Cozumel Diving Guide
Reefs, Dive Shops, Resorts & The Big Blue
Updated November 2023
Welcome to Cozumel Diving
Into the blue. Into the deep. Into the wonder. Whichever way you term it, it all means the same… Cozumel diving. Scuba diving in Cozumel is world famous and for good reason. The multitude of sites that lay just off of the coastline, the variety of dive types available, the year round warm waters, the sea life and on and on and on. It is a true wonder of the Caribbean.
Regardless of your level of experience, you will find yourself taken in by the beauty of this underwater paradise. The intense colors, the corals, the caves, the abundant sea creatures including whale sharks, sea turtles and hundreds of types of fish, and the simple fact that you can dive Cozumel approximately 300 days a year means that every time you sink into the warm, glittering blue, it will be a lasting memory.
Cozumel Map
Contents
Recommended Cozumel Dive Sites
For Experienced Divers
If you are an experienced diver, underwater photographer or filmmaker, you are in for a delight. The drift dives alone will have you in awe. The walls and swim-throughs are spectacular. No matter how many incredible places you dove before, Cozumel diving will quickly land on your top 10 list. Being an experienced diver means that you know how to have a conversation with your local divemaster about what you want to see and experience on each dive. Then she or he will tailor your Cozumel dives accordingly.
PUNTA TUNICH
(Depth: 50′ – 130′)
Cozumel is famous for the drift dives around the island and Punta Tunich is one of the best. Stunning coral overhangs, sea fans, whips, sponges, snapper, and more abound along this swift sand dune.
COLOMBIA WALL
(Depth: 60′ – 90′)
Looking for stunning cave, tunnel and cavern systems? Colombia Wall is a perfect Cozumel diving site to visit. The wall itself is over 30 meters high. Experienced divers can experience giant coral pillars, some over 20 meters tall. Large barracuda are often seen here, as well as large sea turtles, eagle rays, and beautiful reef fish. Keep your eyes open for the Blue Tang, also known as surgeon-fish, with their scalpel-sharp tails. The shallows of this site are perfect for new underwater photographers to practice capturing stunning images.
SANTA ROSA WALL
(Depth: 50′ – 130′)
Santa Rosa Wall is one of the most popular deep dive sites. The spectacular wall begins at around 20 meters and quickly drops deeper into the blue. It is easy to understand why the Santa Rosa Wall is so famous. With endless delights on offer like enormous sponges, caves, overhangs, swim-through tunnels, colorful fans, and beds of tunicates, you may never want to surface. You’ll be captivated by the large sea life here as well. Massive sea turtles, eagle rays, grouper, and sharks have been regularly seen. This dive site is an intermediate level site as the currents can be strong.
Cozumel Dive Shops & Operators
Dozens of dive operators and dive shops are spread throughout Cozumel. Most offer high quality dive services and packages at reasonable prices. Here are a few of our favorite dive operators on the island.
Cozudive
Diving & Snorkeling
Dive Packages, Dive Courses, Discover Dives
“Nothing makes us happier than sharing underwater moments with our guests!” This is the mantra of the incredible Cozudive team. When you love what you do, it shows. Cozudive strives to make each dazzling dive experience a chance for their guests to have fun, but also to become a more improved, confident diver. By only having small groups, they can make sure everyone gets the attention they deserve. So, whether you are just starting your dive journey or consider yourself an old pro, you can feel comfortable with Cozudive’s experienced team. Did we mention they also speak English, Spanish and French!
Setting themselves apart even more, Cozudive provides a delicious, fresh lunch on board so you can refuel and be ready to get back into the glorious blue. When choosing Cozudive you will arrive a customer and leave as family.
Go Divers
Daily Dive Trips, Discover Dives, Snorkeling Tours
Friendly, safe and personal, that is the Go Divers way! They have a cozy dive shop in the center of town which allows them to always be approachable and accessible for any inquiries you may have. The team prides themselves on ensuring each diver feels not only excited but prepared to get into the blue. The exceptionally friendly boat captains, divemasters and instructors have a supreme focus on safety, so you can rest assured knowing your comfort on and in the water is a top priority.
Go Divers likes to keep their dive groups small, that way everyone gets the professional, personal attention they desire. Boasting new equipment and a fast boat, Go Divers ticks all the boxes for your dive adventure.
Cozumel H2O
Dive Packages, Discover Scuba, Dive Certifications
When two friends passionate about the ocean teamed up to open a dive shop, Cozumel H2O was born. Loes and Miguel of Cozumel H2O have dedicated their lives to showing others the beauty that lies below the surface. The Cozumel H2O dive instructors have an incredible talent of spotting marine life, making your dive experience that much more thrilling. Of course, your safety and comfort are always a priority for the team in and out of the water which is why they only take small groups. Chances are, you may even learn a thing or two, and emerge a better, more knowledgeable diver.
If you want to learn more, Cozumel H2O offers all scuba courses, from a discover scuba outing to open water to dive master. If you have a group of divers and snorkelers, Cozumel H2O can accommodate everyone on the same boat. Ensuring your whole group has a chance to enjoy the day together. Whether you opt for a single day outing, or a multi-day dive package with Cozumel H2O, every dive will be enchanting and unforgettable.
Blue Project Cozumel
Small Group Dive Tours, Custom Dive Packages, Dive Certification
Blue Project Cozumel is a family owned, boutique dive company whose primary goal is to create the personalized dive experience of your dreams. The skilled Blue Project team is committed to ensuring every multi-level dive is unrushed and computer driven so each diver can comfortably revel in the underwater wonderland.
