Tortugas Reef
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.
Tortugas Reef is a solid choice for a drift dive in Cozumel, offering a relaxed pace along a coral wall. We typically see plenty of green sea turtles here, often resting in the sandy patches or grazing on the corals. Nurse sharks are also a common sight, usually tucked under ledges. It’s a good spot for divers who appreciate a gentle current and reliable turtle encounters.
Safety Notes
Strong currents typical this month (avg 79 cm/s). Good buoyancy control essential.
Nearest Dive Centres to Tortugas Reef
Dive shops near Tortugas Reef
Pro Dive International Occidental Xcaret
ScubaCaribe Playa del Carmen Mexico
Pro Dive International Royal Hideaway Allegro Play
Dive48
Beach Divers
Tarraya: Snorkle, Diving & Fishing
Reviews for Tortugas Reef
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)
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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