Santa Rosa Shallows - Cozumel

We’re always a bit wary of newly discovered sites, but Terno quickly became one of our favourites in Salvador. This isn't just a small patch of coral; it’s an expansive reef system that just keeps giving. Drop down, and you’ll find yourself gliding over a rolling landscape of hard corals. We’ve had dives here where the schools of grunts and snappers were so thick it felt like swimming through a silver cloud. Look closely, and the reef reveals its smaller residents: we’ve often spotted ornate orangespotted filefish picking their way across the corals and the occasional reef scorpionfish perfectly camouflaged on a bommie. The Terno is a shallow dive, maxing out at 12 metres, which means plenty of bottom time and lots of light playing on the reef. Visibility averages around 10 metres, sometimes a bit more, sometimes a bit less, but usually clear enough to appreciate the scale of the site. It’s ideal for less experienced divers looking for a relaxed exploration, or for photographers wanting to spend time with the smaller creatures without deep-dive constraints. Keep an eye out for green sea turtles munching on algae, and we’ve regularly encountered morays peeking from their rocky hideouts. This is a site to take your time and simply soak it all in.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.371400, -87.029400
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 Santa Rosa Shallows

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 Santa Rosa Shallows

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