11 Best Cozumel Dive Shops
Looking for a reputable dive shop Cozumel? I’ve got you covered!
Cozumel is well-known as a divers paradise, but combing through the list of hundreds of dive shops on the small island can be overwhelming!
As a dive instructor and traveller who has have been diving in Cozumel with different shops over the last year, and am here to save you hours of scouring the internet and share my tips for the best Cozumel scuba shops with you.
Whether you’re a novice diver or an experienced bubble-blower, choosing the right dive shop can make or break your Cozumel diving experience.
With my insider local knowledge, I will help you make that decision and find the best Cozumel dive shop for you.
So lets gear up, do our buddy checks, and dive into the best Cozumel dive shops!
🤩 Take your Cozumel Dive Trip to the next level with a stay at the Intercontinental Presidente Dive Resort!
In a rush? Here are my top picks for dive shops in Cozumel for certified divers and beginners!
ScubaTony
ScubaTony is Cozumel’s highest-rated dive shop by certified divers.
Known for their knowledgeable local guides and impeccable safety record, see why thousands of divers love ScubaTony!
Reef Riders
This is the shop I dive with when I’m in Cozumel.
Reef Riders is a family-run and locally owned dive shop in Cozumel, started by my friend Ramon. Be sure to tell him hi from me!
Try Scuba Diving with Cozumel Dive Academy
Not sure if diving is for you? There is only one way to find out!
Cozumel Dive Academy is a premier dive training facility and the best shop in Cozumel to Discover Scuba Diving.
11 Best Cozumel Dive Shops
🌟Rating: 5/5 |💲Price: starts at $95/2 tanks | 🥪Includes: Water, fruit, and Snacks
🤿 View on Trip Advisor
ScubaTony is the #1 highest rated dive shop on the island of Cozumel. With over 400, 5🌟 ratings from past divers, you can be confident in a spectacular experience with ScubaTony!
This Cozumel dive shop is known for its knowledgeable guides and impeccable customer service.
Why dive with ScubaTony Cozumel?
- Consistent experience
ScubaTony has loyal customers that return year after year – that says a lot! - Convenience
ScubaTony offers boat pickups from 10 Cozumel hotels along the south shore. - Small Boats
Dive with no more than 5 other divers when you dive with ScubaTony! They pride themselves on small group dives to provide a better and safer dive experience.
Join hundreds of happy divers and book your Cozumel dives with ScubaTony!
2. Reef Riders – Cozumel’s Newest Dive Shop
🌟Rating: 5/5 |💲Price: starts at $100/2 tanks | 🥪Includes: Water, fruit, and Snacks
🤿 View on Google
This is my personal recommendation for the best dive shop in Cozumel – Reef Riders!
Reef Riders Cozumel opened in 2023 and is owned and operated by my friend Ramon. I dive with Ramon every time I’m in Cozumel, and am so excited to see him branching out on his own!
Cozumel regulars might remember him from one of the best dive resorts in Cozumel, Blue Angel, where he worked as an instructor and dive guide for 9 years. His shop may be new, but Ramon has been showing divers his home island of Cozumel for a decade!
Why dive with Reef Riders Cozumel?
- Experience
Ramon has been diving in Cozumel almost exclusively for his dive career. He is an expert on the reefs and ecosystems of Cozumel! - Locally Owned
Ramon was raised on Cozumel and has worked on the island his whole life. Diving with Reef Riders supports mexican-owned business.
Reef Riders is a new shop, so don’t let the lack of reviews scare you! Ramon is an excellent guide and his shop will not disappoint.
Photo: Shev
Ramon works with me as a trip leader over at MAR Hosted Trips, my other dive job. So if you’d like to learn even more about him, you can see his bio over there!
Photo: Scuba Vixen
3. Cozudive Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
🌟Rating: 5/5 |💲Price: starts at $95/2 tanks | 🥪Includes: Lunch & Drinks
🤿 View on TripAdvisor
Cozudive Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in Cozumel is the ultimate haven for scuba divers who like a fun and light-hearted experience.
