Recommended Dive Sites in Cozumel Mexico- For Beginners and Up
By: Anna Trosper
February 8, 2022
I have been going to Cozumel now for many years to dive. In fact, Cozumel is my favorite place to go diving. I have gone other places and they just don’t compare to Cozumel, in my opinion. From the crystal-clear waters and abundance of reefs, Cozumel has plenty of spectacular dive sites.
Cozumel is known for drift diving –the lazy mans diving! Don’t let that fool you – I have dived many times, and the currents can change, and you are not just kicking back watching the reefs go by. You must really work to get where you want to go. But when the currents are right! Wow! This makes for the best diving in the world. It is nothing for us to have a 1hr to 1 and ½ dive and still come up with 500PSI in our tanks. A good drift dive and you are not having to do a thing, so you do not use as much air.
There are excellent Cozumel diving locations for divers of all experience levels. My husband and myself are Master Divers and my son is a Dive Master. I have been coming to Cozumel ever since I became open water certified. I have always felt safe and had many dive locations suited to my level of certification and comfort.
Here are just some of the beautiful dive sites you can explore with your open water certification.
COLUMBIA SHALLOWS
(Depth: 30′ – 50′)
This area offers breathtaking coral and abundant sea life. Good visibility and a light drift current allow divers to explore and experience sea turtles, angelfish, barracuda, moray eels, octopus, grouper, and even the occasional spotted eagle ray or nurse shark.
CHANKANAAB REEF
(Depth: 30′ – 50′)
This reef is located in front of Chankanaab Park and is one of the best dive sites in Cozumel for beginners due to the mild currents and shallow depths. You will be able to experience loads of colorful coral, the Cozumel Toadfish, rays, lobster, and tons of vibrant fish species.
PARADISE REEF
(Depth: 40′ – 50′)
With great visibility and soft currents, this reef is often used in open water certification dives. A great Cozumel diving location to practice your buoyancy skills and see some beautiful sea-life.
SANTA ROSA SHALLOWS
(Depth: 20′ – 50′)
This site is a great place for newbies to relax into their new favorite activity. Mild current, depths ranging from 10-18 meters, and a great place to go in the afternoon as the sun shines off the stunning corals. To this day this is my favorite dive in the afternoon. The sun shining down over the reef as the current takes you by slowly is just amazing. I could do this one all day!
Cozumel is a great place to dive – go have fun but remember to stay safe. Know your limits when diving – I am a Master diver but personally do not go below 80 feet. I know my limit, and to stay safe that is it for me. I would love to help you plan a trip to Cozumel and get you in the right resort with the right dive shop to fit your wants and needs. Please follow me on my Facebook page or email me at annat@wishesfamilytravel.com to set up a time to talk about your next adventure.
If you are an experienced diver, keep an eye out for Anna's upcoming post designed just for you.