Cancun, Mexico is certainly loaded with places for great snorkeling and scuba diving. Here is a list of 9 of Cancun’s best dive sites with GPS Lat Lon coordinates. The area is located in SE Mexico, on the NE coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.
The Mexico, Yucatan, Cancun area is world renowned as a great place to vacation. It is also well known for its excellent diving and snorkeling on coral reefs and artificial reef structures.
Beautiful clear waters make it easy to view and appreciate the diverse sea life in this region of the Caribbean Sea.
9 of Cancun’s Best Dive Sites
This list highlights some of the best diving spots off of Mexico, Yucatan, Cancun. You will also find GPS coordinates with Lat/Lon coordinate numbers and waypoint information.
1. MUSA – Underwater Museum
Like nothing you have seen before, this underwater sculpture museum showcases more than 600 ecological marine statues. The super clear water makes visibility a dream. When diving, also be on the look out for lobster and many fish species. All levels of certified divers will appreciate this one of kind underwater adventure.
2. Manchones Reef
Latitude: 21 12.146’N, Longitude: 86 43’W
Depth: ~ 26 to 32 ft
The Manchones Reef is a true snorkeling and diving paradise and one of Cancun’s best dive sites. It is located just South of the island, Isla Mujeres and is part of the National Marine Park. Expect to see exotic fishes, coral reefs and sea life. It is known for amazing colors, beautiful blue water and stunning marine species.
As legend has it, Isla Mujeres, an island East of Cancun, was a Mayan territory hundreds ago. Today, most of its inhabitants make their existence off of the sea.
3. Cenotes (Caves/Caverns)
Snorkeling and diving the many cenotes in the Cancun area is a popular outdoor activity. Cave and cavern divers will find all types of skill level dives. Most of the cave diving in Mexico occurs in the Yucatan Peninsula.
4. C-58 Wreck Dive
Latitude: 21 7.104’N, Longitude: 86 43.515’W
Depth: ~ 65 to 85 ft
The C-58 wreck was a mine sweeper ship that was sunk in about 85 foot of water off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. A great place for scuba diving.
5. Ultrafreeze Wreck (El Frio)
Latitude: 21 9.864’N, Longitude: 86 41.031’W
Depth: ~ 90 to 110 ft
Located SE of Isla Mujeres. A fantastic dive on a 200 foot tugboat shipwreck. The artificial reef is reported to be pretty much intact on the bottom. Experience many types of marine life and fishes. Should see plenty of big fishes and pelagic fish.
6. Aristos Reef
Latitude: 21 7.26’N, Longitude: 86 44.49’W
Depth: ~ 40 to 50 ft
Even the Aristos Reef is only a short distance from the Cancun beach shoreline, you should still get there by boat. It is located near the end of the Nizuc National Marine Park.
There are also coral caves to explore. Bring your camera. You never know what you might see in the waters around Cancun.
7. Sleeping Sharks Cave
Latitude: 21 17.245’N, Longitude: 86 45.359’W
Depth: ~ 65 to 100 ft
Located North of Isla Mujeres. This cave reef system is home to, you guessed it, sharks that lay on the bottom. Sharks are supposed to always be moving in order to breath right? Well apparently, in this cave the sharks can lay motionless on the bottom and use the bubbled from the underwater springs to breathe. This allows them to sleep while being still.
8. Manta Valley
The area is also sometimes called Bahia de las Mantas, or Valle de Mantas. It is an amazing place to see huge manta rays, many at a time. Manta Valley is not a regular dive site, since it is located approximately 60 miles from shore. However, it can be the highlight of your entire diving vacation.
9. La Boya De Los Locos
Latitude: 21 2.165’N, Longitude: 86 46.195’W
Depth: ~ 30 to 40 ft
Located East of Punta Nizuc. The La Boya De Los Locos is a reef system with a diverse amount of sea life and marine animals. Novice to advanced divers will enjoy this reef.
Cancun – What Type of Fish and Marine Life?
You may see a wide variety of fishes and sea life when snorkeling or scuba diving the various coral reefs or artificial structures in this part of the Caribbean Sea. Some of the marine species you may encounter include the following.
- Moray Eels
- Sharks
- Turtles
- Parrot Fish
- Barracuda
- Manta Rays
- Snappers
- Dolphins
- Groupers
- Stingrays
- Sailfish Bait Balling
- Whale Sharks
Splendor of the Cancun, Mexico Coastline
Popular resort and vacation destination with great snorkeling and scuba diving sites.
Use the GPS coordinates and Lat/Lon coordinate numbers to plot your dive trip plan before your trip. Do not pass up the chance to visit and dive some of Cancun’s best dive sites. A beautiful area on the Western Caribbean Sea.
As you can see, the area is a great place for snorkelers and scuba fanatics.
