Yucab Reef - Cozumel

Bajo de Escombreras Espeque offers a straightforward dive, often with good visibility. We usually find rocky formations here, home to smaller Mediterranean fish and the occasional octopus or moray eel tucked into crevices. It's a solid choice for a second dive of the day, or for divers who prefer a more relaxed pace without strong currents.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.426800, -87.009900
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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Yucab Reef?
The maximum depth at Yucab Reef is 17 meters, making it a shallower reef. It's often chosen as a second dive due to its accessible depth profile.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Yucab Reef?
Divers at Yucab Reef can expect to encounter a vibrant and healthy ecosystem, featuring numerous hard coral species and impressive huge barrel sponges. The diverse marine life includes spotted eagle rays, nurse sharks, turtles, stingrays, moray eels, and a variety of reef fish. Keep an eye out for the endemic Splendid toadfish, a unique species found only in Cozumel.
How difficult is diving at Yucab Reef, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Yucab Reef is rated as intermediate difficulty. Due to the usually strong currents, it is always conducted as a drift dive, which may present a challenge for absolute beginners. Divers should have some experience with current diving or be comfortable with drift diving techniques.
What is the best time of year to dive Yucab Reef for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Yucab Reef for optimal conditions. However, the average visibility is excellent at 27 meters. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Yucab Reef?
The provided data does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required for Yucab Reef. Given its intermediate difficulty and strong currents necessitating a drift dive, an Open Water Diver certification is typically a minimum, with experience in current or drift diving highly recommended. Always check with your local dive operator for specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions at Yucab Reef, and is it usually a drift dive?
Yucab Reef is known for typically having a strong current. Consequently, dives at this site are always conducted as exhilarating drift dives. This allows divers to effortlessly glide along the reef, observing the abundant marine life.