When talking about diving, the name “Cozumel” is known though out the world for its magnificient and safe diving. Its tropical crystal clear waters are home to over 250 species of fish and a natural marine park around 46sq miles with a huge variety of dive sites, formations, coral growths and natural beauty.
There are so many options when diving, that this place is both interesting for beginners and advanced divers. And whether it may be in the morning, afternoon or night, each moment of the day reveals a different side of every reef.

CUSTOM TRIPS - PRIVATE DIVE  TOURS

We understand this is your vacation and we will be as accommodating and flexible as possible with our dive times or type of trip you wish to do.
We offer combination dive/snorkel trips as well as dive/fishing trips.
Just let us know what you would like, and we will do everything possible to make it happen!

2 TANK DIVE - $90 US

A 2 tank dive trip departing at 8 AM returning about 1 PM
Two different reefs with a minimum one hour surface interval between dives
First dive 60-80 ft, second dive about 40-50 ft
With a minimum of 3 divers and max 8 divers, we will try our best to give you as much variety of dive sites as possible, weather conditions permitting
Price includes tanks and weights, purified water and fresh fruit. Advance notice needed for rental gear. Wetsuits not available.

We generally depart from the ”Puerto de Abrigo” marina & can pick up divers at AquaSafari downtown dock. If you need to be picked up at any other dock (private or public), please let us know in advance so we can arrange it for you.

3 TANK DIVE – $130 US

Add an additional $40 US and the boat will stay out for an additional third tank dive.
NIGHT DIVE – $50 US
Departure time varies depending on the time of sunset.
A one tank shallow dive.
Bring your own dive light.
****Our dives are done within the protected area of the Cozumel National Marine Park. There is a daily $2.50 US marine park access fee.

COZUMEL Reef areas to dive

Chankanaab Shallow - Reefs in Cozumel - Markos Dive Center

Chankanaab - shallow Cozumel dive reef
Situated in front of Chankanaab Park, this shallow stretch of platform reef is an ideal playground for the novice diver. Its mild currents and maximum depth of 40 ft. make dive planning simple, extend bottom time, and provide excellent conditions for taking photographs.
This is the only reef where the current generally runs from north south. The dive begins over a flat, sandy area with a series of coral heads, which are home to King Crab, Spotted Moray Eels, and a large number of huge Spiny Lobsters. To the south, colonies of soft corals, sea whip, and gorgonians give shelter to Grouper while they visit leaning stations staffed by gobies and cleaner shrimp.
Whit its shallow depth and moderate currents, Chankanaab is usually a second tank dive, but is also a popular night dive site. You can see Caribbean Reef Squid hovering over the coral, and Octopus hunting in the dark.

Chankanaab Bolones - Reefs in Cozumel - Markos Dive Center
Chankanaab Bolones Cozumel Reefs GuideThis section of the larger reef of Chankanaab is structurally very different from most of Cozumel’s other reefs. The other dive sites have either steep drop-off with smaller with massive pinnacles or mini walls found on the shallower platform reefs. In contrast, the terrain of Chankanaab is a relatively flat sandy bottom ranging from 60 to 80 ft in depth. Two strips of coral heads dot the seabed with smaller formations in the shallows and larger ones in the deep.
The abundance of life and the amount of different types of coral is stunning Various Spotted Moray Eels inhabit the reef, as well as plenty of Lobsters, King Crabs, and enormous variety of small, colorful reef fish. Eagle are often spotted here.
Due to its location within the Bay of Chankanaab, currents are very mild and often the reverse of those typical of the rest of Marine Park. This is a great site for divers of all levels.
Keep your eyes and ears open for the Atlantis Submarine which cruises around this area.

Colombia Deep - Reefs in Cozumel - Markos Dive Center
Colombia Deep Cozumel Reefs Dive GuideThis is one of Cozumel’s classic wall dives, With a recommended maximum depth of 100 ft. and sometimes unpredictable currents, this dive is for the more experienced divers.
The dive starts over a vast sandy area at a depth of 60 ft and then continues down what resembles a sandy ski slope to the edge of the wall. Colombia is a distinctive for its towering pinnacles and sand chutes that pour over the abyss.
Moving North with the current at 90 ft, weave in and out of the many swim troughs. Keep one eye on the deep blue for passing pelagic and sea turtles. This superb marine landscape is decorated by exceptionally beautiful soft coral and sponges of all colors.
A slow ascent through the canyons will you to the top of the reef at about 35fr. From here you can leisurely make you way up to an extended safety stop where you are likely to spot Southern stingrays feeding in the sand bellow


