Xcalak and Banco Chinchorro

Site Overview
Dive Centres
Site Type: Marine Reserve
Location: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

The Xcalak Reef National Marine Park and the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve are two of the Caribbean’s last hidden, unspoiled gems. Divers have access to more than 20km of protected reef that feature several one-of-a-kind dives, such as “La Poza,” where 100s of tarpon gather in the summer months, manatees on the reef and unique topographical formations.

Diving Xcalak Yucatan Dive Trek XTC Poseta_0715
Image: with permission Yucatan Dive Trek

In Xcalak Reef National Marine Park, there are several unique dive sites worth exploring. A favourite is La Chimenea which ends with a narrow swim through leading to a round room with an open top. Further north in the park, Hob Na and Punta Gavilan are deep walls with stunning black coral colonies and fluorescent sponges dropping below recreational limits.

Diving Chinchorro Yucatan Dive Trek soft corals_0716
Image: with permission Yucatan Dive Trek

At 144,377 hectares, Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve is the largest standalone reef in the Northern Hemisphere and one of the healthiest. Currently, only 1,928 hectares are zoned for diving and fewer than one thousand divers get to see these remote and unspoiled dive sites per year.

Diving Xcalak Yucatan Dive Trek XTC coral and snapper_0716
Image: with permission Yucatan Dive Trek

The healthy reefs of Banco Chinchorro play host to a variety of tropical species including lobsters, groupers, stingrays, sergeant majors as well as hundreds of other species. French Angelfish and Queen Angelfish are among the many fish you’ll spot. Nurse sharks relax among the tunnels and caverns and barracuda stalk their prey in and out of the colourful corals.

Diving Chinchorro Yucatan Dive Trek nurse shark_0716
Image: with permission Yucatan Dive Trek

Loggerhead, Green and Hawksbill turtles are frequently seen in the area. And grouper live among the reefs and wrecks.

Diving Chinchorro Yucatan Dive Trek wreck_0716
Image: with permission Yucatan Dive Trek

Dive sites in Banco Chinchorro can be separated into two different geographical areas. On the east side of the atoll, you’ll find most of the shipwrecks.

Diving Chinchorro Yucatan Dive Trek wreckage_0716
Image: with permission Yucatan Dive Trek

On the west side of the atoll, there are several dive sites for all levels of scuba diver. Easy reef dives include Kai Ha and Aquarium I and II, and there are fun drift dives at Punta Isabela, Dos Primos or Punta Gonzalez.

Diving Chinchorro Yucatan Dive Trek crocodile_0613
Image: with permission Yucatan Dive Trek

Banco Chinchorro is also home to the world’s largest and purest population of American crocodiles found in the Americas, this is one of very few places in the world where you can safely snorkel with these prehistoric creatures.

Diving Chinchorro Yucatan Dive Trek crocodile_0716
Image: with permission Yucatan Dive Trek

Throughout the marine reserve you may also have the opportunity to dive with manatees in the shallows, they are frequently sighted and quite friendly!

Diving Chinchorro Yucatan Dive Trek manatee_1869
Image: with permission Yucatan Dive Trek

Start your journey with Diveplanit Travel

Got a question? Need some help? Contact our friendly support team.

IATA / ATAS Logo

Book with confidence. Diveplanit Travel is Australia's only IATA registered and ATAS accredited dive travel agency. When planning a trip, the ATAS symbol tells you the travel agency you’re dealing with has met strict criteria to become nationally accredited, so you can book with them knowing you’re in the safe hands of one of the best in the business.