If you’re planning a dive trip to Cozumel, choosing the right dive shop can make all the difference. With so many options available, we’ve curated a list of the best dive operators on the island each one offering something unique while meeting the highest standards in the industry.
Our selection is based on key factors that truly matter to divers:
- Safety Standards: All operators on this list prioritize diver safety. This includes well-maintained gear, thorough dive briefings, emergency oxygen and first-aid kits on board, and adherence to industry safety protocols.
- Experience & Knowledge of Dive Guides: Certified dive professionals with years of experience in Cozumel’s unique currents and marine life, ensuring both safety and an enriching dive experience.
- Customer Service: Friendly, reliable, and genuinely passionate about diving, these teams go above and beyond to make sure you feel comfortable, welcome, and well taken care of.
- Boat Quality & Comfort: Fast, seaworthy boats equipped with shade, comfortable seating, fresh water, oxygen, and safety equipment everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Cozumel Divers
Cozumel Divers is one of the top dive operators in Cozumel. It’s a small, family-run business owned by locals who truly know the island inside and out. Unlike many dive shops that hire foreign staff with limited local experience, Cozumel Divers’ team is made up of seasoned experts who know every hidden corner of the reefs.
They operate a boat that accommodates only five divers and two guides, offering a highly personalized and safe experience. During our stay, there were days when there were only two or three divers on board, which was a big plus. Unlike most dive centers on the island that require a minimum number of divers (usually four) to go out, Cozumel Divers will take you diving even if you’re the only one signed up. That kind of commitment really sets them apart.
Boat name: NOVA
Cozumel Scuba Diving
Cozumel Scuba Diving is one of the island’s most established dive shops and still one of the best. Their boats are well-maintained and trips are always kept small, with a maximum of 5 divers per group. One of the things that really sets them apart is that they group divers by experience level, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable dive for everyone.
They also offer a full range of PADI courses, including Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and Rescue Diver, as well as Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) programs for those who are new to diving.
Aldora Divers
Aldora Divers is a large and well-known dive operation on the island. They have a fleet of boats in various sizes and offer excellent villas for those looking for a dive & stay experience. Their ocean-view villas are located on the north side of Cozumel and provide a peaceful and scenic setting.
Their team includes both local and foreign dive masters. The groups tend to be a bit larger during our stay, we went diving with up to 8 divers per dive master. While still well organized, it’s a different experience compared to smaller, more personalized operations.
Boat name: Aldora I, Aldora II.
Reef Riders
Reef Riders is a relatively new dive operation at the time of writing, they’ve been in business for just one year. However, the owner brings over 20 years of experience from running another well-established dive shop on the island.
Their setup is clean, fast, and comfortable. The dive gear is high-quality, and the guides are all Mexican professionals who know the area well. One of the highlights is that the owner is always on board, personally taking care of the guests and often guiding the dives himself, which adds a personal and attentive touch to the whole experience.
Boat name: Sea Car
Whether you’re new to diving or looking to explore Cozumel’s deeper walls and drift dives, these operators stand out for their professionalism, service, and commitment to excellence.
