Dive Site: Cantarell

About Cantarell

Cantarell is a prominent wall dive located in northern Cozumel, recognized for its seasonal influx of spotted eagle rays. This site forms part of the Great Western Atlantic Reef Belt, also known as the Great Mayan Reef, which extends along Cozumel’s coastline. Unlike barrier reefs, Cozumel is classified as a plateau reef, making its dive sites unique within this extensive 175-mile-long system. The topography features a sloping reef that gradually transitions into a distinct wall edge, which divers typically follow for a significant portion of the dive. The top of the wall begins at approximately 12 meters (40 feet) and descends to about 30.5 meters (100 feet). The wall itself presents pronounced drop-offs, with notches and ledges where divers can maintain stability by using dead coral. After exploring the wall, the dive concludes in a productive shallow reef area, allowing for a slower, more relaxed ascent. While marine life varies throughout the year, common sightings include damselfish, barracuda, grouper, coney, razorfish, trumpetfish, bar jacks, French grunts, and sea turtles. The site's main draw is the seasonal aggregation of spotted eagle rays, typically observed from mid-January through early March. Occasional encounters might also include nurse sharks, black groupers, and green moray eels. This is a boat-access site best dived as a group drift due to potentially strong currents. Divers must execute a controlled descent and approach the wall from the shallows to observe the rays without disturbance. Given the variable currents and exposure, Cantarell is best suited for intermediate divers with solid buoyancy control, comfortable with wall diving and mild to moderate drift conditions. Experienced local guides are essential for navigating the site's specific drop points and wall approach, especially since the northern exposure means fewer boats are typically in the area.