Dive briefings with Cozudive are known to be quirky and entertaining, as well as thorough and informative!
Past divers also praise the pre-trip communication from Cozudive. They are happy to answer questions and get you excited about the dive before you even step onto the premises!
Why dive with Cozudive Scuba Diving & Snorkeling?
- Fun dive environment
Past divers commented on the fun and relaxed atmosphere Cozudive creates.
- Great for new divers
Booking your first dive trip after certification can be intimidating! Cozudive will make you feel comfortable and walk you through your first independent dives.
- Great lunch provided!
Diving works up an appetite, and everyone loves the sandwiches and fresh fruit the shop provides between dives!
Join hundreds of happy divers and book your Cozumel dive trip with Cozudive Scuba Diving & Snorkeling!
Photo: Scuba Vixen
4. Cozumel Divers
🌟Rating: 5/5 |💲Price: $1800mxn/2 tanks | 🥪Includes: Lunch & Drinks, photos
🤿 View on Google
With a rich history dating back over two decades, Cozumel Divers has been a trusted name in the Cozumel diving community.
Located in downtown San Miguel de Cozumel, Cozumel Divers is easy to access. They also take very small dive groups – a maximum 4 divers per guide!
Why dive with Cozumel Divers?
- Excellent Instructors
Students of Cozumel divers can’t say enough about the patience and expertise of the instructors. - Bathroom on the boat!
Don’t laugh – this is a big plus for some divers! Dive in luxury at Cozumel Divers and enjoy the toilet on the boat. - Complimentary Photos
You will received memories of your dive with Cozumel Divers that you can take home with you! Many dive shops charge for this service, so enjoy that value add-on from Cozumel Divers.
Make the most of your time underwater in Cozumel and check out Cozumel divers here.
Photo: Scuba Vixen
5. Cozumel Dive Academy
🌟Rating: 5/5 |💲Price: $95USD/2 tanks | 🥪Includes: Fruit, snacks, water
🤿 View on Trip Advisor
As the name suggests, Cozumel Dive Academy is the premier dive training facility on Cozumel Island.
Formerly known as Cozumel Dive Boutique, PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center status, Cozumel Dive Academy is committed to providing excellent instruction from Open Water to Instructor certifications.
Cozumel Dive Academy has you covered from beginner to pro!
Why dive with Cozumel Dive Academy
- Fun for the family
Cozumel Dive Academy is highly rated by families looking for an adventure they can do together! If you’re not certified, a Discover Scuba DIving package for the family is a great way to see if diving will be your next family hobby! - Central Location
Only a 15 minute walk from the Cozumel Cruise terminal, Cozumel Dive Academy is easy to get to if you are just in Cozumel for the day. - Go Pro!
Thinking of going pro? Cozumel Dive Academy is also a great place to get your Divemaster or Instructor certifications. They have 6 IDC programs booked for 2024, you can check out the schedule here.
Get the best instructors for your next scuba course in Cozumel at Cozumel Dive Academy!
Photo: Scuba Vixen
6. Aldora Divers
🌟Rating: 5/5 |💲Price: $105USD/2 tanks | 🥪Includes: Fruit, snacks, water
🤿 View on Trip Advisor
On one of my trips to Cozumel I chatted with a lovely gentleman who has been diving Cozumel several times a year for more than a decade.
He could not tell me enough about Aldora divers! He has been diving in Cozumel for over a decade, exclusively with Aldora. Here are some reasons he loves Aldora!
Why dive with Aldora Cozumel?
- Steel Tanks
This is a unique feature! Steel tanks are heavier than the standard aluminium used by most dive shops. This means you can dive with less weight (more comfortable). They also use 120l tanks (standard is 80l), increasing your bottom time greatly! - Boat Pick-ups
Aldora will gladly pick you up from the nearest dock or beach near your hotel! - Dive the windward side of the island
Aldora Cozumel is the only dive shop that dives the other side of the island. Even if the ports on the leeward side are closed for the wind, there is a chance that you can still dive the windward side with Aldora divers Cozumel!
