San Juan Reef - Cozumel

San Juan Reef often gets overlooked for its flashy neighbours, but we think that’s a mistake. This is where you come to slow down and really *look*. It’s a shallower site, perfect for longer bottom times, letting us scrutinise the sandy patches and the scattered coral heads. We’ve found some incredible things tucked away here, like the diminutive Sand Gobies darting between bits of rubble, or the surprisingly vibrant Peppermint Bass flitting around. We particularly love the large formations of Lettuce Coral and Golfball Coral, providing homes for communities of French Grunts and Whitestar Cardinalfish. Keep an eye out for the Harlequin Bass, they’re masters of camouflage against the coral. The current here is generally mild, making it an excellent spot for photographers or anyone who just wants to drift along without being swept away. It’s not the dramatic wall diving Cozumel is famous for, but it’s a tranquil, rewarding dive for those who appreciate the smaller details.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.550188, -86.949920
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Manglares y Humedales del Norte de Isla 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 Juan 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 Juan 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