Diving In Banco Chinchorro

Mahahual

From USD 192/person

Description

Mahahual is the doorway to the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve, a coral atoll that grabs the attention in this remote region of Mexico.

The atoll is famous thanks to the black coral, its nurse sharks, its turtles, its crocodiles, its lobsters and pink snails but it has also archaeological sites formed by wrecks. An underwater cemetery that hosts up to 69 historical boats from Sixteenth Century to nowadays.

The expeditions to Chinchorro are subject, first, to good weather conditions -it is important that sea conditions are favorable- and, second, to a minimum number of divers (a group of minimum 6 divers is required).

Diving spots:

CORAL NEGRO

It is the indispensable diving in your first visit to this place. Located in the North-East side of the atoll, it is formed by a sand slope where big coral structures stand out. It is full of sea life and the average depth is 65 feet.

GINGER SOUL

When the sea conditions allow it, you can go to see this wreck located in the East of the atoll. It is a cargo ship, a Nineteenth century steamer, that still has all its machinery spread all over a very healthy and clean shallow reef. The most famous part: its huge propeller.

EL ACUARIO

Naturally, Chinchorro has also its "Aquarium". A place full of marine life which landscape combines coral reef and white sand. The nurse sharks are very common here and they use to be very curious.

40 CAÑONES

This is the most known wreck in Chinchorro. A war ship from Seventeenth century -probable in a battle- in a big sandbank at 26 feet in depth. The boat's wood structure has already disappeared but it is still possible to see 30 bronze canyons.

SANTA TERESITA

It is formed by a beautiful coral wall, steep but not very deep (58 feet maximum). It is very common to see morays, lobsters, groupers, parrot fishes and turtles. If you look further to the blue, maybe you will also see a shark crossing.

CALDERAS

It is another wreck located in the north side, close to Cayo Lobos -where nowadays there is a navy base-. It is a Nineteenth century steamer merchant and it is known due to its huge boiler that almost reaches the water surface. It is a shallow and calm diving.

Key Points

Max: Up to 10 persons

Duration: 8:00 hrs

Guide language: Spanish, English

What's Included

  • Water and lunch (sandwich and fruit)
  • 2 dives
  • Captain and guide

Where

Malecón de Mahahual, esquina con calle Róbalo. 77940. MAHAHUAL, Quintana Roo (México)

What's Not Included

Diving equipment = 15 USD
Marine Fee Chinchorro = 15 USD

Requirements

It is important that the sea conditions are good, since the distance by boat from Mahahual to Chinchorro is 28 km.

A minimum group of six divers is required.

Reserve Your Spot

When

How many people?

Schedule

Reviews

4.95
181 ratings
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Swimming with the whale sharks was worth every penny! No sunscreen so wear a swim shirt or rent a wetsuit. Our Captain Solomon was fabulous and our guide Nano was fun, energetic and did everything he could to make this a magical experience for everyone on board. We were the first pick up and last drop off which meant for a super long day but highly recommend!!

Karen Knight

July 2025

We took the whale shark watching tour; we had a fantastic day with tons of sharks. Truly a dream. I would recommend it a thousand times over.

Sofía Mühlhausen

July 2025

This was an amazing excursion. The Captain knew right where to drop you in so you can swim along the whale shark. If you hesitate, you ok be behind. The captain’s mate did a wonderful job of orienting you once you jumped in the water and he took amazing photos and video. I definitely recommend Gluup for this trip.

Robert Johnson

July 2025

From USD 192/person