San Juan Reef
Protected Area
Manglares y Humedales del Norte de Isla Cozumel
Why dive here
With 177+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, bull sharks, dolphins, eagle rays and nurse sharks - San Juan Reef offers some of Cozumel's richest reef diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest August, September, October.
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.
Safety Notes
Strong currents typical this month (avg 79 cm/s). Good buoyancy control essential.
Nearest Dive Centres to San Juan Reef
Dive shops near San Juan Reef
Bluedream Cozumel
Pepe Scuba Dive Shop
AGUA CLARA DIVING
Aldora Divers
Cozumel Dive School
TRIPPY DIVERS
Reviews for San Juan Reef
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for San Juan Reef
San Juan Reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for San Juan Reef, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Yucatan Basin - 120 NM ESE of Cozumel, MX (227km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
30°C
85°F · Range: 28.7–32.3°C
Air Temperature
29°C
84°F
Current Speed
78.6 cm/s
Direction: NE (36.7°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.046 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
35.99 PSU
Wave Height
1.1m
6.7s period
Wind Speed
5.5 m/s
10.7 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1010.7 hPa
Visibility
24.1 nmi
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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