Dive Sites
Disclaimer: These reef descriptions, along with the dive conditions and marine life listed below, are based on typical experiences at each site. Ocean environments are constantly changing due to weather, currents, and seasonal shifts, so no two dives are ever exactly the same. While many species are commonly seen, sightings can vary from day to day. Some species may be abundant one day and absent the next!
Enjoy exploring Cozumel’s underwater world with Eric Jr. and Eric Sr. of Challenge Diving where each dive is its own adventure!
Barracuda Wall (45–100+ feet)
Experience Level: Expert
Located on Cozumel’s northern tip, Barracuda Wall is a high-energy dive known for its intense currents and unpredictable conditions. This site is reserved for highly skilled divers who are comfortable with strong drift and surge. Because of its remote location, it’s rarely crowded, offering a raw and untamed underwater experience. The wall drops steeply, lined with massive barrel sponges and vibrant sponge colonies.
Divers may spot:
Barracuda patrolling the current
Fast-moving Jacks in open water
Southern and Eagle Rays cruising along the ledges
Reef sharks in deeper zones
Towering Barrel Sponges and colorful reef sponges
San Juan (40–60 feet)
Experience Level: Expert
Situated on Cozumel’s northern coastline, San Juan is a drift dive known for its strong and sometimes unpredictable currents. This site is best reserved for experienced divers who are confident in fast-moving water. While conditions can be challenging, on calm days it transforms into a rewarding dive with excellent visibility and healthy reef structures. The area is typically quiet, with minimal boat traffic, offering a more remote and peaceful experience.
Divers may spot:
Barracuda and Jacks riding the current
Southern and Eagle Rays gliding over sandy patches
Occasional reef sharks in deeper areas
Colorful sponges and healthy coral growth along the reef
Cantarel - “Eagle Ray Wall” (Approx. 40–80+ feet)
Experience Level: Intermediate
This seasonal dive is best done with a trusted dive operator and an experienced divemaster—like Challenge Diver’s Eric Jr. or Eric Sr.—due to the site’s unpredictable currents and remote location. While not technically deep, the conditions can be challenging, especially with limited boat traffic in the area.
The dive begins in the shallows and follows the edge of the wall, where divers spend time observing Spotted Eagle Rays that frequent the area from December through late February. With careful entry and minimal movement, divers may witness 20 or more Eagle Rays gliding gracefully at depths around 80 feet. The experience is peaceful and awe-inspiring, especially when the rays pass by in synchronized groups.
Divers may spot:
Spotted Eagle Rays in groups, especially during winter months
Queen Angelfish and Filefish weaving through coral
Turtles and Creole Wrasse along the wall
Large Barrel Sponges
Villa Blanca Shallows/Wall (20–120 feet)
Experience Level: Advanced (Wall) / Beginner / novice to Intermediate (Shallows)
Located just offshore from the Villa Blanca Hotel, this site sits between the Puerta Maya Cruise Ship Pier and the town pier. The shallows are ideal for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed second dive, while the wall section offers stronger currents and deeper exploration for more advanced divers. The site features healthy coral growth, colorful sponges, and a variety of reef fish.
Divers may spot:
Eels tucked under coral ledges
Turtles cruising along the reef
Angelfish, grunts, and other schooling fish
Beautiful sponge formations and soft coral fans
Paradise Reef (30–40 feet)
Experience Level: Beginner / Novice
As the first reef within Cozumel’s Marine Park, Paradise Reef is a favorite for new divers and a popular choice for second-tank dives. Its proximity to the cruise ship port means divers should stay alert for boat traffic, but the reef itself offers calm conditions and vibrant marine life. The shallow depth and gentle current make it ideal for relaxed exploration and underwater photography.
Divers may spot:
Southern Stingrays gliding over sandy patches
Peacock Flounder camouflaged on the bottom
Scorpionfish hiding among coral heads
Barracuda cruising the perimeter
Spotted Drums, Moray Eels, Spiny Lobsters, and Trunkfis
Las Palmas (30–50 feet)
Experience Level: Beginner / novice
This reef is located just south of Paradise and near the Money Bar, offering a relaxed dive with occasional shifting currents. Las Palmas features scattered coral heads surrounded by sandy patches, and although the reef was impacted by Hurricane Rita, it has made an impressive recovery. The contrast between the bright sand and the vibrant coral and sponge regrowth gives the site a fresh feel.