Devil’s Throat (Punta Sur) - Reefs in Cozumel - Markos Dive Center

Punta Sur Cozumel Dive Guide ReefsPunta Sur is an impressive deep wall dive on the southern end of the island that should be explored in two dives. The most popular feature is the swim-through that will take you down the “devil’s throat” a narrow tunnel lined with red sponges, which is located inside this area’s largest coral mound.
Descending into a wide, sloping sandy area at 60 ft, you will make your way to a huge coral mound and enter a large cave that leafs to smaller cavern. Here you will see the narrow opening of the “throat” which takes you from 80 ft. at 45 ft. degree angle, down to the deep blue exit at 130 ft, The swim only last a few seconds but it’s an unforgettable experience! Good abouyancy is essential in order to avoid damaging the coral and stirring up the sand behind you.
One outside the “throat” another entrance leads to a cave spiraling up thru the reef into a chamber known as “little Cathedral” where a Shaft of light illuminates an impressive cross-shaped sponge. Numerous other exciting tunnels take you through a labyrinth of coral until you begin your ascent over a sandy slope up to the depth of 30 ft, where small strips of the reef and southern Stingrays will enterain you during your safety stop.
Due to narrow penetrations and depth. This dive is recommended for very advanced divers with excellent buoyancy and air consumption.


Las Palmas - Reefs in Cozumel - Markos Dive Center

The name is derived from a set of three palm trees that marked the southern end of the reef. Today, only one remains.
Las Palmas is a beautiful steep slope dropping off from the top and the reef at 40 -50 ft in to the depths. The reef is decorated with sponges. Small coral heads, gorgonians, and soft corals that provide a rich habitat for an immense quantity of marine life. Currents are known to be erratic here and can quickly change direction, marking the point of entry an important consideration.
Descending to the reef plateau at 40 ft, you will immediately notice the striking contrast between the intense colors of the reef and the deep blue of the ocean. Sharp eyes may spot seahorses and other rare creatures which live in the isolated coral heads.

Moving deeper towards the edge of the wall, large quantities of Splendid Toadfish can be found, along with small shrimp and crabs that hide in the anemone coral. Honey combed Cowfish, which turn fluorescent blue when alarmed, seek refuge from the currents inside big barrel sponges. Look out for turtles resting under ledges.



Palancar Bricks - Reefs in Cozumel - Markos Dive Center

Palancar Briks Cozumel Reefs Dive GuideThis is the southernmost portion of the four Palancar dive sites and got its name from the red bricks that were dropped into this area by a capsized barge in the 1950’s. Although is composition is similar to the other sections of Palancar, Bricks is not a continuous wall. It consists of taller coral pinnacles separated by sandy slopes dropping off into the abyss.
Descending into the shallow sandy plateau you will first encounter a mini wall about 30 to 50 ft. tall Passing this first ridge and another sandy patch will bring you to the main wall a depth of 45 ft to almost 100 ft.
Like all Palancar sections, the dive plan can be matched to the experience level of the group. Experienced divers can cruise in and out of the beautiful swim-throughs and tunnels at the edge of the abyss at about 80 ft. Along the shallow area at 35 ft, you might be accompanied by big Groupers and some Hawksbill Turtles, or be rewarded whit the sight of a Juvenile Spanish Hogfish.
Whit this great visibility and moderate currents, this is a classic, visually stimulating and rewarding dive for all


Palancar Caves - Reefs in Cozumel - Markos Dive Center

Palancar Caves Cozumel Reefs Dive GuideThis section of Palancar is located between Palancar Bricks to the south and horseshoe to the north. One this site, the pinnacles have grown closer together to from a dense coral mass with a maze of swim throughs, tunnels and coral caves weaving through it. Unlike true caves, from which this section gets its name, these caverns allow enough light to provide safe passage and wonderful wide angle photo opportunities.
The dive begins over a large sand bank on the inside of the wall at 40 ft. Moving down through one of the many canyons will quickly bring you to the edge of the wall at 80ft. where you will be truck by the scale of the steep drop-off. Turtles are a common sight here, and Eagle Rays sometimes “fly” over and through these magnificent structures. Gorgonians and Sea Fans attached to the ceilings and walls sway in the moderate current, and you might have a chance of spotting a sleeping Nurse Shark under one of the overhangs. Returning to the top of the reef, at 20 ft, schools of Blue Tang, Four Eyed Butterfly fish and many other tropical reef fish will delight you during the safety stop


