San Juan Reef - Cozumel

Temple Coral feels more like a sunken art installation than a natural reef, and we mean that as a compliment. This site, just off Lombok, is a fantastic example of a thriving artificial reef, maxing out at about 18 metres. What started as over a hundred concrete blocks and steel structures has transformed into a busy ecosystem, a true testament to how quickly marine life can reclaim new territory. You'll find these structures arranged on a gentle sandy slope, creating nooks and crannies perfect for exploration. We love how the concrete has become encrusted with different corals, attracting a good mix of residents. Look closely for the Elegant Sandburrower or Shimada's Pygmygoby darting between the crevices. False Brown Morays peek from the shadows, and you’ll often spot a few robust Groupers patrolling the edges. Our favourite part is the sheer density of Glassy Cardinalfish that often swarm the structures, reflecting the light in a shimmering cloud. It’s also a surprisingly good spot for finding some of the more unusual residents, like the Rosy Frogfish, if you have a keen eye. This site is brilliant for those who enjoy a slower paced dive, taking time to really examine the artificial habitats. It’s also excellent for anyone working on their Advanced Adventurer or Wreck Diver speciality, offering plenty of structure to navigate without being overly challenging. Visibility averages 16m, making for comfortable exploring.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.546800, -86.933000
Type
wreck

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