Divers may spot:
Turtles and Honeycombed Cowfish in the open water
Parrotfish grazing along the reef
Juvenile Angelfish and Tangs near coral heads
Lobsters, Crabs, and the elusive Splendid Toadfish tucked into crevices
Stingrays, Peacock Flounder, Urchins, and possibly a Seahorse in the sand
A few Lionfish scattered among the coral
Chankanaab Reef (35–40 feet)
Experience Level: Beginner / Novice
Located just offshore from Chankanaab Park, this reef offers a gentle dive with mild currents and a sandy bottom—perfect for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed second dive. The reef is easy to navigate, but divers should maintain good buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the sand and bottom-dwelling creatures.
Divers may spot:
Spotted Moray Eels tucked into coral crevices
Crabs crawling along the reef
Grunts and Snappers schooling in open areas
Occasional Lionfish hiding in shaded spots
Stingrays and Peacock Flounder camouflaged in the sand
Chankanaab Bolones (35–40 feet)
Experience Level: Beginner / novice to Intermediate
Located just offshore from Chankanaab Park, this site features a series of coral heads scattered across a sandy bottom. With mild currents and easy navigation, it’s a great choice for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed second dive. The coral heads are full of life, offering plenty of opportunities for close-up observation.
Divers may spot:
Spiny Lobsters hiding in crevices
Crabs and Spotted Moray Eels tucked into coral
Grunts and Snappers weaving through the reef
Occasional Eagle Rays gliding by in open water
C-53 Wreck – Felipe Xicotencatl (50–80 feet)
Experience Level: Intermediate (for entry)
This 184-foot-long former Mexican Navy minesweeper was intentionally sunk in June 2000 to create an artificial reef. Resting on a sandy bottom at around 80 feet, the C-53 offers a safe and exciting wreck dive with large entry and exit points cut into the hull and interior. Divers can explore the ship’s passageways, decks, and stern while enjoying abundant marine life and excellent photo opportunities.
Divers may spot:
An iconic Green Moray Eel near the base of the wreck
Lobsters and Crabs tucked into crevices
Grouper patrolling the structure
Sponges and coral growing along the hull
The Atlantis Submarine passing by—listen and look for its approach
Tormentos Reef (50–60 feet)
Recommended Skill Level: Beginner / novice to Intermediate
This site is often chosen for a second dive and can be paired with a drift from Yucab Reef for those with efficient air. Tormentos is known for its lively current, which makes it a great spot for a relaxed drift dive—just let the water carry you across the beautiful underwater landscape.
The reef is made up of tall coral structures, some reaching 20 to 30 feet high, separated by sandy channels. These natural formations create a network of swim-throughs, ledges, and shaded hideouts that attract a wide variety of marine life.
What you might see:
Dense schools of French Grunts and snappers weaving through the coral
Nurse Sharks resting on the sand or tucked beneath overhangs
Black Groupers cruising the reef edge
Sea Turtles gliding effortlessly with the current
Lobsters hiding in crevices
The rare and local Splendid Toadfish calling from its burrow
Occasional sightings of Spotted Moray Eels peeking from rocky gaps
Yucab Reef (50–60 feet)
Recommended Skill Level: Intermediate
Yucab is often chosen as a second dive and can be extended into a drift toward Tormentos Reef if conditions and air supply allow. The dive begins over a stretch of sandy ridges and patches of turtle grass—an area full of surprises for those who take the time to look closely.
Currents here are typically strong, which helps keep the reef thriving. Unlike some of Cozumel’s towering coral formations, Yucab is a low-profile reef, with coral heads rising about 10 to 20 feet. The current makes this a smooth, effortless drift, allowing divers to cover a lot of ground while enjoying the scenery.
