Scuba diving in Cozumel
Scuba diving is the reason most people come to Cozumel, and the island has been a top dive destination in the western hemisphere for years. The main draw is the offshore reef system on the west and south sides, where dive sites range from about 30 feet to more than 150 feet. Divers who are not yet certified can take a discovery dive, and certified divers can book two-tank trips from dozens of dive shops.
Places to go
Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park
Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park is a protected offshore reef system along the west and south coasts of Cozumel. Divers and snorkelers come here to see the reefs, which are among the most popular recreational dive grounds in the Mexican Caribbean.
Chankanaab Park
Chankanaab is a natural park on Cozumel's south coast, with a sandy beach, a shallow snorkel area and a lagoon. Visitors snorkel off the sand, swim with animals or try a reef dive from here.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Most diving here is drift diving. The boat drops you at the start of the dive, the current carries you along the reef, and the boat picks you up at the end. A typical outing is a boat trip south of town, then two tanks with a divemaster. Most dive sites sit well south of the city, so the boat ride is short. Dive shops are plentiful, and many run small groups.
If you are not certified, dive shops offer resort courses and guided discovery dives. At Chankanaab you can take a discovery dive with a 20-minute introductory lesson and a guided 45-minute dive. Walls, where shallow water drops to 120 or 150 feet, and the C-53 wreck at 50 to 70 feet need intermediate or advanced skills. Alcohol is not allowed before diving.
Where to go
- Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park. Protected offshore reefs on the west and south sides, with dive sites from 30 feet to over 150 feet. Popular with recreational divers. Most sites are well south of the city, a short boat ride. A trip that goes here: Minisub Dive Tour, 1 Hour, $89 a person
- Palancar Reef. A well-known reef and wall dive site, further out than the limited shore diving. Drift dives with a divemaster. A short boat ride south.
- Chankanaab reef. Reefs off Chankanaab's beach, used for the discovery dive: a 20-minute introductory lesson and a guided 45-minute dive. A deposit is needed to book. About 9 km south of town, by taxi. A trip that goes here: One Tank Scuba Dive at Chankanaab, 2 Hours, $89 a person
Getting there
Most dive boats leave from San Miguel or from resort docks, and the dive sites are a short boat ride south of town. Chankanaab is a taxi ride from town. Ask a local taxi driver for Chankanaab.
When to go
Diving runs year-round.
Good to know
- Bring a lamp if you plan to go inside the C-53 wreck.
- A packed lunch is the only food on the dive boat; the national park has no place to eat.
- Budget for a Marine Park Fee and equipment rental on top of the boat dive fee.
- Dive boats can be hired in San Miguel, so a trip can be booked after arriving on the island.
Questions
Can I go scuba diving in Cozumel if I am not certified?
Yes. Dive shops offer resort courses and guided discovery dives. At Chankanaab, a discovery dive includes a 20-minute introductory lesson and a guided 45-minute dive. A deposit is needed to book.
How far are the dive sites from town?
Most dive sites are well south of the city, so a short boat ride reaches them. Chankanaab's reef is about 9 km south of town and is reached by taxi.
Is Cozumel good for shore diving?
Shore diving is limited. Most diving is done by boat, with drift dives along the offshore reefs and walls, though some shore dives are possible.
