San Frandsco Reef - Cozumel

San Frandsco Reef is one of those Cozumel sites that often gets overlooked, sitting between flashier neighbours. But we love it for exactly that reason. It's a drift dive, like most here, so you’ll just let the current carry you along, often at a gentle pace, which means more time to really look. We’ve had some fantastic finds tucked into the coral here. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff – Flamefish darting into crevices, the beautiful blues of a Cherub Pygmy Angelfish, and if you’re lucky, that striking Collared Eel peeking from its hideaway. It’s also a good spot for Caribbean Spiny Lobsters, often lined up under ledges. The reef itself is a mix of coral formations, not towering walls, but interesting enough that we always find ourselves discovering something new. We’d suggest going in the mid-morning, after the earlier boats have moved on, to really soak it in. You’ll find it’s a calm, relaxing dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who prefers a less frenetic pace.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.327564, -87.042620
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 Frandsco Reef

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 Frandsco Reef

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