Aldora divers is a long-standing Cozumel dive shop that has earned its reputation as one of the best on the island. Whether you are looking for a fun dive or to continue your dive training, Aldora is worth checking out!
🏨 Diving with Aldora? I recommend staying at Hotel Vista del Mar, just around the corner from the Aldora dive shop!
Photo: Scuba Vixen
7. Salty Endeavors
🌟Rating: 5/5 |💲Price: $90USD/2 tanks | 🥪Includes: Fruit, snacks, water
🤿 View on Trip Advisor
Salty Endeavors is owned and operated by a friend of a friend of mine (this happens a lot, the dive community is small!)
This small Cozumel dive shop has racked up quite the fan base, including earning Tripadvisors Traveler’s Choice award in 2023!
But don’t just take my word for it, here’s what hundreds of happy Salty Endeavours customers have to say about Salty Endeavours Cozumel.
Why dive with Salty Endeavors Cozumel?
- Unique Set-up
You’ve probably never seen a dive shop like Salty Endeavors! They have a custom built cargo trailer right next to the boat on the marina. This small space contains their whole operation! - Sustainability
Another unique feature of Salty Endeavor’s shop is that they run 100% of their facility on solar power! - Welcoming of beginners
New divers love Salty Endeavors! The dive masters are happy to assist and give advice to anyone who is feeling a little rusty. From setting up your gear to working on your trim, the staff at Salty are happy to share their expertise!
Try scuba diving in Cozumel with a unique, reliable, and environmentally minded scuba shop like Salty Endeavors.
🏨 Diving with Salty? I recommend staying at Suites Turqesa, nearby the marina.
Photo: Scuba Vixen
8. Maple Leaf Scuba
🌟Rating: 5/5 |💲Price: $90USD/2 tanks | 🥪Includes: Fruit, snacks, water
🤿 View on Trip Advisor
Maple Leaf Scuba is located in central San Miguel de Cozumel near the ferry port.
Their team of experienced instructors and guides are not only passionate about the ocean but also dedicated to ensuring your safety and enjoyment beneath the waves.
Why dive with Maple Leaf Scuba Cozumel?
- Amazing Wildlife
The dive masters at Maple Leaf are experts and finding eagle rays and nurse sharks! While dive guides can never guarantee sightings, be sure to let the guide know and they’ll choose their sites accordingly! - Incredible Communication
Many divers commented on the incredible communication before, during, and after the dives with Maple Leaf Scuba.
🏨 Diving with Maple Leaf Scuba? I recommend staying at Illa Cozumel, right near the dive shop and in the heart of town!
Photo: Scuba Vixen
9. Scuba Life Cozumel
🌟Rating: 5/5 |💲Price: $95USD/2 tanks | 🥪Includes: Fruit, snacks, water
🤿 View on Trip Advisor
Scuba Life Cozumel is a small but mighty dive shop in the Fonatur Marina on Cozumel.
Scuba Life Cozumel takes a maximum of 8 divers per boat, and 4 divers per dive guide, creating small and safe groups for diving.
Why dive with Scuba Life Cozumel?
- Amazing Wildlife
The dive masters at Maple Leaf are experts and finding eagle rays and nurse sharks! While dive guides can never guarantee sightings, be sure to let the guide know and they’ll choose their sites accordingly! - Incredible Communication
Many divers commented on the incredible communication before, during, and after the dives with Maple Leaf Scuba. - Customized Service
Scuba Life Cozumel prides themselves on personalizing their service to you. Everything from pickups, bottom time, even to the music on the boat is chosen by you!
What sets Scuba Life Cozumel apart from other Cozumel scuba shops is their attention to detail and customer service.
From dry towels and boat coats to keep you warm between dives, to the genuine, knowledgeable, and friendly dive guides, Scuba Life Cozumel has earned its reputation as one of Cozumel’s best dive shops!
🏨 Diving with Scuba LIfe Cozumel? They will pick you up from Secrets, Allegro, Occidental, and Iberostar Resorts!
