Banco Chinchorro Diving
Banco Chinchorro is a hidden gem located off the coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Discover the untouched beauty of this biosphere reserve and embark on an unforgettable adventure like no other.
Banco Chinchorro is renowned for its pristine waters, diverse marine life, and particularly, its population of American crocodiles. Diving in Banco Chinchorro offers a unique and thrilling experience for adventurous divers and nature enthusiasts.
It provides an opportunity to explore the underwater beauty of the coral reefs, encounter a variety of marine species, and have a close encounter with the fascinating American crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Prepare yourself for an adrenaline-pumping adventure like no other as you dive into the crystal-clear waters of this pristine coral atoll.
Banco Chinchorro offers a truly remarkable opportunity to witness American crocodiles in their undisturbed natural environment. This secluded biosphere reserve provides a sanctuary for these majestic creatures, offering visitors a chance to observe them up close in their element.
As one of the few places in the world where such encounters are possible, Banco Chinchorro promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe of nature's wonders.
As you descend into the turquoise waters of Banco Chinchorro, your heart will race with excitement. Swimming among the vibrant coral reefs and marine life, you'll feel immersed in an underwater wonderland. But it's when you come face-to-face with the American crocodiles that the true thrill begins.
Imagine locking eyes with these ancient reptiles as they gracefully glide through the water, displaying their incredible power and grace. You'll witness their stealthy movements, their ancient wisdom, and their undeniable beauty in this pristine, untouched habitat.
Banco Chinchorro Crocodile Diving
Banco Chinchorro Dive Sites
Banco Chinchorro boasts a collection of captivating dive sites that attract divers from around the world. Among the most popular are:
This expansive dive site offers depths ranging from 8 to 35 meters and showcases a diverse array of coral formations. Schools of fish, turtles, and sharks gracefully navigate through the crystal-clear waters, providing an unforgettable underwater spectacle.
Gonzales 1 & 2
La Poza
Known for its shallow depths of 5 to 15 meters, La Poza treats divers to clear waters teeming with marine life. Stingrays, nurse sharks, and lobsters are among the delightful creatures you'll encounter while exploring this vibrant site.
Diving into history, this shipwreck site with depths of 12 to 25 meters features a Spanish galleon that sank in the 17th century. The area is also adorned with an array of coral formations, contributing to its fascinating allure.
40 Cañones
Cayo Norte
Adrenaline-seeking divers will find delight in this drift dive site, where depths range from 12 to 30 meters. Expect strong currents as you encounter an abundance of marine life, including sharks, turtles, and rays.
El Bajón
Offering depths of 15 to 40 meters, El Bajón is a captivating wall dive site. Its steep walls adorned with vibrant coral formations create an immersive and colorful underwater experience.
These dive sites are merely a glimpse of the underwater wonders awaiting at Banco Chinchorro. This atoll is a true diver's paradise, catering to enthusiasts of all skill levels. Beyond the exceptional diving opportunities, Banco Chinchorro presents a diverse ecosystem featuring crocodiles, manatees, and a variety of birdlife.
The significance of this marine treasure is recognized by its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, symbolizing its vital role in the Caribbean marine ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Banco Chinchorro?
The reef lies in Mexican waters 35 kilometres (22 mi) offshore in the Caribbean Sea, or about 80 kilometres (50 mi) east of the city of Chetumal. It is approximately 40.2 kilometres (25.0 mi) long from north to south, and approximately 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) wide at its widest point.
What is the water temperature in Banco Chinchorro?
The water temperature in Banco Chinchorro varies depending on the time of year. The average water temperature ranges from 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 28 degrees Celsius). The warmest water temperatures are typically found in the summer months (May to November), when the average temperature is around 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius). The coolest water temperatures are typically found in the winter months (December to April), when the average temperature is around 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius).
As of today, July 31, 2023, at 13:07 PST, the water temperature in Banco Chinchorro is 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius). This is within the average range for this time of year.
How do I get to Banco Chinchorro?
There is no direct way to get to Banco Chinchorro by air or land. The only way to reach it is by boat. For our tours, you can fly into Cancun Airport and we arrange private transportation for the group to travel to Xcalak, about four hours South. We spend two nights in Xcalak and scuba diving during the day before heading across to Banco Chinchorro by boat!
Here are the steps on how to get to Banco Chinchorro:
Fly to Cancun Airport.
Spend one night in Playa del Carmen before meeting up with the group for an introductory breakfast!
Take a private taxi with the group to Xcalak, Mexico.
Take a boat across to Banco Chinchorro.
Here, we have the opportunity to stay in a remote fishing village on stilts above the water!
Check out our Crocodiles & Xcalak Marine Park trip for more information!