Cozumel
Dive Jobs & Work Guide
Quintana Roo, Mexico
Pay Range: USD $800–$1,800 /month
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Living Cost: USD $600–$1000 /month
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High Season: December–April, June–August
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Visa Info: Temporary -Resident Visa (work-authorised)
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Dive Focus: Drift Diving + Guiding + Training
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โLanguages: English, Spanish, French, German
What's the diving like?
Fast drift dives over massive coral formations, swim-throughs, turtles, nurse sharks, and 30–40 m visibility. Warm water (26–29 °C) year-round. Cozumel’s marine park is organised, with highly repeatable drift routes and strong safety rules.
Why work here?
Cozumel offers structured operations, world-class drift diving, and reliable year-round tourism. Work is steady, logistics are simple, and the island is safe and affordable. It’s ideal for those who want consistent guiding, predictable conditions, and strong earning potential through tips.
When do I apply?
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Main hiring: October–December (winter high season)
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Secondary: May–June (summer bump)
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Shops replace staff on a year-round basis due to turnover and visa timing.
What's the pay like?
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Instructors: USD $1,200–1,800 /month (base + commissions + tips)
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Divemasters: USD $800–1,300 /month + tips
Tipping culture significantly boosts income in busy months.
What Visa is needed?
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Foreign staff require a Temporary Resident Visa with work authorisation, sponsored by their employer.
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Tourist visas cannot be used for employment, although some divers work “informally” — this is illegal and risky.
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Paperwork takes time; many shops hire long-term staff to justify sponsorship.
Visa rules change; always confirm with Mexican Immigration and your employer.
What’s the industry like?
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Languages: English (essential), Spanish highly useful, French and German add strong value.
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Dive Focus: Drift guiding, Advanced courses, DSDs, and two-tank boat trips
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Main Agencies: Most shops are PADI, with a few SSI.
Item | $USD | Local (MXN) |
|---|---|---|
๐บ Beer (bar) | $2.50-$4 | 45-70 |
๐ฑ SIM Card /month | $10-$15 | 170-260 |
๐ Shared rent /month | $350-$600 | 6,000-10,000 |
๐ต Scooter rental /month
| $90-$130 | 1,500-2,200 |
๐ Local Meal | $5-$8 | 90-140 |
โ Coffee | $2-$3 | 35-55 |
Costs of Living (Nov 2025 avg)
โWhat's life like at work?
Days start early. Boats run two-tank morning trips and optional afternoon dives. Expect 2–4 dives per day, mostly guided drifts. Logistics are smooth: gear set-up, briefings, surface intervals, and detailed route planning due to currents.
How's life after work?
Staff live around San Miguel in shared flats. Evenings mean tacos, cafés, local bars, or quiet nights at home. Days off are spent snorkelling, island exploring, or taking ferry trips to Playa del Carmen. Life is warm, safe, and social, affordable by Caribbean standards.
Is it for me?
Cozumel suits pros who want structured guiding, consistent work, and steady tips. Perfect if you enjoy drift diving and organised boat operations. Less ideal if you prefer shore diving or ultra-low living costs.
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