San Clemente - Cozumel

Teavanui Pass, for us, is one of Bora Bora’s real standouts. We love drift diving, and this channel delivers that classic pass experience. You’ll drop in, often on the ocean side, and just let the current sweep you into the lagoon. It’s a exhilarating ride, especially when the current picks up; definitely one for those comfortable with a bit of a push. The real treat here is the sheer number of blacktip reef sharks you’ll see. They're everywhere, patrolling the channel, sometimes dozens at a time, just gliding past, unbothered. Beyond the sharks, keep an eye out for the big schools of jacks and barracuda that hang out in the blue. The corals, particularly the staghorn, are healthy and dense in parts, and you’ll spot plenty of butterflyfish and parrotfish munching away. Maximum depth is 21 metres, so it’s a good, solid dive without needing to go too deep. We’d suggest timing your dive to an incoming current – that’s when the action really picks up, bringing in all the bigger stuff from the open ocean. It’s a vibrant, dynamic dive, full of the kind of energy you hope for in a pass.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.407200, -87.022100
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 San Clemente

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 San Clemente

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 are the typical depths for diving at San Clemente Island?
San Clemente is a shallow barrier reef where divers can expect typical depths of 30-40 feet (9-12 meters). The maximum depth recorded for this site is 15 meters (49 feet). This makes San Clemente an excellent choice for extended bottom times or a relaxed last dive of the day.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at San Clemente Island?
San Clemente is a mostly flat barrier reef, distinguished by numerous crevices and nooks that provide shelter for various marine life. Divers can expect to encounter lobsters, moray eels, and stingrays during the day. For those exploring during a night dive, there's a high likelihood of spotting octopus and squids among the reef's features. You can learn more about these species in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the diving at San Clemente Island, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at San Clemente is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it features mild currents, making it suitable for a relaxed dive, its intermediate rating suggests that some prior diving experience would be beneficial. Beginners might find it manageable under close supervision, but it's not explicitly listed as a beginner site.
When is the best time of year to dive San Clemente Island for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify a "best time of year" for diving San Clemente. However, with average visibility of 26 meters and mild currents, conditions are generally favorable year-round. For general information on dive seasons, you can visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for diving San Clemente Island?
The provided information does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications recommended or required for diving San Clemente. Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 15 meters, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for similar sites. Always check with your local dive operator for specific requirements.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like when diving San Clemente Island?
Divers at San Clemente can expect excellent water conditions, characterized by mild currents. The average visibility is impressive, typically around 26 meters (85 feet), offering clear views of the reef and its inhabitants. These conditions make it ideal for a relaxed dive, especially as a last dive of the day or a night dive.