August 2020 – Page 2 – Scuba Splash

Mexico is a diverse country filled with rich history and culture. Mexico also has some stunning dive sites that are both surreal and unique. You can dive a massive underwater art museum in Cancun, cage dive with great white sharks in Isla Guadalupe, or roam through shipwrecks in Veracruz. Cozumel- Flourishing sea life and dropoffs Cancun- Underwater art museum Socorro Islands- Hammerhead sharks Riviera Maya Cenotes- Limestone caves Isla Mujeres- Whale Sharks Northern Sea of Cortez- Abundant sea life La Paz- Whale sharks and huge schools of pelagics Isla Guadalupe- Cage diving with great white sharks Veracruz- Shipwrecks and Underexplored Marine Park Cabo San Lucas- Miles of hard coral Chinchorro Banks- Saltwater crocodiles and shipwrecks Cozumel Flourishing Sealife and Drop-Offs Expect to See: Coral, sea sponges, drop-offs, turtles, rays, eels, lobsters, bull sharks (November-March), tropical fish Skill Level: Beginner and up Peak Season: December-April Water Temperature: 77-78 F (25-26 C) Cozumel is arguably one of the main places people come to dive in Mexico. You might go as far as to say that Cozumel is famous amongst the dive community. The waters are warm and the dives are easy enough for beginners. There is a coral reef located near the shore that is made up of 26 different types of coral. Since sea life is so abundant here you will easily find over 500 different species of fish in the area. There are 45 different dive sites around Cozumel which means there is plenty of exploring to do. For divers looking for more intense experiences, there are sites that offer large drop-offs and deeper depths. Punta Sur Reef, Santa Rosa Wall, and Columbia Wall are the best sites for this type of dive. Palancar Reef, Punta Sur, and Columbia are the best sites for high coral formations and swim-through canyons for exploring. Certain areas are known to have moderate to strong currents so drift diving is common. The stronger the current the more experienced the diver should be. Never panic and always maintain a streamlined body to prevent gear from shifting or getting lost. Cancun Underwater Art Museum Expect to See: Art statues, shipwrecks, caverns, nurse sharks, bull sharks (November-March), barracuda, coral reefs, eels, lobsters, rays, turtles, seahorses, tropical fish Skill Level: Beginner and up Peak Season: December-April Water Temperature: 78-82 F (25-28 C) The underwater art museum (MUSA) is the most popular region for diving and snorkeling alike. The museum was built in 2009 to encourage reef growth and consists of 500 sculptures. There are also several reef sites in the area that are easy and full of life. MUSA (Museo Subacuatico de Arte or Museum of Submerged Art) is a very unique underwater museum filled with artistic sculptures. The idea stemmed from marine park director Jaime Gonzalez Canto in early 2005. After he realized the local reefs were being damaged due to tourism from snorkelers and divers. The concept was to divert some of that traffic to a location filled with artificial reefs. Jason deCaires Taylor along with the help of 5 other Mexican artists started creating the sculptures in 2009 and MUSA officially opened in November 2010. Currently, the museum is made up of 500 life-size sculptures. They are constructed of pH-neutral marine concrete and anchored to the ocean floor. There are currently plans to more than double the sculptures to total 1,200. Some of the themes depicted in the exhibits include life as a fisherman, capital greed, holistic lifestyles, community, and unhealthy lifestyles. The sculptures are set in 3 different galleries for easy exploring. The sculptures range in depth from 6-33 feet (2-10 m) and the waters are calm so it's great for all levels of divers. Bull sharks migrate through from November-March. You can defiantly scuba dive the entire museum but you will need more than 1 dive to do so. Snorkeling and glass-bottom boats are also other ways to enjoy the artwork. You want to avoid touching the sculptures or any of the growth on them. The oils on your skin transfer to the sculpture or growth and cause damage. The sculptures are here for tourism but they are also here to promote coral growth and fish populations to flourish in the area. Another dive attraction in Cancun is the shipwrecks. There are several wrecks intentionally sunk to create artificial reefs. They are in deeper waters (100 ft/ 30 m) which makes them accessible to advanced divers. For more about shipwrecks: 8 Shipwrecks You Need to Dive in Cancun Mexico Socorro Islands Hammerhead Sharks Expect to See: Sharks, tuna, marlin, manta rays, dolphins, humpback whales (January-April), pelagics, Skill Level: Intermediate Peak Season: November-May Water Temperature: 70-74 F (21-23 C) The Socorro Islands are a UNICEF world heritage site that is known to divers for being a shark haven. If you want to see a variety of shark species including hammerheads, white tip reef, and whale sharks then this site is a must-see. There are a total of seven different shark species