Sur - Devil's Throat?
The provided data does not specify the best conditions or time of year to dive Punta Sur - Devil's Throat. For general information on optimal diving periods, please refer to our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive Punta Sur - Devil's Throat?
While specific certifications are not explicitly listed, given that Punta Sur - Devil's Throat is designated for advanced level divers, it is highly recommended that divers possess advanced open water certification or equivalent experience. Always consult with your dive operator regarding their specific certification requirements for this challenging site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Punta Sur - Devil's Throat?
Divers at Punta Sur - Devil's Throat can expect to encounter formidable prevailing currents, which contribute to its advanced difficulty rating. The average visibility at this site is excellent, typically around 27 meters (88 feet).