Encountering Prehistoric Creatures in the Waters of Mexico
**Experience the Thrill of Diving with American Crocodiles at Chinchorro Bank**
For those seeking an unforgettable underwater adventure, Chinchorro Bank in Mexico offers a unique and exhilarating experience. Located 30 miles off the southernmost Caribbean coast of Mexico, north of the border with Belize, this shallow expanse of reefs, mangroves, and dry land is a marine park teeming with diverse marine life.
The journey to Chinchorro Bank, although a bit lengthy, is an adventure in itself. A flight to Cancun followed by a five-hour drive to Xcalak sets the stage for the exciting expedition ahead. Once there, the crossing to Chinchorro Bank can take anywhere from an hour and a half to two and a half hours, depending on the weather conditions.
Diving at Chinchorro Bank offers clear visibility and healthy coral reefs, making it an ideal spot for underwater exploration. Divers and snorkelers can encounter a variety of tropical marine life in their natural habitat, including sea turtles, rays, and numerous fish species. The diving conditions range from calm to moderate currents, providing both relaxed and more challenging dives depending on the site selected.
The main attraction, however, is the encounter with American crocodiles. These reptiles are found in the murky water in the middle of the mangroves at Chinchorro Bank. Over time, the crocodiles have become reliable in coming out of the swampy back-water from late morning through the end of the day due to a long-standing routine where fishermen feed them scraps.
The crocodile encounters occur in the afternoon at the fishermen's huts on Chinchorro Bank. In the chest-deep water next to the hut, visitors can witness the lionfish-crocodile interaction, where lionfish are used to attract the crocodiles closer for observation. Visitors are allowed to spear and take invasive lionfish for the purpose of wrangling American crocodiles.
The experience of seeing American crocodiles in the water for the first time is heart racing. As visitors become more comfortable, they enjoy and film these magnificent creatures from a safe and respectful distance, under the guidance of an in-water guide.
Accommodations at Chinchorro Bank are basic, with no luxury amenities like wi-fi, TV, or thrice-daily showers. Food is provided but is not a culinary tour. Despite the lack of modern comforts, the experience is considered a 'must do' for anyone who can cope with a bit of inconvenience.
In summary, diving at Chinchorro Bank combines the thrill of exploring vibrant coral reefs with the possibility of spotting American crocodiles, offering an adventurous and biologically rich diving experience in Mexico’s Caribbean waters. For those seeking a unique and memorable underwater adventure, Chinchorro Bank is a 'must visit' destination.
1.For an unforgettable underwater adventure, consider a trip to Chinchorro Bank in Mexico, where you can encounter American crocodiles in their natural habitat.
- As part of your adventure-travel experience, you might consider diving or snorkeling in the clear waters of Chinchorro Bank, home to various tropical marine life and healthy coral reefs.
- Your underwater lifestyle can be enriched by the unique opportunity to observe American crocodiles during the afternoon at fishermen's huts on Chinchorro Bank, with the guidance of certified in-water guides ensuring a safe and respectful experience.
- Keep in mind that accommodations at Chinchorro Bank are basic, offering a chance to immerse yourself in a realistic adventure-travel environment, while food is provided without the luxury of modern amenities like wi-fi or TV.
