Cozumel · Mexico · Reef
San Clemente
A shallow reef for a long last dive or a night dive
Area photo: Matthew T Rader · CC BY-SA 4.0
San Clemente is a shallow barrier reef off Cozumel, stretching for over 900 m (0.6 mi) at depths of only 6 to 9 m. Its mild currents and shallow water make it a good choice for the last dive of the day or for a night dive.
Where it is and how deep
20.4072° N, 87.0221° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The reef lies at only 6 to 9 m (20 to 30 ft), and at that depth air lasts, so beginners get a long, unhurried dive. The current is mild, and the length of the reef leaves room to drift a good way along it before the dive ends.
Marine life and season
The sources we used don't single out particular species here.
| 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 Cozumel: San Clemente Dive · Cozumel Everyday on YouTube
Questions divers ask
Can San Clemente be dived at night?+
Yes. Its mild currents and depth of 6 to 9 m make it a good night dive as well as a last dive of the day.
Sources
- San Clemente – Scuba Du — Scuba Du
- San Clemente — ScubaGo
- Cozumel Scuba Diving Guide — Island Life Mexico
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