San Francisco Wall - Cozumel

Temae on Moorea is a proper shark show, and we absolutely love it for that. You drop onto a coral plate at 15 metres, and then it’s a gentle glide down a sandy slope cut with coral tongues. This is where the white tips are often cruising, sometimes a dozen or more, just meandering. We’ve seen them tucked under ledges, napping in the sand, and occasionally, a sleeper shark resting on the bottom, blending right in. Keep an eye out into the blue. Schools of coach fish are a common sight, a shimmering wall of silver moving as one. We’ve also spotted good-sized tuna here, streaking past like torpedoes. It’s an easy dive, barely any current usually, and the average 25-metre visibility means you can often see the sharks long before they see you. For newer divers wanting to build confidence around sharks, or anyone who just loves a good shark encounter, Temae is our top pick in Moorea.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.391800, -87.027400
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 Francisco Wall

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 Francisco Wall

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 depth range for diving the San Francisco Wall in Cozumel?
The San Francisco Wall dive site in Cozumel features a steep dropoff, but the maximum recommended depth for this dive is 20m. Divers can explore the top of the reef and the wall within this range, enjoying the vibrant marine life.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at the San Francisco Wall dive site?
Divers at the San Francisco Wall can frequently spot magnificent eagle rays feeding in the sand at the top of the reef. The wall itself is adorned with impressive big barrel sponges and deep water Gorgonians, and you may also encounter turtles during your dive.
How challenging is the San Francisco Wall dive for different skill levels?
The San Francisco Wall is generally considered an intermediate dive site, but it can present a more advanced challenge due to potentially strong currents. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving conditions to fully enjoy this popular Cozumel dive.
What is the best time of year to dive the San Francisco Wall in Cozumel for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the San Francisco Wall for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive the San Francisco Wall?
Given that the San Francisco Wall is described as an intermediate to more advanced dive site with potentially strong currents, divers should ideally hold an Advanced Open Water certification or have significant experience with drift diving. While no specific certification is explicitly required in the data, a good level of experience is highly recommended for safety and enjoyment.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the San Francisco Wall dive site?
Divers at the San Francisco Wall can expect potentially strong currents, making it an exciting drift dive. The visibility is typically excellent, averaging around 28m, and often even better, reaching 30m or more, providing beautiful underwater views.