Mexico

Dive Site: Cuevones

7–30 mBeginner Reef
© Esri — Source: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar, GIS Community · Labels © Esri — HERE, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS

Which liveaboards dive Cuevones?

About Cuevones

Cuevones, translating to "big caves," is a prominent dive site within the extensive Palancar Reef system, located off the coast of Cozumel, Mexico. This particular section is one of five distinct sites comprising Palancar, which itself spans approximately three miles. The reef is celebrated for its clarity and vibrant coral formations, making it a highly requested destination for divers visiting Cozumel. The topography of Cuevones features formations that resemble large caves, giving the site its name. While maximum depths for the Palancar reefs can exceed 30 meters (100 feet), the most captivating features at Cuevones are typically found between 12 and 21 meters (40 and 70 feet). The upper part of the reef is shallower, ranging from 7 to 10 meters (20 to 30 feet). As part of the Mesoamerican Reef, Cuevones supports a rich diversity of marine life, though specific species for this site are not detailed in the sources. Generally, the Caribbean waters here are warm, ranging from 25 to 29 degrees Celsius (78 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit) for much of the year, and visibility is consistently excellent, often between 18 and 30 meters (60 to 100 feet). While specific seasonality for marine life encounters at Cuevones is not provided, the broader region is known for a variety of corals, turtles, rays, and local fish. This site offers accessible diving for various skill levels due to its relatively mild conditions and clear waters, making it suitable for both casual and more experienced divers.

Highlights

Palancar Reef system"Big caves" formationsVibrant coral structuresExcellent underwater visibilityWarm Caribbean waters

Season calendar

Best months to dive here
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good

Nov – Apr (Peak)

Socorro season open (Nov–May) for giant mantas and hammerheads. Cozumel bull sharks Dec–Mar. Cenotes excellent year-round. Best overall conditions.

May – Oct (Transition & Sea of Cortez)

Socorro closing, Cozumel still good. Whale sharks arrive at Isla Mujeres Jun–Sep. From August, the Sea of Cortez comes alive: Midriff Islands offer massive sea lion colonies and schooling mobulas. September and October bring world-class diving around La Paz and Cabo Pulmo with whale sharks, hammerheads, and bull sharks on the Explore Baja route.

Dive site facts: Cuevones

Depth
7–30 m
Current
Mild
Entry
Liveaboard or dayboat
Level
Beginner
Dive type
Reef, Reef
Region / port
Mexico
Coordinates
20.8285° N, 86.8647° W

Conditions & Currents

The Caribbean waters around Cozumel, where Cuevones is located, are generally calm, providing easy diving conditions. Visibility at this site is consistently impressive, often ranging from 18 to 30 meters (60 to 100 feet). Water temperatures are comfortably warm for most of the year, typically between 25 and 29 degrees Celsius (78 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit). These mild conditions, combined with the clear water, make Cuevones an accessible and enjoyable dive for a wide range of certification levels.

Why dive Cuevones from a liveaboard?

Cuevones is one of Mexico's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.

Below are the liveaboards that include Cuevones on their Mexico itineraries.

Liveaboards diving Cuevones

These liveaboards may visit Cuevones on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nautilus Explorer liveaboard at Cuevones

Nautilus Explorer

Mexico

25 guests45 m
Valentina liveaboard at Cuevones

Valentina

Mexico

20 guests38 m
Rocio del Mar liveaboard at Cuevones

Rocio del Mar

Mexico

20 guests34 m
Nautilus Under Sea liveaboard at Cuevones

Nautilus Under Sea

Mexico

19 guests32 m
Nautilus Belle Amie liveaboard at Cuevones

Nautilus Belle Amie

Mexico

32 guests45 m
Quino del Mar liveaboard at Cuevones

Quino del Mar

Mexico

20 guests36 m
Nautilus Gallant Lady liveaboard at Cuevones

Nautilus Gallant Lady

Mexico

12 guests35 m

Dive sites similar to Cuevones

Same character, same waters — six more sites divers love for the exact same reasons.Compare seasons, access and liveaboard routes — then pick the site that fits your trip best.
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

3 Fathom Wall

Cayman Islands

3 Fathom Wall is an exciting and fish-filled dive site located in the Cayman Islands, specifically at the intersection of the renowned Bloody Bay Wall.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Mild
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
≤ 3000 m
Theme
Reef
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

3 Riff

Dominican Republic

While specific details for a dive site named "3 Riff" are not present in the provided sources, general diving conditions and characteristics for the Dominican Republic…

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Mild
Access
Dayboat
Depth
30–55 m
Theme
Reef
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

3 Rocks

Dominican Republic

The dive site known as 3 Rocks is located off the coast of Sosúa in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, offering an accessible and lively underwater experience.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Mild
Access
Dayboat
Depth
2–8 m
Theme
Reef
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

4 Amigos

Honduras

4 Amigos is a notable dive site located in the Bay Islands of Honduras, an area renowned for its extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the world's second-longest.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
9–40 m
Theme
Reef
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

The dive site known as "6 Toed Cat" is not a recognized dive location in Mexico; rather, it refers to the polydactyl felines, many with six toes, that inhabit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Mild
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
—
Theme
Reef
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

Aaron's Backyard is a noted dive site within the Roatan Marine Park in Honduras, part of the extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
9–40 m
Theme
Reef

7 liveaboards run the Cuevones route.

Three to four guided dives a day on Cuevones and the other signature sites in Mexico, sleeping right above the reef.