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 Cozumel is an element of the second largest barrier reef system in the world, the Meso-American reef system, which extends on almost 175 miles (280 km) of ocean between the Gulf of Mexico and Honduras. Its stunning reef formations, easy drift diving and remarkably clear waters make Cozumel one of the world's most popular diving destinations.
Since 1961, when the famous oceanographer Jacques Yves Cousteau came to Cozumel with his crew on the Calypso to film a documentary and the first airing of that film, Cozumel has consistently been on the top of many diving spot lists. It is quite usual to see vast coral heads, bright sponges, hundreds of tropical fish, rich ecosystems and abrupt walls that sink into the abyss. There are lots of tunnels and caves twisting through the reef that provide a rich environment for many species, some of which are not found anywhere else on earth.
With average currents from 1-2 knots diving in Cozumel is effortless, and is ideal for cruising the reefs with minimal effort. Currents here always flow from south to north. But several of the deeper walls may experience a stronger current, normally beginning at the shelf edge, at times as strong as 8 knots. Downwellings sometimes reveal themselves near the wall shelves. If you stay close to the wall, you may curtail some of the effects of downwelling. In case you need to move in open water, do so perpendicular to the current.
Average visibility here is about 100 feet and can frequently reach 200 feet. As water is so pure you may easily forget that you are even submerged in it. You should check guages often and monitor depth frequently. You should be aware of your setting at all the times, as you may easily get caught up in such tranquil waters.
The majority of Cozumel diving spots are located within the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park (Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel), a protected underwater environment covering 29,000+ acres. There is a voluntary $2.00 US donation/fee from divers to fund the conservation program.
Not all reefs listed below are divable or frequented by dive operators. In case you are not using a local dive shop or operator for your dive trip, you should take care when selecting a dive spot.
List of coral reefs in Cozumel: Bajo de Molas, Barracuda, Cantarell, Cardona, Chankanaab Park, Chankanaab Reef, Chankanaab (Shallow), Chankanaab Caves, Chen Rio, Chun Chancaab, Colombia (Deep), Colombia (Shallow), El Islote, El Mirador, La Francesa, Las Palmas, Los Atolones, Maracaibo (Punta), Maracaibo (Shallow), Molas (Sand Bank), Palancar (Caves), Palancar (Gardens), Palancar (Horseshoe), Paraiso, Paso del Cedral (Shallow), Playa Bosh, Punta Dalila, Punta Morena, Punta Sur (Deep), Punta Sur (Shallow), San Juan, Tormentos, Tunich (Rock) Wall, Villa Blanca Wall and Yucab.
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