that can be seen here. The Socorro Islands are a group of four islands located about 250 miles from Cabo San Lucas. Divers can expect to mostly see larger sea creatures including dolphins, sharks, rays, and whales. Schools of various types of pelagics are also common to see. Manta rays are extremely friendly around the islands and swimming with them is a truly magical experience. The only way to reach this location is on a live-aboard dive trip with most lasting 8 nights. The journey to Socorro is known to be a choppy ride and you should expect there to be moderate to strong currents on the dive. For these reasons, this site is best explored by intermediate to advanced divers. Riviera Maya Cenotes Limestone Caves Expect to See: Caves, limestone formations, tunnels, blue crabs, catfish, tetra fish Skill Level: Beginner Peak Season: Year-round Water Temperature: 73-78 F (23-26 C) Riviera Maya Cenotes is a system of limestone sinkholes and caves that can be explored by divers of all skill levels. The ease of this site makes it ideal for anyone interested in cavern diving or becoming certified in cave diving. There aren't any sea creatures that live here but the limestone formations are more than enough to satisfy any diver. The large entrance of the caves is often explored by snorkelers and connects the channel of tunnels for an easy to follow adventure. These tunnels and caverns are dimly lit so divers use flashlights to help illuminate the way. There are signs posted where beginner and novice divers should not enter. These areas are for advanced and certified cave divers. There are several different cenote sites with Casa Cenote open for all levels including discovery divers and has the most sea life. The easiest way to reach Riviera Maya Cenotes is through the city of Tulum. Isla Mujeres Whale Sharks Expect to See: Whale sharks (June-September), dolphins, rays, coral reef, tropical fish, seahorses, shipwrecks Skill Level: Beginner Peak Season: January-February, June-September Water Temperatures: 78-82 F (25-28 C) There are two very specific reasons snorkelers, divers and underwater photographers visit Isla Mujeres. The first occurs during the summer months when huge numbers of whale sharks come to feast on plankton, krill and tuna eggs. The area is a spawning site which attracts whale sharks as they migrate through the region. The other spectacular event that occurs here is during the winter months (January and February) when sailfish migrating from the Gulf of Mexico rapidly hunt and feast on sardines. Just like the whale sharks, the sailfish arrive in huge numbers and feast until they are satisfied. Watching how quickly the sailfish move is beyond amazing. Most people snorkel but diving is also an option to experience this event up close and personal. Beyond these two events, divers can enjoy easy shallow reef dives with almost no current. Interesting topography including arches, ledges, and caves are also worthy of exploration. Advanced divers can take advantage of the nearby swim-through shipwrecks in deeper waters. Northern Sea of Cortez Abundant Sea Life Expect to See: Whale sharks (July-August), whales, dolphins, sea lions, jawfish, tropical fish, drop-offs Skill Level: Beginner and up Peak Season: July-December Water Temperature: 69-75 F (20-24 C) The Sea of Cortez, otherwise known as the Gulf of California, is a 700-mile body of water that separates the Baja peninsula from Mexico. The northern section has warm waters and a diverse population of sea life. In fact, this region has the most abundant marine life in all of Mexico and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Three-quarters of this region are specifically designated to marine life habitats to ensure abundant sea life. While some divers enjoy seeing large schools of fish and giant predators like sharks, others seek out the more delicate forms of life. The Northern Sea of Cortez offers both with whale sharks as well as over 800 types of vertebrate. Dives can usually find good deals on trips as well as live-aboard excursions. Danzante, one of the islands located off the small town of Loreta, offers a magnificent 200 foot (61 m) drop-off. All five of the islands off the coast of Loreta are protected and part of a marine park. This means you can find a beautiful sea life and vibrant colors. La Paz Schools of Pelagic Fish Expect to See: Whale sharks (October-November), hammerhead sharks, pelagics, rays, dolphins, sea lions, marlin, tuna, seahorses, shipwreck, coral reef Skill Level: Beginner and up Peak Season: October-November Water Temperature: 72-84 F (22-28 C) Whale sharks are the biggest attraction here from October through November. This is when plankton is abundant and the whale sharks come to feast. It's a spectacular experience that every diver should have. Don't worry if you are planning a trip outside of these months though, This is because massive schools of pelagic fish swarm the area and playfully dart through divers. Having big schools of fish rush past you is a magical moment that you won't