Blue Project is passionate about environmental conservation and has adapted all aspects of their dive operations to reduce waste and bring their impact on the environment to a minimum. Their custom crafted dive boat has all the comforts a diver needs, including safety equipment and anti-slip flooring. As a full-service, valet style dive shop, you won’t need to worry about lugging your gear around as they will transport, prep and rinse it all for you! All you need to do is bring your smile and enjoy.
Scuba Life Cozumel
PADI 5-Star Dive Shop & Tour Operator
This 5-star Padi dive shop is known for their fantastic team of friendly professionals who are dedicated to making sure you are comfortable in the water no matter your skill level. Scuba Life Cozumel is passionate about the reefs and will amaze their dive guests by pointing out some excellent sea life. With small groups (8 maximum) and always two dive masters on board, your safety will always come first.
Twin outboard engine boats, specially designed for divers, get you to the reefs quickly and comfortably. And just in case you get chilly, they always keep towels and jackets on board for their guest’s comfort. All divers with Scuba Life Cozumel can relax knowing they can dive at their own rate, up to 700psi or 70 minutes, and enjoy exploring the incredible waters of Cozumel.
Ray Diving Cozumel
Dive Packages, Night Dives, Specialty Dives
Ray Diving is one of the top-rated outfitters for a reason… Ray! Ray has been diving in Cozumel for 20+ years and knows these reefs as well as anyone. Ray Diving Cozumel has been and always will be 100% personalized. Specializing in small groups of no more than 4, Ray strives to make each dive fit your wants and needs. He makes your trip even more intimate by avoiding heavily populated sites as much as possible.
Ray’s incredible experience and attention to detail create a rewarding and safe dive trip for you and your family or friends every time. Living and working by his personal philosophy that “personalized service is the best experience” Ray Diving Cozumel will provide you with the exclusive dive trip you never knew you always wanted.
Cozumel Dive Schools
If you’re coming to Cozumel to start your scuba journey by getting certified, you’ve already chosen wisely. There are multiple dive companies here that can certify you in just 2-3 days. Not to mention you get the privilege of diving one of the most beautiful places on Earth as a beginner! Honestly, it may ruin you for other sites as they may not live up to your first experience here. Just kidding…or am I? Here are some of the best dive schools in Cozumel!
AquAdventures at Chankanaab
Discovery Dives, Dive School, Dive Shop
When visiting Cozumel, boundless adventures await, but what’s on land is only half of the excitement one can have. Getting underwater and truly experiencing the coral reefs will be a lifelong memory. If you have never been diving, don’t worry, the Discover Scuba activity at Aquadventures dive shop in Chankanaab Park will teach you all the skills you need to know in a fun and relaxed way. After a little overview on land, their experienced team will get you all geared up for a great day underwater discovering the beauty of the sea. Aquadventures is one of the original dive shops on the island and also offers everything from refresher courses to divemaster training. If you are looking to start your journey as a diver or continue furthering it, Aquadventures is a fantastic choice.
More Dive Schools Coming Soon
Cozumel Dive Resorts
Due to the popularity of diving in Cozumel, there are many dive resorts to choose from. Many of the higher end resorts have in-house dive companies who can’t wait to help you plan the best dive vacation of your life. Most offer 3-7 day dive packages with two to three dives per day. Be sure to check out our Cozumel Hotel Guide and our Best Cozumel All Inclusive Resorts Guide.
Recommended Dive Resorts
This affordable boutique hotel is just south of town and has an onsite dive shop.
Casa Del Mar Cozumel Hotel and Dive Resort
Affordable mini resort option south of town with an onsite dive shop.
Coral Princess Golf & Dive Resort
Just north of town, this midrange hotel has an onsite dive shop. The golf course is now closed.
Intercontinental Presidente Cozumel Resort & Spa
This 5 star luxury resort just south of town offers an onsite dive shop.
This 5-star all-inclusive resort has a dive shop within short walking distance.
This family friendly affordable all inclusive resort has an onsite dive shop.
This 5-star adults only all inclusive resort has an onsite dive shop.
Responsible Diving In Cozumel
Please keep in mind that sunblock, even reef-safe brands, are not allowed in the waters of the Mexican Caribbean as it kills the reef and the sea life. Please be mindful of this when you go diving in Cozumel and bring hats, sarongs and towels to keep your skin safe when you are out of your wetsuit. As you enjoy the beauty of the sea you will feel fabulous knowing your presence isn’t harming it.
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The Best Cozumel All Inclusive Resorts
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My wife and I honeymooned in Cozumel in 1986. The diving at that time was excellent but we have heard climate change and hurricanes have damaged the reef in recent years.
Has it recovered and comparable to the amazing conditions we experienced 36 years ago?
It’s pretty incredible at this point, but I can’t say for sure if it’s 36 years ago incredible! 🙂
Thank you for creating this guide. I’m a solo traveler and have always wanted to go to scuba diving school. I came across your guide while researching Cozumel and saw all the great scuba diving schools you suggested. I decided to go with Cozumel Dive Academy. I’m excited! Thank you again for the detailed guide.
Happy to help!
This is such a great guide. My husband and I just got scuba certified, so we are looking forward to checkout out some of these places.
I had no idea there were such things as dive resorts! My family and I will definitely be looking into this. I love this detailed guide.
Really nice website!
Thanks! Glad you like it.
Cozumel is such a great dive site! I also really enjoyed diving in the cenotes!
Hi! We love your post. There are so many places to choose from when it comes to diving here in Cozumel and this helped us target our search. Great recommendations. See you in the sea!
As a new diver it felt really good to arrive in a new place and actually sound like a I know what I’m talking about, lol. Thank you for helping me prepare for my dives here and helping me narrow down my dive shop. What an incredible time.
Thanks for the helpful information. I’m hoping to get my open water certification in Cozumel this year.
Dude, great list and awesome recommendations! All these places are sick!!!