Manchones Reef, Cancun
What: The Manchones Reef is a popular dive spot on Mexico’s Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (also known as the Great Mayan Reef), on the Caribbean coast of Quintana Roo.
Where: Manchones is located about five miles northeast of Cancun, close to Isla Mujeres.
Highlights: Along with remarkable coral formations and diverse marine life, the Manchones Reef area is also home to MUSA, an underwater sculpture museum consisting of 400 life-size sculptures.
The figures are designed to encourage coral growth and the site is evolving into a complex reef structure full of fish. The dive is reasonably shallow and suitable for beginners.
Expertise Level: All levels.
How to Get There: By boat from either Isla Mujeres or Cancun. Most dive operators include transportation in the diving fee.
What it Costs: There’s a $20 peso fee for anyone snorkeling or diving on the reef that goes towards conservation of the Federal Marine Park. Fees for gear hire and guide vary according to the dive shop or resort. Most tour operators offer two-tank dives for Manchones, with one tank being used for the museum, and the second for other parts of the reef.
Read more about scuba diving in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Where: Manchones is located about five miles northeast of Cancun, close to Isla Mujeres.
Highlights: Along with remarkable coral formations and diverse marine life, the Manchones Reef area is also home to MUSA, an underwater sculpture museum consisting of 400 life-size sculptures.
The figures are designed to encourage coral growth and the site is evolving into a complex reef structure full of fish. The dive is reasonably shallow and suitable for beginners.
Expertise Level: All levels.
How to Get There: By boat from either Isla Mujeres or Cancun. Most dive operators include transportation in the diving fee.
What it Costs: There’s a $20 peso fee for anyone snorkeling or diving on the reef that goes towards conservation of the Federal Marine Park. Fees for gear hire and guide vary according to the dive shop or resort. Most tour operators offer two-tank dives for Manchones, with one tank being used for the museum, and the second for other parts of the reef.
Read more about scuba diving in the Yucatan Peninsula.
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