Cozumel, Mexico
    Caribe Mexicano

    Tortugas Reef

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Caribe Mexicano

    Why dive here

    With 177+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, bull sharks, dolphins, eagle rays and nurse sharks - Tortugas Reef offers some of Cozumel's richest reef diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest August, September, October.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda, Bull Sharks, Dolphins, Eagle Rays and Nurse Sharks · 177+ species recorded
    Water27-30°C · warmest August, September, October
    CharacterReef dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Tortugas Reef often gets tagged as a shallower, easier dive, and while that’s true, we think it’s a mistake to overlook it. We’ve had some truly fantastic encounters here, especially when the current picks up a little, bringing in the bigger stuff. Dropping onto the reef, you’re met with these huge formations of lettuce coral, sprawling out like underwater gardens. It’s not just about the turtles, though we do see plenty of them munching away; keep your eyes peeled for pygmy morays tucked into crevices and those slick dark-spotted snake eels gliding along the sand. Our favourite time to dive Tortugas is mid-morning, just after the first boats have cleared out, leaving you with a bit more space to drift and really absorb the colours. The maximum depth of 20m means you get plenty of bottom time, making it a great spot for photographers or those who just want to relax and watch the ballet of French grunts and sergeant majors. This site is perfect for newer divers building confidence, or experienced folks who appreciate a more relaxed pace with excellent visibility.

    Safety Notes

    Strong currents typical this month (avg 79 cm/s). Good buoyancy control essential.

    Today05:4317:3011h 47m daylightGolden hour 17:00

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Tortugas Reef

    Tortugas Reef Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Tortugas Reef, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Yucatan Basin - 120 NM ESE of Cozumel, MX (227km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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