Mahahual Reef - Yucatán Cenotes

Paradise Canyons is one of those sites we always recommend to friends heading to Ambergris. It’s a series of deep coral fingers, running perpendicular to the shore. We’ve had some cracking dives here, cruising along the sandy channels between the canyons, then rising up over the coral walls themselves. The coral formations here are really something – big stands of mustard hill coral and smooth flower coral, creating these dramatic overhangs. You can often spot nurse sharks tucked away in the sandy bottom, and we’ve seen eagle rays glide past more than once. The sheer number of snapper and grunts schooling here can be incredible, sometimes so thick they almost obscure the reef in front of you. Our favourite trick is to find a spot with a slight current and just hang out, letting the fish come to us. Visibility averages a solid 20 metres, making it easy to appreciate the scale of the canyons. It's a relaxed dive, usually around 20 metres deep, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to soak in a classic Caribbean reef.

Location

Yucatán Cenotes, Mexico, North America

Coordinates

18.714100, -87.703100

Type

reef

Marine Protected Area: Arrecifes de Xcalak