Overview of some of the most popular Reefs

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

North of the International Pier

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