Cozumel · Mexico · Drift · Reef
Barracuda Reef
Reef sharks seen more often than anywhere else on Cozumel
Area photo: Matthew T Rader · CC BY-SA 4.0
Barracuda Reef lies off the north end of Cozumel and is known for the large schools of barracuda and jacks that hold in its current. Reef sharks are sighted here more often than anywhere else on the island, which draws divers able to handle the strong flow.
Also known as Barracuda Reef (North).
Where it is and how deep
20.5702° N, 86.9186° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The reef lies at about 12 to 18 m (40 to 60 ft). The depth is modest, but the location is exposed and the dive runs in strong current, so the schools and the sharks are seen from a fast drift rather than a slow swim along the reef.
Marine life and season
- Barracuda
- Trevally & jacks
- Reef sharks
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good |
Season follows Cozumel: January–April is prime with December close behind; lighter trades keep the leeward side calm, though winter nortes can shut the port for a day. Peak hurricane risk falls in September and October.
Know before you go
- Strong current over a reef in an exposed location.
Dive videos
Barracuda Reef, Cozumel, Mexico · Mike Gerrie on YouTube
Sources
- Cozumel Scuba Diving Guide — Island Life Mexico
- Barracuda - Cozumel — ScubaGo
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