What you might see:
Stingrays gliding over the sand or resting in the turtle grass
Seahorses clinging to blades of grass—keep your eyes sharp!
Pufferfish and the elusive Short Bigeye fish, a rare find in these waters
Large schools of Grunts and Schoolmasters weaving through the reef
French and Queen Angelfish adding bursts of color to the coral landscape
San Clemente Reef (20–30 feet)
Recommended Skill Level: Beginner / novice
San Clemente is a shallow, lesser-known reef located near Yucab and Tormentos. While it doesn’t draw the same attention as its neighbors, it’s a great option for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed, extended bottom time. Because of its depth, air consumption is minimal, making it ideal for long, easy dives.
The reef itself is modest in profile, with smaller coral heads scattered across the sandy bottom. It’s not a high-drama dive, but it offers a peaceful setting and a chance to spot many of the same marine species found on the more popular nearby reefs.
What you might see:
Stingrays gliding over the sand or resting in the turtle grass
Seahorses and Pufferfish hiding in the grassy patches
The occasional Short Bigeye fish—a rare and exciting find
Schools of Grunts and Schoolmasters cruising the reef
French and Queen Angelfish adding color to the scene
Punta Tunich Reef (50–120 feet)
Recommended Skill Level: Intermediate
Located just a short boat ride north of Mr. Sancho’s, Punta Tunich is a dynamic drift dive known for its sloping terrain and vibrant sponge life. Typically done as a second dive, this site features a moderate current that helps sustain a rich and colorful reef environment.
The reef is relatively low in profile, with coral heads rising between 10 and 20 feet. What makes Tunich stand out are the sprawling hills of sponge-covered coral, dotted with barrel and rope sponges and lined with black feather hydroids—beautiful but best admired from a distance due to their sting.
What you might see:
Dense clouds of Damselfish darting among the coral
Schools of Grunts and Snappers cruising the slopes
Parrotfish and Angelfish weaving through sponge gardens
Turtles gliding by, often in pairs or small groups
Occasional Nurse Sharks resting in sandy patches
Overhangs and small caverns filled with Porkfish, Schoolmasters, and French Grunts
Glassy Sweepers shimmering inside the shaded crevices
A resident Green Moray Eel that sometimes emerges from a prominent coral overhang
San Francisco Wall (45–120 feet)
Recommended Skill Level: Intermediate
San Francisco Wall is a sloping reef dive that starts around 50 feet and gradually descends into deeper waters, offering flexibility for divers who want to explore at different depths. It’s typically done as a second dive and is known for its steady current and vibrant sponge life.
Unlike dramatic drop-offs, this wall is more of a steep incline, covered in healthy barrel sponges, sea rods, and brain coral. While there aren’t many ledges or caves, the colorful sponge fields and coral textures make this a visually rich dive.
Along the upper edge of the wall, closer to shore, you’ll find sandy patches and small overhangs—great spots to pause and scan for marine life or take shelter from the current.
What you might see:
Whitespotted Filefish weaving through the coral
Hawksbill or Green Turtles cruising the slope
Giant Parrotfish chomping on coral
French Angelfish and Black Groupers patrolling the reef
Eagle Rays occasionally gliding along the sandy edge
Yellow House (No Name Reef) (35–50 feet)
Recommended Skill Level: Beginner
Tucked away from the more trafficked sites, Yellow House—often called “No Name Reef”—offers a peaceful, beginner-friendly dive with plenty of room to explore. The site features a wide expanse of open sandy bottom interspersed with patches of coral and sponge-covered rock, making it a great place to practice buoyancy and spotting smaller marine life.
On this reef you’ll see a mix of reef and sand-dwelling species. It’s a mellow dive with minimal current, ideal for newer divers or those looking for a slower-paced underwater experience.
