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Diving in Manzanillo

Explore diving in Manzanillo

To the south, Manzanillo Bay is a non-traditional dive destination. Unlike many Mexican resort areas, the reefs here are still pristine and growing. In addition to reefs, divers will also find underwater fissures, swim-through archways, tunnels, and sea mounds with visible lava flows.

As an added bonus, Manzanillo Bay is home to a highly penetrable wreck. You will also be treated to astounding visibility that often reaches 100 feet (30 meters). Be aware that strong currents can ravage the area, especially in the sites outside the bay, and many of the sites along the rocky wall experience heavy surge around full and new moons. At other times, the sites close to shore are perfect for beginners with only gentle current.

When to dive in Manzanillo

November to May is considered the best time to dive offshore sites in Central Mexico, because the sea conditions in the Pacific are calmest during these months. The weather is good too; generally it’s sunny with an occasional rain shower.

If you love diving with pelagic species, book your holiday between November and May.

June to October is the offseason for liveaboards and general tourism in the area. However, at this time, the water warms significantly, reaching 84°F (26°C) in August and September. For many divers, especially beginners who will find the open ocean sites difficult to reach, the summer months are an ideal time to dive.

Book your diving in Manzanillo

Common marine life sightings for Manzanillo

Calendar
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sharks and Rays
Whitetip reef shark
Blacktip reef shark
Basking shark
Blue shark
Bull shark
Great white shark
Hammerhead shark
Oceanic whitetip shark
Whale shark
Leopard shark
Eagle ray
Manta ray
Ocean Fish
Seahorse
Sailfish
Mammals and Reptiles
Grey whale
Humpback whale
Pilot whale
Blue whale
Seal
Manatee (dugong)
Hawksbill turtle
Loggerhead turtle
Common dolphin
Most likely sightingsPossible sightings

More Information

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