Dive Site: Paso del Cedral

About Paso del Cedral

Paso del Cedral is a renowned dive site in Cozumel, celebrated for its vibrant marine environment and diverse underwater topography. It stands out for its consistent sightings of green and Carey turtles, nurse sharks, and the endemic Splendid Toadfish. The site is divided into two distinct sections: the Cedral Pass and the Cedral Wall, each offering a unique diving experience. The Cedral Pass, typically shallower, is characterized by expansive low-profile caverns, sandy areas, and overhangs that provide shelter for various species. Here, divers can encounter nurse sharks resting, large moray eels in crevices, and stingrays in sandy gaps. The reef becomes a bustling spectacle with schooling French grunts filling the overhangs. The Cedral Wall begins where the reef drops away, showcasing dense coral growth and verticality. This section is adorned with vibrant sponges and sea fans, including impressive elephant ear sponges in deeper areas. The Wall is a prime location for spotting turtles feeding on sponges and offers excellent macro opportunities, with nudibranchs and arrow crabs among the smaller inhabitants. The consistent currents facilitate effortless drift diving, allowing divers to glide over stunning coral architecture and observe the rich biodiversity of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system. Dive operators frequently visit Paso del Cedral as a second dive, aiming for durations of 60 to 70 minutes when air consumption allows. The exceptional visibility, often exceeding 30 meters, combined with comfortable water temperatures averaging 27°C, makes for an enjoyable and visually rewarding underwater exploration.

Dive site facts: Paso del Cedral

Depth

9–30 m

Typical dive

9–18 m, 60–70 min

Current

Moderate to strong (1–3 knots)

Visibility

25–30+ m

Water temperature

21–30 °C

Entry

Boat / drift entry

Level

Intermediate Open Water to Advanced

Dive type

Reef, wall, drift

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Cozumel, Mexico

Coordinates

20.3749, -87.026

Conditions & Currents

Paso del Cedral is known for its moderate to strong currents, characteristic of Cozumel's famous drift diving. The current strength can vary between 1 to 3 knots, making it an ideal site for experienced divers comfortable with drift techniques. The Cedral Pass experiences moderate to strong currents, while the Cedral Wall can have even stronger flows, requiring good buoyancy control to navigate along the visually rich wall. Divers should be prepared for a south-to-north flow, which often dictates the dive route. Excellent visibility, typically ranging from 25 to over 30 meters, allows divers to maintain awareness of their surroundings despite the current.

Marine life & sighting chances

Nurse shark

common

Splendid Toadfish

occasional

Green moray eel

common

Stingray

occasional

French grunt

common

Green turtle

common

Carey turtle

common

Eagle ray

occasional

Parrotfish

common

Nudibranch

occasional

Arrow crab

occasional

Lobster

common

Snapper

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at Paso del Cedral begins with a drift entry, usually dropping onto the Cedral Pass. Divers will glide over expansive low-profile caverns and sandy patches at depths ranging from 12 to 18 meters, observing nurse sharks and moray eels. As the drift progresses, the reef transitions into sections filled with schooling French grunts. The dive then continues towards the Cedral Wall, where the depth can extend to 27 meters or more, showcasing vibrant coral formations and sponges. Divers maintain a steady drift along the wall, looking for turtles and macro life. The turn point is typically dictated by air consumption and bottom time, with the safety stop conducted in shallower, calmer waters, often above the reef's top edge, before a surface pickup by the boat.

Underwater photography

Paso del Cedral offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse topography and marine life. For wide-angle shots, capture the grandeur of the coral overhangs, the schooling grunts, and the expansive wall, especially with good visibility. For macro enthusiasts, the Cedral Wall is particularly rewarding with its nudibranchs, arrow crabs, and other small critters hiding in the sponges and corals. A good strobe setup will help bring out the true colors of the vibrant reef and its inhabitants. Pay close attention to buoyancy to avoid contact with the delicate coral structures, particularly when focusing on macro subjects, and remember to maintain the required 1.5-meter distance from marine life in the Marine Park.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Palancar Gardens

  Palancar Gardens, situated off the eastern coast of Mexico near Cozumel Island, is a celebrated dive site within the Mesoamerican Barrier…

• Santa Rosa Wall

  Often combined in a drift dive with Paso del Cedral.

• Yucab Reef

  Yucab Reef is a renowned dive site located on the southwest coast of Cozumel, Mexico, easily accessible by a short boat ride from the main…

• Chankanaab Reef

  Chankanaab Reef, located off Cozumel's coast, is a celebrated dive site within the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef…

• Paradise Reef (Paraiso)

  Paradise Reef, also known as Paraiso, is a celebrated dive site in Cozumel, Mexico, located just south of the Puerta Maya cruise ship…

Getting there & logistics

Diving Paso del Cedral is typically organized through dive operators based in Cozumel. Divers usually fly into Cozumel International Airport (CZM) or Cancun International Airport (CUN), followed by a ferry ride to Cozumel. Most dive trips are day trips, often combining Paso del Cedral with another site as a second dive. Daily dive packages usually include boat transfers and guided dives. As Paso del Cedral is located within the Cozumel Marine Park, park fees apply and are generally included in the dive package, or paid separately to the operator. It is advisable to book through reputable dive centers that prioritize marine park regulations and safety.

Safety & environment

Safety at Paso del Cedral emphasizes competent drift diving skills due to moderate to strong currents. Divers should have good buoyancy control to avoid contact with the reef and to manage their position in the current. Always stay close to your dive guide and adhere to the established dive plan. The nearest recompression chamber is located in San Miguel de Cozumel, offering critical support for decompression sickness. Evacuation from the dive site to the chamber is typically handled by the dive boat crew and local emergency services. Comprehensive dive insurance, including coverage for recompression treatment and emergency evacuation, is highly recommended for all divers.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Paso del Cedral FAQ

Liveaboards diving Paso del Cedral

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

Nautilus Explorer

Mexico

25 guests44.8 m

$230/day

Valentina

Mexico

20 guests38.1 m

$430/day

Rocio del Mar

Mexico

20 guests33.5 m

$392/day

Nautilus Under Sea

Mexico

19 guests32 m

$261/day

Nautilus Belle Amie

Mexico

32 guests44.8 m

$249/day

Quino del Mar

Mexico

20 guests36 m

$377/day

Nautilus Gallant Lady

Mexico

12 guests35.36 m

$332/day