Shangri La - Playa del Carmen - Cozumel

Three Kings isn't one site, it’s a whole neighbourhood of Taveuni diving condensed into one spot. We're talking three distinct areas – Coral Awegasm, The Pass, and Garden of Eden – all within a short swim of each other. Our favourite way to dive it is to start deep, cruising along the archways and peering into the caverns, where massive gorgonian sea fans unfurl like ancient tapestries. The light plays incredible tricks here, filtering through the water and painting the coral walls in shifting shades. Then, as we shallow out, the hard coral colonies come into their own. They’re absolutely buzzing with life, thick schools of yellowstriped cardinalfish hanging in the water, and we’ve often seen bristlet-toothed surgeonfish darting in and out. For the macro lovers, it’s a field day – nudibranchs are everywhere if you take your time, and we've spotted some surprisingly colourful dotted wrasses. The average 13m visibility might not sound like much, but it often enhances that intimate, cave-like feel. This is a site for those who love variety, who want to explore different topographies and aren't afraid to go slow and look for the small stuff. It’s also great for photographers.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.628300, -87.062600
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Caribe Mexicano

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 Shangri La - Playa del Carmen

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 Shangri La - Playa del Carmen

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Shangri La reef in Playa del Carmen?
The Shangri-La reef in Playa del Carmen offers a maximum depth of 10m, making it a relatively shallow and accessible dive. This allows for extended bottom times and excellent light penetration, enhancing your experience at Shangri-La.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Shangri La dive site?
Divers at the Shangri-La dive site can anticipate a vibrant array of marine life, including spotted eagle rays, nurse sharks, turtles, stingrays, and moray eels. You'll also encounter tons of reef fish and have the unique opportunity to spot the endemic Splendid toadfish, which is only found in Cozumel. While specific coral formations aren't detailed, the site is a thriving reef habitat.
How difficult is the Shangri La dive site in Playa del Carmen, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Shangri-La dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. While its maximum depth of 10m and easy navigation-the reef runs parallel to the shore-make it approachable, divers should possess foundational skills to comfortably manage potential currents. It's a great site for divers looking to advance beyond basic open water dives.
What is the best time of year to dive at Shangri La in Playa del Carmen for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify a 'best time of year' for optimal conditions or marine encounters at the Shangri-La dive site. For general guidance on diving seasons in Mexico, we recommend consulting our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Shangri La reef in Playa del Carmen?
Specific scuba diving certifications required for the Shangri-La reef are not explicitly detailed in the provided information. However, given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 10m, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient. It's always best to confirm with your chosen local dive operator in Playa del Carmen for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Shangri La dive site in Playa del Carmen?
Divers at the Shangri-La dive site can typically expect excellent average visibility of 16m. Current conditions can vary, influencing the dive plan; the reef runs parallel to the shore, allowing divers to navigate north to south or vice versa depending on the day's current.