
The area around the southwest side of the island was declared a National Marine Park in 1996. No harvesting of marine life is permitted between Paradise Reef and the southern tip of the island. This insures that these protected waters are populated with a variety of tropical and reef fish.
This list starts at the North Edge of the Park (near the International Pier) and works south to Punta Celerain Lighthouse.
Hyperlinks are provided to sites I have personal knowledge of. I'll add more information as time permits.
Photos will be included soon. Check back often for the latest changes.
If you would like to provide a description of a reef I haven't covered, please email me the information, and I'll attribute the report to you.
| South of the Pier | Depth (in feet) | Skill Level |
| Villa Blanca Wall | 50-60 | Intermediate |
| Paraiso Reef | 40-70 | Novice |
| Paraiso Wall | 60-120 | Intermediate |
| Chankanaab | 15-35 | Novice |
| Bolones de Chankanaab | 40-70 | Novice |
| Tormentos | 50-60 | Internediate |
| Yucab | 40-50 | Intermediate |
| Yucab Wall | 80-120 | Intermediate |
| Punta Tunich | 50-120 | Intermediate |
| Cordona | 30-60 | Intermediate |
| San Francisco | 45-120 | Intermediate |
| Santa Rosa | 50-120 | Intermdiate |
| Paso de Cedral | 50-60 | Novice |
| Cedral Wall | 60-120 | Intermediate |
| La Francesca | 30-60 | Novice |
| Palancar Gardens | 30-80 | Novice |
| Palancar- Big Horseshoe | 35-120 | Intermediate |
| Palancar - Little Horseshoe | 50-90 | Intermediate |
| Palancar Caves | 50-120 | Intermediate |
| Columbia | 60-120 | Intermediate |
| Punta Sur | 90-120 | Advanced |
| Chun Cha Cab | 80-120 | Advanced |
| Maracaibo Shallows | 70-90 | Intermediate |
| Maracaibo | 120 + | Advanced |
Not many dive operators go here. It's too deep and too dangerous for most sport divers. Unfortunately, many divers over-rate their abilities and get in trouble in Cozumel. The strong currents can disorient a diver and push you below your max depths if you aren't careful.
The reefs of Cozumel are beautiful and mysterious. Enjoy the best that nature has to offer and forget the "macho" stuff!
Dive safely, dive often!
I'm providing this information just to complete the listing. I don't recommend these sites. In fact, the owner of one Scuba service said he won't take anyone there because of the danger. Special insurance is required to dive these reefs.
It's just not worth it. There are plenty of really fantastic locations south of the International Pier that are reasonably safe for all divers.
Naturally, any dive has some element of danger. Good training, common sense and following the instructions of Cozumel's excellent Divemasters will go a long way toward a safe dive.
| North of the Pier | Depth (in feet) | Skill Level |
| Barracuda Wall | 90-120 | Advanced |
| Barracuda Reef | 90-120+ | Advanced |
| San Juan | 40-50 | Intermediate |