
Cozumel · Mexico · Reef
La Francesa
Permit cruising over coral heads on open sand
Area photo: Matthew T Rader · CC BY-SA 4.0
La Francesa is a reef of small coral heads scattered across a large sandy area off Cozumel. It is usually dived as the second dive of a trip, with a typically moderate current carrying divers from head to head.
Where it is and how deep
No published position for this site — the map shows Cozumel and its other sites; operators know the mooring.
The dive
The reef heads jut out of the sand between about 9 and 18 m (30 and 60 ft). Permit cruise above the reef, sea turtles turn up here and there, and black groupers are found among the heads along the way.
Marine life and season
- Trevally & jacks
- Sea turtles
- Groupers
| 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.
Dive videos
Diving Francesa Reef Cozumel | Scuba Life Cozumel Dive Shop · Scuba Life Cozumel on YouTube
Sources
- La Francesa – Scuba Du — Scuba Du
- Cozumel Scuba Diving Guide — Island Life Mexico
More dive sites in Cozumel
Drift
Reef sharks seen more often than anywhere else on Cozumel
A hull that was placed rather than lost, upright at 25 m
Cave & cavern
Sunlight streaking through a vaulted cavern ceiling
Wall
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Reef
Sheltered reef just off Chankanaab National Park
Reef
Giant coral pinnacles cut with caves, tunnels and caverns
Mild current in a protected pocket, 9 to 15 m
Wall
A deep drop-off from 29 m with a large arch through the wall
Similar dives elsewhere
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Reef
Las Tetas de María
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Bonaire's demanding southern site, current and all