What you might see:
Garden Eels swaying in the sand
Juvenile fish hiding in coral clusters
Stingrays gliding low across the bottom
Occasional Seahorses and Pufferfish tucked into grassy patches
A variety of reef fish similar to those found at nearby Yucab and Tormentos
Santa Rosa Wall (50–120 feet)
Recommended Skill Level: Intermediate
Santa Rosa Wall is one of Cozumel’s most iconic dive sites, offering a dramatic underwater landscape and a series of swim-throughs that make it both scenic and adventurous. Located close to San Miguel, it’s easily accessible and often busy, so timing your dive for the afternoon can help avoid the crowds.
The wall begins around 50 feet and slopes steeply into deeper water, resembling a rugged cliff face. While not a sheer drop, the descent is impressive. The reef is decorated with massive sponges, brain coral, and sea rods, creating a colorful and textured environment.
Swim-throughs connect the wall to sandy areas closer to shore, offering a mix of light and shadow where fish tend to gather. These passages are great for spotting French Grunts and Schoolmasters tucked into the darker corners.
What you might see:
Scrawled Filefish weaving through coral
Turtles cruising along the wall
Giant Parrotfish chomping on reef
French and Queen Angelfish adding bursts of color
Black Groupers patrolling the deeper sections
Splendid Toadfish hiding in crevices
A resident Green Moray Eel often seen under a prominent overhang
Occasional Eagle Rays gliding over the sandy flats
Paso del Cedral (50–60 feet)
Experience Level: Beginner–Novice / Intermediate
Paso del Cedral is a scenic wall dive with a gently sloping reef structure, making it accessible for newer divers while still offering plenty of interest for more experienced ones. The reef is rich with coral and sponge growth, and the surrounding sandy areas are great for spotting bottom-dwelling species. Mild currents make this a pleasant and engaging drift dive.
Divers may spot:
Grunts, Snappers, and colorful Parrotfish
Turtles cruising along the reef
Honeycombed Cowfish and Angelfish
Groupers resting under ledges
Stingrays gliding over sandy patches
La Francesa Reef (30–60 feet)
Recommended Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
La Francesa is a gently sloping reef located within Cozumel’s protected marine park, often chosen as a second dive thanks to its moderate depth and manageable current. The reef runs parallel to the shoreline and features a mix of coral ridges, sandy stretches, and scattered reef heads that make navigation easy and enjoyable.
The site is known for its healthy coral formations, including crests, crevices, and occasional swim-throughs. While not as dramatic as deeper wall dives, La Francesa offers a rich and varied underwater landscape that’s ideal for relaxed exploration and underwater photography.
What you might see:
Angelfish
Turtles
Black Groupers
Lobsters
Southern Stingrays
Splendid Toadfish
Grunts and Snappers
Permit
Ghost Shrimp
Barracuda
La Francesa Shallows (20–40 feet)
Recommended Skill Level: Beginner
Located just inshore from the more well-known La Francesa Reef, this shallow site offers a calm, easy dive perfect for beginners or those looking to log a long, relaxing bottom time. It’s also a popular spot for snorkelers due to its accessibility and clear, shallow waters.
The dive follows a distinct coral ridge that rises about 20 feet from the sandy seafloor. As you drift along this ridge, you’ll encounter large schools of reef fish and plenty of opportunities for macro life if you take your time and look closely.
What you might see:
Blue Tangs
Snappers
Grunts
Boga Fish
Popcorn Shrimp
Ghost Shrimp
Punta Dalila (40–60 feet)
Recommended Skill Level: Beginner
Dalila is a shallow, easygoing dive. The reef features coral heads rising 10 to 20 feet from the sandy bottom, with small caves and overhangs that provide shelter for marine life.
The reef is in excellent condition, with a mix of hard and soft corals, colorful sponges, and a healthy spread of sea rods swaying in the current. It’s a great place to take your time and enjoy the scenery.
What you might see:
Grunts
Snappers
Butterflyfish
Hamlets
Black Groupers
Turtles (including occasional Green Turtles)
Nurse Sharks
Spotted Eagle Rays
Palancar Dives
The Palancar Reef, located off the southwest coast of Cozumel, is a diver’s dream—offering a variety of underwater landscapes, from towering coral formations to gentle sandy slopes. Whether you're a beginner looking for a calm introduction or an advanced diver chasing depth and adventure, there's a site here for you. Each section of the reef has its own personality, shaped by its structure, depth, and marine life.
