Tormentos Reef
Protected Area
Arrecifes de Cozumel
Why dive here
With 177+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, bull sharks, dolphins, eagle rays and nurse sharks - Tormentos Reef offers some of Cozumel's richest reef diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest August, September, October.
Tormentos Reef has a reputation, and for good reason. We think it’s consistently one of Cozumel’s most rewarding dives, even if it doesn't always make the top five lists. You drop onto a sandy bottom, usually around 15 metres, and drift north with the current. This site is all about the structure, a dramatic drop-off that’s just riddled with ledges and overhangs. Keep an eye out for the Collared Eel peeking from crevices, or the distinctive Blue Doctor patrolling the reef face. The real magic here, for us, is often in the details. Look closely at the Finger Coral and Branched Finger Coral – they’re home to tiny Spotfin Dragonets, if you have the patience to find them. We’ve seen Marbled Morays here, often tucked deep, their patterns blending perfectly with the rock. It's a fantastic place to just let the current carry you, spotting Hogfish and Silver Mojarra flitting around the Lettuce Coral formations. Don’t expect screaming pelagics, but the reef fish action is solid. This is a dive for those who appreciate a relaxed drift and enjoy taking their time to explore the nooks and crannies. We particularly love it as a second dive when the light is still good, illuminating the reef’s vibrant colours.
Safety Notes
Strong currents typical this month (avg 79 cm/s). Good buoyancy control essential.
Nearest Dive Centres to Tormentos Reef
Dive shops near Tormentos Reef
Scuba Mau
Dive Palancar
CARIBE PARADISE DIVERS
Blue Note Scuba Diving
Scuba XOC Dive Center Cozumel
Scuba Life Cozumel
Reviews for Tormentos Reef
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Tormentos Reef
Tormentos Reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Tormentos 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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