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!

XTC Dive Center offers day trips from Xcalak to Banco Chinchorro in our new, custom built 30' dive boat the Tzimin-Ha (pronounced TSEE-MEAN-HA which means Sea Horse in Maya)

With the purchase or our new, high speed boat, we also needed a new captain who could handle the Tzimin-Ha. In early 2000, Chinchorro Captain Tito Salazar joined the XTC Family!

Tito has almost 40 years of experience exploring Chinchorro for both fishing and diving. Truth be told, we would have had no idea where to dive without him. Our first few trips, he actually had to tell the Divemaster which way to go at each new dive site. And on each trip we try to do at least one dive at a new site so our clients have a chance to explore with us.

The best time of year to dive Chinchorro is during summer months when the seas are calmest and we have almost daily access.

We require a 4 diver minimum, 8 person maximum for all Chinchorro trips. Normal departure time is 7:30 AM.

Chinchorro 3 tank trip $165

Chinchorro Snorkeler $105

Prices include tanks, weights and weight belt, snorkel vest (in the case of snorkelers), snacks, sandwiches, soft drinks, water, and the biosphere entrance fee and bracelet.

11/27/06

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For additional information about
The Aventuras Xcalak to Chinchorro Dive Center or the area in general Email us at: Email Us

Aventuras Xcalak-Chinchorro, Postal 21, Chetumal, Q. Roo, Mexico 77000

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