If you are waking up in Cozumel today, February 16, 2026, you have picked a spectacular week to be here. The sun is out, the air is a comfortable 78°F, and the water visibility at sites like Palancar and Columbia is pushing a crystal-clear 100 feet.
However, if you were planning to dive Paso del Cedral or La Francesa today, you’ll find them unusually quiet. That’s because, as of this morning, these specific sections of the Cozumel Marine Park are officially “resting.”
The February 2026 Reef Rotation
To keep our underwater backyard healthy, the National Park authorities (CONANP) have implemented a rotating closure schedule for 2026. For the months of February and March, the following sites are closed to all boat traffic:
- Paso del Cedral (Cedral Pass & Reef)
- La Francesa
While it might be a bummer if Cedral was on your bucket list, this “reef vacation” is vital for the coral to recover and thrive. The good news? The rest of the park is wide open—and the marine life is putting on a massive show elsewhere!
Why Today is Actually the Best Day to Dive
We are currently in the absolute peak of Spotted Eagle Ray Season. These majestic rays prefer the slightly cooler winter waters (currently sitting at a perfect 79°F).
With the Cedral area resting, our Blue Mayan Divers private boats are heading to sites where the “northward” current is perfect for spotting rays today:
- Cantarell (Eagle Ray Wall): The legendary spot for spotting “fevers” of 10 or more rays gliding together.
- Santa Rosa Wall: Since the current is running strong toward the northeast today, it’s a perfect drift for spotting rays cruising the abyss.
- Columbia Deep: The visibility here is 5-star today, making it the best spot to see the towering coral pinnacles without the crowds.
Dive with the Locals
At Blue Mayan Divers, we don’t just follow the conservation rules; we celebrate them. Our small-group, private charters mean we can pivot quickly to the best open reefs of the day, ensuring you get the high-end experience Cozumel is famous for while respecting the environment.
Planning to jump in this week? Don’t let the closures catch you off guard. Let us take you to where the action is happening today.
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