Photo: Scuba Vixen
10. Blue Note Scuba
🌟Rating: 5/5 |💲Price: $95USD/2 tanks | 🥪Includes: Full lunch on morning dives
🤿 View on Viator
Blue Note Scuba is an old dive shop under new management, and the positive reviews are piling in!
Past divers love the dive guides, the comfortable and speedy dive boat, and the positive dive environment the staff at Blue Note Scuba have worked so hard to foster.
Why dive with Blue Note Scuba?
- Easy Booking Process
Book your dives quickly and easily before your trip through their Viator or TripAdvisor pages! - Best Surface Interval in Cozumel
Divers can’t get enough of the awesome lunch provided by Blue Note Scuba during the surface interval. Not to mention the snacks and fruit provided as well! - Consistent
Whether you are diving for a day with their Discover Scuba Program, or diving every day for a week, Blue Note Scuba provides a fun and exciting dive environment for divers of all levels.
11. Scuba XOC
🌟Rating: 5/5 |💲Price: $95USD/2 tanks | 🥪Includes: Full lunch on morning dives
🤿 View on Viator
Blue Note Scuba is an old dive shop under new management, and the positive reviews are piling in!
Past divers love the dive guides, the comfortable and speedy dive boat, and the positive dive environment the staff at Blue Note Scuba have worked so hard to foster.
Why dive with Scuba XOC?
- Top of the Line Rental Gear
Save the hassle of travelling with your gear and rent some new gear and dive computers from Scuba XOC!
- Excellent Ownership
Past divers rave about the communication, attention to detail, and customer service from the owner, Carlos.
FAQs About Cozumel Scuba Shops
How many dive shops are in Cozumel?
The small island of Cozumel is home to more than 300 dive shops!
Is it worth diving in Cozumel?
Yes! I first dove Cozumel in March 2023 and was blown away by the vibrant reefs and abundant sea life.
Most of the dives are drift dives due to the currents that run down the island. I’ts a unique dive experience gliding along the reef walls.
How much does it cost to scuba dive in Cozumel?
The average cost for a two tank boat dive in Cozumel is $95-$100 USD.
All of Cozumel’s best dive shops offer hotel or beachfront pick up, fruit and snacks, and promise mesmerizing dives in Cozumel’s famous marine park.
Do I need a wetsuit to dive in Cozumel?
No – The water in Cozumel is always warm, about 28 – 30c, or 82-86f.
You will want to wear some exposure protection to protect from any possible stings or unintentional brushes with the reef.
I wear a rashguard and shorts, or tights on night dives. If you tend to get cold you might want to wear a shorty.
Dive professionals who are in the water every day typically wear a full 3mm.
Tips for Choosing a Cozumel Dive Shop
As a travelling dive pro, I have a lot of experience assessing dive locations and narrowing down shops to dive with. Here are some of my top tips for choosing a dive shop in Cozumel!
- Reviews matter
People comment when they are passionate. That can be either positive or negative! Lots of 5🌟 reviews means that guests not only had a good experience, but a special and memorable dive trip. - Look for small boats
Some dive shops, especially in the Caribbean, can feel like a factory – just trying to pump out as many dives as they can.
Shops that offer tours with small groups – ideally 4-6 divers – will provide a better and safer dive experience!
Small groups also means longer bottom times and better service! - Personal Recommendations
About 1% of the global population is scuba certified, so while it may seem like every one dives – we are actually pretty rare!
And that makes the dive community small. Networking is huge in the dive community, chances are you have a friend of a friend with a dive shop in any destination.
That’s why the #1 way to find a dive shop is via a personal recommendation!
Shev’s Summary: Best Cozumel Scuba Shops
Cozumel is undeniably a diver’s paradise, and its stellar dive shops are the gateway to exploring the mesmerizing underwater world that lies beneath the Caribbean waters.
Whether you’re a novice diver or a seasoned pro, the island’s dive shops offer a unique blend of professionalism, expertise, and warm hospitality that ensures every dive is an unforgettable adventure.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your gear, your favourite dive buddies, and plan your dives with one of the best Cozumel dive shops today!
