BANCO CHINCHORRO BIOSPHERE RESERVE

📖 DESCRIPTION:

Discover one of Mexico’s most extraordinary natural treasures — the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve, a remote atoll located about 30 km off the coast of Mahahual.

Recognized as one of the best snorkeling destinations in the country, Banco Chinchorro is a pristine marine paradise featuring black coral, nurse sharks, sea turtles, crocodiles, lobsters, pink conchs, and even historical shipwrecks. ⚓🐢🦈

Because it is a protected natural reserve, expeditions are limited and depend on weather conditions and a minimum group size of 8 snorkelers.

📍 HIGHLIGHTS:

🌊 Two guided snorkeling sessions at selected reef sites such as Gatas, Baliza, Teresitas, Punta González, Acuario, Coral Negro, El Muro, or El Solitario — chosen according to sea and weather conditions.

⚓ Optional visit to Cayo Centro island to observe crocodiles and giant iguanas (subject to authorization and conditions).

🍽️ Light lunch on board (sandwiches and fresh fruit) between snorkeling sessions.

🚤 OPERATION DETAILS:

📍 Departure: 8:00 a.m. from Pepe Dive Mahahual

⏳ Boat ride: 1.5 to 2 hours each way (depending on sea conditions)

🏝️ Return to Mahahual: between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.

✅ INCLUDES:

🧭 Certified guide (spanish - english) and captain

🤿 Two snorkeling sessions within the reserve

🥪 Light lunch and fruit

💧 Drinking water

❌ NOT INCLUDED:

💵 CONANP Conservation Fee (cash payment required before boarding):

• Foreign visitors: $725 MXN

• 📷 Photos or videos

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Participants must complete all paperwork and equipment checks one day before departure (waivers, certification verification, etc.).

• The tour is subject to weather conditions and availability of authorized boats.

• Only a few licensed operators are permitted to run tours within the reserve.

🎒 RECOMMENDATIONS:

👙 Swimsuit and towel

🧴 Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent

🩴 Water shoes or sandals

📸 Waterproof camera or GoPro

💊 Motion sickness medication if needed