Diving In Xcalak
Mahahual
Description
The quiet fishermen's village of Xcalak is located close to the Belize border. Currently, its reefs are protected under the "Nature Park" denomination.
In the reserve there are lots of different corals but it is specially remarkable the big elkhorn coral formations (acropora palmata) that are specially protected.
Diving in Xcalak offers a little bit of everything, from big fishes like groupers, shads and -if you are lucky-manatees, to macro life, like seahorses, pipe fishes, "cleaner shrimps", etc.
It is also a great place to get into beautiful canyons and underwater caves.
Diving spots:
LA POZA
Without doubt, this is the "star" diving spot, not only from Xcalak, but in all this region. It is a wide passage with high walls where a colony of huge shads - with 6.5 feet and over 330 pounds- do live. It is quite common to have streams in this diving.
LA CHIMENEA
Although it is possible to see big barracudas in this place, this diving spot is not the one to see life, but to get into fun and beautiful caves and cracks that go across the reef. The entrance to the cave called "La Chimenea" is around 88 feet depth.
LA POZETA
This is another popular diving in the Reserve, where depth does not exceed 49 feet and sand bottoms combine with reef walls. Here, you can see snappers, eagle rays, groupers and, inside the coral cracks, lobsters and morays.
Key Points
Max: Up to 8 persons
Duration: 7:00 hrs
Guide language: Spanish, English
What's Included
- Round transportation from Mahahual
- Captain and guide
- 2 dives
Where
What's Not Included
Requirements
- Certified divers.
- If less than 3 divers ask us so you can join a group.
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