Palancar Gardens - Reefs in Cozumel - Markos Dive Center

Palancar Gardens Cozumel Reefs Dive GuideThis is the northernmost reef os the Palancar Dive Sites. An ideal first wall dive for beginners, Palancar Gardens can also thrill advanced divers with its numerous swim-throughs and excellent photo opportunities.
The dive starts on a sandy patch inside the drop-off at 20 ft. Making your way through one of many coral canyons will bring you to a small platform between 50-70 ft, which provides a comfortable buffer between the coral formation and the edge of the abyss. Cuts and channels provide numerous avenues for divers to navigate through this coral wonderland. A huge brain coral 50-60 ft is a landmark feature on the southernmost part of the reef, and groupers, Horse Eyed Jacks and large schools of grunts are common along the top of the wall, During your safety stop you will be hypnotized by the dynamic activity of Blue Chromis, Butterfly Fish, French Angels and Midnight Parrot Fish.
Due to its moderate currents, diving this site is a rewarding and relaxing experience that should not be missed.


Palancar Horseshoe - Reefs in Cozumel - Markos Dive Center.

Palancar Horse Shoes Cozumel Reefs Dive GuidePalancar Horseshoe gets its name from the shape of its large, natural u-shaped coral amphitheater which can be easily distinguished from the surface. This vast section of dense coral growth along the wall is like a huge mountain range with valleys and canyons.
You can drop directly into the horseshoe ay about 35 ft where a procession of conch make their way down the sandy slope, leading you to the edge of the wall. This gives divers the chance to peer over the edge of the abyss without leaving the safety of the sandy shelf at 80 ft Moving northwards, you will find a large network of magnificent swim-throughs to investigate. Once you reach the top of the reef at 30 ft, look for schools of Doctor Fish, Blue Tangs, Parrot Fish, and a variety of colonies teeming with life.
More experienced divers can start the dive further south and drift towards the horseshoe through the myriad of tunnels and crevices at the depth 80- 90 ft. The wall is quite steep in this area, so good buoyancy control is needed this is one of Cozumel’s dives and “must see” for all.


Paradise - Reefs in Cozumel - Markos Dive Center

Cozumel reefs guide - paradise reef

Paradise reef is situated south of Puerta Maya Cruise Ship Pier and is the first reef when entering the Marine Park. A popular second-tank dive site, this reef has something to offer all divers. It consist of three long back-bone like coral ridges running parallel to the shore.

The dive starts on the first, southernmost section in front of the marina “Caleta”, at, a depth of 40 ft. Currents are typically mild and normally run from south to north, giving divers a gentle cruise over the reef. Squadrons of Sergeant Majors, Grunts, pairs of Angel Fish, and other tropical reef fish, line up behind Sponges and Gorgonians. Keep your eyes open for the island’s famous Splendid Toadfish, endemic to Cozumel, which is usually found hiding in small pockets and over hangs, seldom venturing out in to the open. When you reach the end of the first section, continue swimming north at the slight angle to your left, to reach the second coral ridge, equal in length to the first. The third, smaller section is seldom dived due to its proximity to pier.
Paradise is a popular night dice site whit a well deserved reputation for Octopus, Lobster, and king Crab sightings

Punta Sur Cathedral - Reefs in Cozumel - Markos Dive Center

Punta Sur Cathedral Cozumel Reefs GuideThis is the southernmost section of Punta Sur and is less frequently visited than the more popular “devil’s throat” .
A dive here begins on a sandy ridge inside the wall at 70 ft. moving out to the edge of the wall find a maze of large coral structures that reach from 45 ft down to a depth of 100 ft or more.
Traveling north you will arrive at the “cathedral” a large cavern with vaulted ceilings, where shimmering streaks of sunlight filter in through cracks and crevices above, and bright blue oval windows penetrate the darkness ahead of you. The “cathedral” has multiple openings, making it easy to move through, and is one of the most impressive caverns on the island. AS you exit and make your way to the next set of caverns, you might spot some Eagle Rays, Turtles, and Nurse Sharks cruising these waters.
Ascending to your safety stop, you are likely see the section of the reef housing the “devil’s throat” below you.
Good abouyancy skills and air consumption are necessary for a safe and enjoyable dive here.


Punta Tunich - Reefs in Cozumel - Markos Dive Center

Punta Tunich Cozumel Reefs Dive GuideThis beautiful wall is well known for its strong and turbulent currents, and is recommended for experienced divers only.
The dive starts on a wide sandy flat at about 60 to 80 ft, which borders the near vertical drop-off. Moving to the edge of the wall, the coral growth rises to about 60 ft and crowned by long beds of healthy Finger Coral and Elephant Ear Sponges. This site can be either a first or a second tank dive, which will determine your profile. Most marine life can be observed between 60-70 ft along the upper portion of the wall. Splendid Toadfish, in their burrows, peer out in to the deep blue , while Sea Horses will reward the sharp eye as they cling to sea whip and other plants with their tails.
The occasional Nurse Shark can be seen patrolling the area and Eagle Rays and Barracuda sometimes hover effortless in the strong currents.
As the northernmost section of the reef is slightly deeper, divers may want to cross over the sand bank into Yucab reef at about 45 ft. until the end of the dive. For those prepared for the conditions here, this reef can be exciting high-speed drift on a less frequented, but vibrant site.


