7 Secret Dive Sites in Cozumel That Only Locals Know About
Planning on diving in Cozumel? You’ll love these secret dive sites that only locals know about.
Hi! I am Adrienne and I have lived on Cozumel for 11 years working as a dive instructor and writer. I am happy to share with you some lesser-known dive sites that the locals love.
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Cozumel’s best, but least visited dive sites
Cozumel is world-famous for its large coral formations. Palancar Reef and Santa Rosa Wall have amazing coral structions, and on a sunny day, it is hard to find a more beautiful spot on the island.
Even after diving the sites here for years, I always enjoy jumping into the water and seeing what the next dive will bring. But…I also like to get away from the most popular dive sites and explore what is underwater in some less-visited areas.
Here are some of my favorite, but not as popular or well-known, dive sites:
1. Islote
Islote is a dive site located on the east side of the island on the very southernmost tip. This dive site is only accessible on days when the wind is mild enough that dive boats can make the turn around the southern tip and safely get to this reef.
Once there, divers will find long stretches of reef that start shallow but get progressively deeper.
The site has lots of sea fans and different coral species including staghorn coral. Diving at Islote is a treat because it requires the correct climate and advanced divers since the area can have unpredictable current.
If you get lucky enough to go there, you will be treated to a reef rarely visited by recreational divers and have the chance to see turtles, sharks, and eagle rays.
2. Punta Sur Sur
Punta Sur or “Southern Point” is a beautiful dive site located, obviously, in the southern area of the island.
This area is famous for Devil’s Throat, a deep dive that takes divers into a swim that leads them through a tight tunnel that exits around 115 feet on the clear, blue wall.
While that is a thrilling dive, many locals prefer to visit the often overlooked beginning of the Punta Sur reef.
This area has many beautiful swim thrus that take divers from inside the reef to the blue wall and you have a great chance of seeing black tip sharks and eagle rays in the winter.
The site is deep, with most swim thrus between 80-100 feet, but you will be able to spend more time exploring than if you go to Devil’s Throat.
3.Tikila
Tikila Beach Bar is a popular spot for divers just south of town. For a small fee you can use their facility for shore diving. Many local instructors take students there during the day for classes, so many visitors are farmiliar with the area.
What is not so well known about this area is that as the sun sets, most people leave, and the area is an amazing place to do a shore night dive!
The area between 15 and 30 feet is alive with crabs, lobsters, octopus, and even squid! Pack your flashlight take your time swimming around the different coral heads and enjoy the ‘local nightlife.’
4. La Palomita
If you want to do shore snorkeling or diving, another great spot the locals like to visit is called La Palomita. It is located north of downtown, a short swim from the shore.
You can enter the water at the public beach area in front of Las Brisas Condominiums where you can also find a great Airbnb in Cozumel and homes for rent.
There you can find all sorts of small critters, and if you take your time and are patient, you can even find seahorses!
Insider Tip: Make sure to check the current, as it can push north. If you want you can even let it push you a bit north and exit the water and walk back to your car. Leave one person with the dive gear while another goes to get your transportation!
5. Cantarel
Often referred to as Eagle Ray Wall, Cantarel is located north of Puerto Abrigo. In the winter months eagle rays come to Cozumel.
Researchers are constantly collecting data, including documenting sightings- if you see an eagle ray, note the date, time, location, and any other interesting observations and submit your dad to Cozumel Ocean Research. Scientists still do not know exactly why they come in the winter months, but most years a group gathers at Cantarell.
If you are lucky, you can see several of them together flying in the current! This dive is known for strong, unpredictable currents, so make sure to go with a trusted, experienced dive operator. The dive is for advanced divers.
6. Tiburcio
Long known to fishermen in the area, Tiburcio is located in the waters off the northern end of Cozumel. This dive site takes over an hour to reach from town, but if you have a capitain who knows the area and if you are blessed with favorable winds, this is an amazing area to visit.
The coral that makes up the dive site sits in a sandy bottom around 90 feet deep.
The area is filled with different marine life and around the perimeter of the coral area you will find amberjacks, barracuda, eagle rays, and often sharks!
7. East Side
The most famous dive sites in Cozumel are all along the west coast of the island. They are usually protected from strong winds, making them ideal for dive operators – plus they have amazing coral structures and marine life.
Occasionally the wind switches directions, or dies down completely, and you will get the chance to dive the east side of the island. This is a special treat and one area you do not want to miss over there is the site of Spanish Galleon shipwreck.
After hundreds of years underwater, the ship is no longer intact; however, you can still see canons and the anchor!
This amazing piece of Cozumel history is hard to get to, but a great treat if you get the chance! The wreck area is surrounded by corals, including elkhorn coral.
How to Dive Less Visited Dive Sites
As you can see, in order to safely visit these dive sites, you need an experienced capitain and dive guide.
Several Dive shops will be happy to help you organize a trip to these areas if the weather permits.
Aldora Divers is known for taking their guests ‘off the beaten path. There is a new dive shop on the island called Gato’s Reef.
Two local brothers who have been working on the ocean their entire lives, as fishermen, dive masters, and captains own the shop.
Check them out if you want Cozumel ocean experts to take you to some hard-to-reach areas!
Cozumel’s Best Secret Dive Spots: Final Thoughts
Cozumel is one of the best spots for scuba diving in Mexico. There are countless shops and thousands of divers visit a year. The most famous dive sites have earned their reputation- they have great corals and marine life. But, if you want something different, there are several lesser-known spots that locals can take you to.
These areas are hard to get to and often best for experienced divers, but if you get the chance to dive them- do it!
Before you go:
Heading to Cozumel? Check out my detailed guides on where to stay, things to do and travel tips.
