There really aren't words to describe the diving that awaits you at the Banco Chinchorro. This is the largest atoll in the Great Maya Reef and has been declared a marine sanctuary by the Mexican government. Limited access means that very few divers have had the opportunity to visit this underwater wonderland. Approximately 30 kms. from the mainland, Chinchorro covers approx. 800 square kilometers (300 sq. miles), less than one percent of which is above water.

There are three small keys, Cayo Norte, Cayo Centro, and Cayo Lobo-ranging from less than one square km. to 5 sq. kms. However there are no permanent settlements. The water inside the barrier reef is 3 to 5 meters deep (10 to 15 feet); beyond the outer reef are a variety of dive sites from 10 to 40 meters in depth (30 to 130 feet). It is the perfect place for divers and snorklers alike as most sites are along walls that offer shallow enough water for the snorkler and plenty of depth for the diver.

On the windward side of the banks, there are a variety of wrecks from all time periods--everything from tankers to (rumor has it) a sunken German U-boat to Spanish galleons. Many of the wrecks are in shallow water that we can enjoy while snorkeling if time permits. It is against the biosphere regulations to dive the wrecks as many have been vandalized by divers. Throughout Chinchorro, there is a variety of black coral, tropical fish, rays, eels, conch, and giant sponges. Come and enjoy the most pristine underwater sites the Caribbean has to offer!