San Francisco - Reefs in Cozumel - Markos Dive Center

San Francisco Cozumel Reefs Dive GuideThis magnificent wall, slopes gradually between a depth of 40 to 70 ft, and then drops off almost vertically into the abyss. At the edge, between the reef plateau and the wall, a coral ridge forms a mini wall with lots of overhangs and crevices, giving schools of fish protection from the currents.
The dive starts on a sandy patch inside the wall blanketed whit colorful sponges and sea fans. Blue Chromis and Bicolor Damsel Fish cover the reef’s crest, while schools of grunts shelter under the overhangs. Turtles, Eagle Rays. Nurse Sharks, and even the occasional Black Tip Reef Shark cruise along the wall. Drifting north, an area of dense coral growth will captivate you with individual coral heads. Look for a very large Green Moray Eel which inhabits this northernmost section before beginning your ascent .Often overshadowed by Cozumel’s other famous wall dives, San Francisco is less visited, but nevertheless a fabulous first or second tank dive


Santa Rosa - Reefs in Cozumel - Markos Dive Center

Santa Rosa Cozumel Reef Dive GuideSanta Rosa is a classic Cozumel wall and one of the most popular first tank dives on the Island. Towering columns of coral are separated by sand, forming canyons that slope to the nearly vertical drop-off into the abyss.
You will drop into a sandy plateau at 60 ft. with smaller coral heads to your left at the edge of the wall. Cruising at 80 ft you discover the crevices, overhangs and tunnels that cut through the entire reef crest, which make this dive so spectacular. As you drift north, the coral growth becomes taller and denser as you swim over the lip, the drop-off gets steep, almost vertical, giving the amazing sense of flying over the abyss.
It is possible to find large Lobster nestled in the crevices along the wall and Black Grouper hanging in the depths below Ascending to the plateau at about 40 ft. and moving into the shallows, Horse-eyed Jacks will accompany you on your safety stop.
Santa Rosa can be a perfect multilevel dive if limits are respected. Due to unpredictable currents and some overhead environments, this wall dive is recommended for the intermediate divers.



Tormentos - Reefs in Cozumel - Markos Dive Center

Tormentos Cozumel Reefs Dive GuideThe reef is a healthy and rich coral environment whit beautiful overhangs teeming whit marine life. Tormentos is a divided into two distinct sections, liked by stretch of sand bar.
Beginning your dive at the southernmost section which has sparser coral growth across a sandy bed, you will notice some piles of old Queen Conch shells at about 50 ft. As you drift along, take time to investigate the overhangs and cervices which shelter and abundance of fish, crustaceans, Moray Eels, and Splendid Toadfish. Sargassum triggerfish cruise along the reef and it is wells worth the effort to take some time and observe the action at one of the numerous cleaning stations. As the reef becomes more rocky and see of the marine life, continue on as a second section of the mini wall will soon appear.
This northernmost section is slightly deeper (by 8 to 10 ft ) so time and depth limits must observed. Coral growth is denser and formations larger along this stretch of reef where Lobster have been known to come out and greet divers. A sharp eye can spot some tiny Pike Blennies, Pipe Horse, or Yellow Head Jaw fish in the sandy areas bordering the reef.


Yucab - Reefs in Cozumel - Markos Dive Center

Yucab cozumel Reefs Dive GuideNested in an area of sand dunes that have been carved by the currents, you approach Yucab reef at 45 to 60 ft after crossing a stretch of Turtle Grass.
Descending at the southern most end of the reef, you will find a large separate patch of coral which is habited by great number of lobsters which greet divers with curiosity.
Drifting with the current, you will reach a denser strip of coral which forms the main part of the reef full of life and color with a wide selection of marine life.
The outer edge and the sand-scoured overhangs offer shelter from the current, giving photographers and divers the chance to appreciate the amazing variety of marine life. Octopus, Scorpionfish, Lobsters and Splendid Toadfish, endemic to the island are here. The coral strip in the northernmost part of the reef is divided by white channels of sand providing other router for divers to explore.
You can really get a feel for the dynamic interaction of the marine life in this environment, which seems like a busy metropolis that never sleeps.