Swim-throughs & Caverns: Found in Caves, Horseshoe, and Bricks—these features offer thrilling exploration and stunning light effects.
Coral Formations: Gardens and Horseshoe showcase lush coral gardens and towering spires.
Marine Life Variety: Gardens and Point are more fish-rich, while Caves and Bricks offer larger species and occasional predators.
Diver Traffic: Gardens and Caves are popular; Point is more secluded and peaceful.
Palancar Gardens (33–130 feet)
Experience Level: Beginner / novice to Intermediate
Palancar Gardens offers a stunning introduction to Cozumel’s reef system. With coral heads rising like underwater sculptures and gentle swim-throughs, this site feels like diving through a living aquarium. The reef is vibrant and full of life, making it a favorite for both new divers and seasoned photographers. Currents are typically mild, and the layout is easy to navigate.
Divers may spot:
Sea Turtles gliding peacefully through the reef
Angelfish and Parrotfish weaving through coral heads
Stingrays resting in sandy patches
Schools of Blue Chromis darting in unison
Conch and other bottom dwellers in the grassy areas near the end of the dive
Palancar Caves (50–120 feet)
Experience Level: Intermediate
This is where the Palancar Reef begins to show off its dramatic side. Massive coral buttresses rise from the depths, forming natural tunnels, caverns, and canyons. Light filters through the swim-throughs, creating a cathedral-like ambiance that’s both peaceful and awe-inspiring. It’s a classic multi-level drift dive with plenty of structure to explore.
Divers may spot:
Sea Turtles cruising through the canyons
Spotted Eagle Rays, especially from December to February
Nurse Sharks resting under ledges
Towering coral formations and vibrant sponge growth
Palancar Horseshoe (50–120 feet)
Experience Level: Intermediate
Named for its large, natural U-shaped amphitheater visible from the surface, Palancar Horseshoe is one of the most visually striking sections of the reef. The site features towering coral spires, deep fissures, and winding gullies that create a maze-like underwater landscape. It’s typically done as a multi-level drift dive, starting deep and gradually ascending to the top of the reef around 25 feet.
Divers may spot:
Turtles cruising through the canyons
Butterflyfish, Indigo and Shy Hamlets near coral heads
Red-Spotted Hawkfish hiding in lettuce or finger coral
Towering coral formations and dramatic swim-throughs
Occasional Eagle Rays in deeper sections
Palancar Bricks (50–120 feet)
Experience Level: Intermediate / Advanced
Palancar Bricks is a deeper, more rugged section of the reef, named after the red bricks scattered across the site from a barge accident in the 1950s. The reef is broken into coral towers and cliff-like structures, separated by sandy channels. It’s a great site for divers who enjoy exploring ledges and spotting elusive marine life tucked into the reef.
Divers may spot:
Southern Stingrays accompanied by Bar Jacks in sandy areas
Turtles cruising along the reef edge
Nurse Sharks and Green Moray Eels under ledges
Groupers and Hamlets near coral heads
Occasional Caribbean Reef Sharks in deeper water
Colorful sponges and coral formations throughout the site
Palancar Point (30–60 feet)
Experience Level: Beginner / novice to Intermediate
Located just north of Palancar Gardens, this lesser-visited site offers a peaceful dive with healthy coral heads and long sandy stretches. The reef structures range from 10 to 30 feet tall, with small overhangs and caves that provide shelter for marine life. With fewer boats in the area, it’s a great spot for a more relaxed and uncrowded experience.
Divers may spot:
Angelfish, Grunts, and Coneys weaving through coral
Moray Eels hiding under ledges
Turtles in the open water or resting on the reef
Stingrays and Peacock Flounder in the sandy crossings
Schoolmasters and other reef fish near the shorter coral heads
Colombia Shallows (30–50 feet)
Recommended Skill Level: Beginner
Located near the Colombia Lagoon, this site offers a calm and sheltered dive experience, ideal for newer divers or those easing back into the water. The reef features coral heads rising 10 to 30 feet from a sandy bottom, creating a gentle underwater landscape with plenty of room to explore.
