Scuba diving trips in Cozumel
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.
About scuba diving in Cozumel
Cozumel is one of the best-known scuba destinations in the western hemisphere, and most visitors come to dive. Its reef system is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest coral reef system in the world. Most diving here is drift diving, where the current carries divers along the reef.
On a port day, the main dive sites sit well south of the city, so a short boat ride reaches them. Dive boats leave from San Miguel or from resorts. Certified divers book two-tank trips, while newcomers can take a discovery dive at the Chankanaab reef, about 12 minutes from the pier by taxi.
- 30 to 150 feet Dive site depths on the offshore reefs
- About 12 minutes Travel time from the pier
- 20-minute lesson Introduction before a discovery dive
Scuba diving excursions in Cozumel
Booked with our partner Shore Excursions Group. Prices are per person. Each trip says where it goes.
Where to go for Scuba diving
Each trip shows where it goes.
Chankanaab Park
Divers can take a discovery dive on the Chankanaab reef, with a 20-minute introductory lesson followed by a guided 45-minute dive.
Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park
Dive sites run from about 30 feet to more than 150 feet, with reef walls and drop-offs. Boat dives need certification and a divemaster, and most sites lie a short boat ride south of town.
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.
Tour or on your own Either Dive boats can be hired in San Miguel or through resorts, but the reef is offshore, so a boat and divemaster are needed.
Time it takes Half a day A two-tank boat dive means a boat trip south of town, two drift dives with a divemaster, and a return to shore.
Effort Moderate Divers are carried along by the current on most dives, and the walls and wrecks need more skill than the reef sites.
Who it suits Experienced divers, first-timers, couples Certified divers can book boat dives, and dive shops run discovery dives and resort courses for people not yet certified.
Good to know Certification needed Boat dives need certification, and a Marine Park Fee and equipment rental are added to the boat dive fee.
Best months Year-round Diving runs all year; the cruise port is busiest from December through April, when several large ships may arrive each day.
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 you can book a trip after you arrive.
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.
More to do in Cozumel
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Sailings that stop in Cozumel
1,478 sailings on 19 cruise lines call here in the next twelve months. Totals are for two guests, taxes included.
MSC Seascape
Sun Princess
Margaritaville Islander
Sources: Chankanaab Park Cozumel · CONANP, Mexico's protected areas · Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, Wikipedia · Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, Wikivoyage · Cozumel, Wikivoyage
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