Cozumel Marine Park
Discover the Wonders of Scuba Diving at Cozumel Marine Park
Cozumel Marine Park also known as Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel, located off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo Mexico, is a scuba diver’s paradise. The Cozumel reef system is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest coral reef system in the world. It begins just south of the International Pier at Paradise Reef and continues south around Punta Sur and up just a small portion of the east side of the island. The park is protected under the Ramsar Convention and is included in the UNESCO protected area called Isla Cozumel Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, this protected area offers an unforgettable underwater adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, Cozumel Marine Park has something for everyone.
Why Cozumel Marine Park is a Top Scuba Diving Destination
1. Spectacular Dive Sites
Cozumel Marine Park boasts some of the best dive sites in the world. The park is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef system globally. Here, you can explore impressive coral walls, underwater caverns and vibrant reefs teeming with marine life. Popular dive sites include Palancar Reef, Santa Rosa Wall, and Paseo de Cedral, each offering unique underwater landscapes and experiences.
2. Rich Marine Biodiversity
Diving in Cozumel Marine Park means encountering a wide variety of marine species. From colorful tropical fish and sea turtles to majestic eagle rays and nurse sharks, the park’s biodiversity is astounding. One of the highlights is the endemic splendid toadfish, which can only be found in Cozumel. The park’s protected status ensures that its marine life thrives, providing divers with spectacular sightings on every dive.
3. Ideal Diving Conditions
Cozumel offers excellent diving conditions year-round. The water temperature ranges from 78°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C), making it comfortable for diving in any season. The visibility is often over 100 feet, allowing divers to fully appreciate the underwater beauty. Additionally, Cozumel is famous for its drift diving, where the gentle currents carry divers along the reefs, making for a relaxing and effortless dive.
Planning Your Dive Trip to Cozumel Marine Park
Best Time to Dive
While Cozumel Marine Park is a year-round diving destination, the best time to visit depends on what you want to see. For warmer waters and fewer crowds, consider visiting between May and September. If you’re interested in encountering sharks and eagle rays, plan your trip between November and March. Turtle nesting and hatching season runs between May to October.
Rules of the Cozumel Marine Park
Keep a distance of 1.5 meters from the reefs.
Do not feed the fish or animals.
Hire boats and guides authorized by CONANP such as Blue Note Scuba Cozumel
Do not touch the reefs
Do not use sunscreen
No chasing or harassing the fish or animals
No fishing
Do not use gloves, knives or reef sticks
Do have fun and blow many bubbles.
Rotating Reef Closures
Each month the marine park will close select reefs for rest and preservation. Since this has been implemented in 2019 we have seen improvement in the health of our corals and an abundance of reef life.
Protected Area Entrance Fee
$108.66 MXN Entrance prices per person, per day. Subject to change.