forget. The best site to see pelagics along with hammerhead sharks is at the El Bajo Seamount (underwater mountains). There are strong currents and a strong swell at El Bajo so it might not be the best choice for true beginners. Divers can interact and swim with sea lions at the colony found at Isla Islotes. The pups are very active, friendly, and love to play. Divers can also take delight in a sunken cargo ship, Salvatierra. The ship was carrying a load of trucks, crashed into some rocks and sunk. No passengers were on board and the crew managed to escape. However, the trucks remain at the bottom of the ocean along with the perfectly intact ship. Isla Guadalupe Cage Dive with Great White Sharks Expect to See: sharks, seals, sea lions, mackerel Skill Level: Beginner Peak Season: August-October Water Temperature: 70-75 F (21-24 C) Ever want to experience the heart-pumping thrill of cage diving with great white sharks? If so, then head straight to Isla Guadalupe for one of the most intense dive experiences of your life. This region is a breeding ground for great whites with young males arriving at the beginning of the season and older ones making an appearance a few months later. Isla Guadalupe is located 150 miles off the coast of Baja California and only accessible by liveaboard trips. Trips depart in both Ensanada, Mexico, and San Diego, California. There are no other dive sites at Isla Guadalupe and snorkeling is prohibited. Veracruz Shipwrecks and Marine Park Expect to See: Coral reef, shipwrecks, rays, octopus, grouper, tropical fish Skill Level: Beginner and up Peak Season: Year-round. Warmest waters and best deals are from May-November. Water Temperature: 77-82 F (25-28 C) Veracruz offers some amazing dive sites for anyone who loves venturing off the beaten path. It's an underexpored dive area with a lot to see. Here you will find 5 shipwrecks including US military vessels, 8 reef platforms, an array of marine life, and crystal clear waters. It's a divers paradise and suitable for even the most beginner diver. This region is definitely an often-overlooked location which makes it perfect for exploration. Brain and garden star corals are common sites along with grouper, rays, and octopus. Some of the shipwrecks are for advanced divers but there are still a couple that are shallow enough for beginners. Any of the reef dives in the marine park are easy, full of color, and also open for snorkeling. Cabo San Lucas & Cabo Pulmo Miles of Hard Coral Expect to See: Coral reef, pelagic, sea lions, humpback whales, hammerhead sharks (December-May), tropical fish Skill Level: Beginner and up Peak Season: December-May Water Temperature: 68-80 F (20-27 C) On the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula lies Cabo San Lucas and Cabo Pulmo. This magical region is where the Cortez Sea meets the Pacific ocean. These two towns are located 40 miles apart and each has fantastic diving. Expect there to be a wide array of reefs including over 25 square miles of hard coral. The area has lots of interesting topography including swim threw corridors, plateaus, and cliffs. Humpback whales and hammerhead sharks can be seen in December through May around the Gordo Banks site. There are usually strong currents at this particular spot so it's best suited for more experienced divers. For beginners, there are plenty of other dive sites in the area to keep you busy and happily occupied. Cabo Pulmo is where you can find easier dives and marvel at miles of hard coral, sea lions, and tropical fish. Chinchorro Banks Saltwater Crocodiles Expect to See: Shipwrecks, coral, lobster, stingray, saltwater crocodiles, nurse sharks, grouper, turtles, tropical fish Skill Level: Beginner and up Peak Season: Year-round Water Temperature: 78-82 F (25-28 C) The Cinchorro Banks is an isolated atoll along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. It's hardly explored with the majority of divers instead opting for... Though we aren't exactly sure why since the Chinchorro Banks are part of the largest free-standing barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Finding a region that is often overlooked by other divers is actually exciting. This is because the reefs and sea life in the area are in pristine condition. There are also several shipwrecks in the area that are ready to be explored. To be exact, there are 68 shipwrecks with some being 500 years old. Not all are open for diving but this is certainly a shipwreck destination for enthusiasts. Portions of this region are populated with saltwater crocodiles which only ever attack if they feel threatened or provoked. How many divers do you know that can say they dove with crocodiles? Your story might just be the only one of it's kind in the group. It's definitely a unique and thrilling site. Divers can depart from Xcalak, Costa Maya, or Majahaul for a 40-60 minute boat ride. Majahaul is the most tourist-friendly location of the three with Xcalak being the most laidback. Expect the waters to be warm and visibility to be very high with crystal clear waters.