Yucab Reef - Cozumel

Yucab Reef, for us, is one of those spots that just consistently delivers. It’s got a steady, gentle current that makes for a glorious drift. You just glide along, letting the water do the work, watching everything unfold. We’ve logged countless dives here and it always feels fresh. The real showstoppers at Yucab are the Elkhorn corals. They stretch out like giant underwater antlers, creating incredible shelter. Peer into the nooks and crannies and you’ll often spot collared eels peeking out, or a sharpnose pufferfish darting into a crevice. Look closely for yellowhead jawfish hovering above their burrows; they’re pretty skittish but worth the patience. We’ve also seen some absolute giants of Caribbean spiny lobsters lumbering across the sand patches. It’s not the fastest drift in Cozumel, which is why we love it for a leisurely second dive of the day. You’ve got time to really soak it all in.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.371342, -87.045710
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 Yucab Reef

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 Yucab Reef

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