Zapotillo Cays

Best months: Dec–Feb

Protected Area

Punta de Manabique

Why dive here

With 447+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, eagle rays, nurse sharks, orcas and seahorses - Zapotillo Cays offers some of Caribbean Coast's richest reef diving. Water ranges 27-31°C, warmest June, August, September.

Best timeDec–Feb

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeBarracuda, Eagle Rays, Nurse Sharks, Orcas and Seahorses · 447+ species recorded

Water27-31°C · warmest June, August, September

CharacterReef dive · max 5-18m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

We’ve always been a fan of the Caribbean Coast of Guatemala, and the Zapotillo Cays are a perfect example of why. It’s a shallow dive, mostly 5 to 18 metres, making it super relaxed and great for newer divers or those who just want a long bottom time. We love drifting over the coral, spotting huge blue parrotfish munching away, and sometimes you’ll catch a glimpse of the shyer butterflyfish darting between the coral heads. The real draw here, for us, is the sheer density of some species. We’ve seen schools of flat needlefish so thick they create a shimmering wall, and the barracuda often hang at the edge, just watching. Keep an eye out for Caribbean chestnut morays peeking from crevices – their patterns are beautiful up close. While nurse sharks are often mentioned, we’ve had better luck spotting the occasional silky shark gliding by in the blue, particularly if you’re out on a calm morning. The current can pick up a bit mid-day, so we'd suggest an early start for the calmest conditions and best visibility.