Tunich Wall is one of Cozumel's fast drift dives. The reef begins at about 35 feet, with small ridges and many kinds of sponges, then slopes away into the abyss. The current here is often strong, which brings in big animals: green moray eels, rays and sea turtles are regular sightings. For divers who enjoy the feeling of flying along a reef, Tunich is one of the best rides on the island.
Where Tunich Wall is
Tunich (sometimes called Punta Tunich or Tunich Rock Wall) is on Cozumel's leeward coast, inside the Cozumel Reefs National Park. It's on the line of reefs south of the Chankanaab area, near Yucab Reef and Tormentos Reef. The point of land it's named after shapes the current along this stretch of coast, which is one reason the water often moves faster here than at the reefs nearby.
Tunich Wall at a glance
- Depth: the reef begins at about 35 feet and slopes into the abyss
- Terrain: small ridges and a variety of sponges along a sloping wall
- Marine life: green morays, rays and sea turtles
- Current: often strong; this is a fast drift
- Good for: experienced drift divers with good buoyancy and air control
What the dive is like
At Tunich, the boat drops the group well up-current and the descent is quick: everyone goes down together so nobody is left behind as the current moves. Once on the reef, you'll ride along the top of the slope, with the ridges and sponges passing beneath you and deep blue water on your seaward side. On a strong day you can cover a long distance in one dive.
The trick at Tunich is to relax and let the current do the work. Stay close to the reef where the flow is a little slower, keep your arms in and fins still, and watch your guide for signals. If you want to look at something, tuck in behind a ridge, where the water is calmer, rather than fighting the current. Our guide to drift diving in Cozumel explains the technique step by step.
Marine life at Tunich Wall
Strong currents bring food, and food brings fish. Green moray eels, some of them very large, are a highlight at Tunich; look for them in the ridges and under ledges. Rays are common: southern stingrays in the sand and eagle rays cruising along the slope. Sea turtles often ride the current along the wall too. Large groupers, schools of snapper and jacks, and the odd barracuda hang off the edge, while the sponges hide crabs, shrimp and small fish. Keep looking out into the blue as well as down at the reef.
Skill level and safety
Tunich Wall is a dive for experienced drift divers. The strong current means you need solid buoyancy, a quick and controlled descent, and the ability to stay with your group without swimming hard. The wall drops into deep water, so keep an eye on your depth and don't follow the slope down. Many operators only take divers to Tunich once they've seen them on a couple of easier drift dives.
Your surface marker buoy is essential here, because the current can carry the group a long way and the boat needs to see you when you surface. Deploy it at your safety stop, ascend slowly with your buddy, and stay together at the surface until the boat arrives. Our page on scuba diving gear for Cozumel covers surface marker buoys, reels and other gear for fast drift dives.
Protecting the reef
Tunich is inside the Cozumel Reefs National Park, and divers pay a park fee, usually as a wristband through their operator. In a fast current, it can be tempting to grab the reef to stop. Don't: it damages the coral and sponges, and it can injure your hands. Instead, slow down by moving into the lee of a ridge, or let the current carry you past and enjoy the next stretch. Keep your gear tucked in, and use reef-safe sunscreen or wear a rash guard.
Best time to dive
Tunich can be dived all year when the current allows. The current on Cozumel's west coast is driven by ocean conditions, not the tide, so it varies from day to day, and operators decide on the morning whether Tunich is right for the group. Water temperatures are usually in the high 70s to low 80s °F. Winter cold fronts can close the port now and then; see Cozumel climate for more.
Booking a dive at Tunich Wall
If you want to dive Tunich, ask your operator when you book and tell them about your drift-diving experience. Most will want to dive with you once or twice before taking you somewhere this fast. Our directories of Cozumel dive operators and Cozumel dive shops list operators across the island. For the rest of the island's reefs, see Cozumel coral reefs; San Juan Reef at the north end is another famous fast drift.