El Cantil

El Cantil is a long coral reef in Cabo Pulmo featuring extensive rocky ridges, canyons, tunnels and a shallow southern end often called El Cantilito. The reef is roughly 2 kilometres in length and offers sheltered, shallow reef diving suitable for training, beginners and casual reef exploration; it is widely regarded as one of the most popular and frequently dived sites in the region. Dives are typically done from a boat with a back-roll entry and a free descent to the reef; no downline is typical. Depths start around 6–10 m at the shallow end and slope gently to about 15–16 m at the northern end. Currents along the reef axis can be moderate to strong and dives are often drifted with the flow. Visibility is generally very good (often 15–30 m in calm weather) but can drop to about 6–7 m during winter storms or strong northerly winds. Water temperatures range from the mid-teens °C in winter to the low 30s °C in summer. Be aware of rock overhangs, caverns and tunnels and of tidal/current conditions when navigating the topography.