Manchones

Manchones is a shallow, protected coral-reef site in Manchones National Park off Punta Nizuc/Isla Mujeres, notable for large patches of hard corals (elkhorn, staghorn and brain coral), coral pinnacles, swim-throughs and holes, and underwater museum sculptures including Jason deCaires Taylor’s “Man on Fire” and “The Dream Catcher” plus the Cruz de la Bahia cross. The varied topography and sculptural features provide good photo opportunities and support abundant marine life. Dives are boat entries with moorings used instead of anchors; dive routes often zigzag over coral mounds. Depths range roughly 3–12 m with most features at 5–10 m, visibility is typically very good (often over 20 m) and water temperature is about 26–29 °C year-round. Currents are generally slight, making the site suitable for Open Water-level divers; as a protected park an entrance fee (bracelet) is required, guides must be park-certified and dive time is typically limited to about 45 minutes, so manage your profile carefully in the shallow reef setting.