The mild current and shallow depth allow for extended bottom time and relaxed navigation, making it a great introduction to Cozumel’s reef systems.
What you might see:
Sea Turtles
Angelfish
Butterflyfish
Grunts
Snappers
Lobsters
Spotted Eagle Rays
Colombia Mid-Reef “Regular” (40–70 feet)
Recommended Skill Level: Intermediate
Nestled between the dramatic depths of Colombia Deep and the vibrant shallows of Colombia Shallows, this site offers a balanced mix of terrain and marine life. It’s a favorite for divers who enjoy variety—whether you're gliding through coral tunnels or cruising beside towering reef structures.
The reef features a combination of swim-throughs, sloping walls, and coral ridges, creating a dynamic underwater landscape. The current is usually mild to moderate, making it accessible while still offering a bit of drift.
What you might see:
Sea Turtles
Spotted Eagle Rays
Snappers
Grunts
Angelfish
Butterflyfish
Groupers
Colombia Deep (60–120 feet)
Recommended Skill Level: Intermediate
Colombia Deep is a standout wall dive known for its towering coral structures and exceptional reef health. Massive coral pinnacles rise from ancient limestone foundations, creating a dramatic underwater landscape shaped over millions of years. The site is rich in color and texture, with large barrel sponges, deepwater sea fans, and patches of black coral lining the slopes.
The wall begins around 60 feet and drops steeply into the blue, offering both wide-angle vistas and intimate encounters with marine life. It’s a favorite for photographers and nature lovers alike.
What you might see:
Spotted Eagle Rays
Scrawled Filefish
Queen Angelfish
Blue Creole Wrasse
Turtles
Punta Sur (90–120 feet)
Recommended Skill Level: Intermediate
Punta Sur is one of Cozumel’s most adventurous dive sites, known for its depth, swim-throughs, and unpredictable currents. This site is best suited for experienced divers who are comfortable with overhead environments and deep profiles. Punta Sur is divided into two distinct sections, each offering a unique challenge.
Southern Section – The Cathedral
This area features wide, scenic passageways that lead to a stunning chamber known as the Cathedral, located around 110 feet deep. The structure is spacious and dramatic, with natural light filtering through openings in the reef.
Northern Section – Devil’s Throat
This infamous tunnel system begins at about 90 feet and descends through a narrow chute to depths of 115 feet. The passage is tight and dark, narrowing to just five feet wide at one point. A dive light is essential for navigating this section safely.
What you might see:
Spotted Eagle Rays
Turtles
Groupers
Angelfish
Snapper
Chun-Chacaab (70–80 feet)
Recommended Skill Level: Intermediate
Positioned between the Maracaibo Arch and Cozumel’s southern shoreline, Chun-Chacaab offers a distinct underwater experience compared to the island’s more frequently visited reefs. The site features a mix of coral structures and open sandy areas, creating a varied terrain that appeals to divers looking for something off the beaten path.
The reef is less trafficked, which contributes to its pristine condition and unique character. With moderate depth and occasional current, it’s a great choice for intermediate divers seeking a quieter, more exploratory dive.
What you might see:
Angelfish
Groupers
Turtles
Spotted Eagle Rays
Lobsters
Snappers
Sea Fans and Sponges
Maracaibo (70–150+ feet)
Recommended Skill Level: Intermediate
Located near the Punta Celarain Lighthouse at Cozumel’s southern tip, Maracaibo is a dramatic wall dive known for its depth and raw beauty. Entry can be challenging due to frequent swells, but the reward is a stunning descent along a steep wall that begins around 90 feet and drops into the abyss.
One of the site’s standout features is a natural arch formation, nearly 30 feet wide, offering a surreal swim-through experience at depth. The reef is less trafficked, making it a great spot for spotting larger marine life in a more untouched setting.
What you might see:
Spotted Eagle Rays
Reef Sharks
Nurse Sharks
Turtles
Groupers
Angelfish
Deepwater Sponges