About 6 Toed Cat
The dive site known as "6 Toed Cat" is not a recognized dive location in Mexico; rather, it refers to the polydactyl felines, many with six toes, that inhabit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida. These cats are descendants of Hemingway's original six-toed cat, Snow White, given to him by a ship captain, and have become an iconic part of the museum's charm. The house itself, built in 1851 in a French Colonial style, was Hemingway's home near the Key West Lighthouse and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1968. While the name evokes a whimsical idea of an underwater site, the "6 Toed Cat" is a land-based attraction. The cats are frequently seen lounging throughout the historic grounds, perching on furniture and exploring the lush gardens, offering a unique literary and animal encounter. Key West, situated at the southernmost end of Florida's Overseas Highway, is known for its vibrant atmosphere, historic architecture, and beautiful coral reefs. The Florida Keys archipelago, which includes Key West, is a significant destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, featuring extensive coral reefs and diverse marine life. For instance, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, part of the Upper Keys, is a premier dive destination with over 40 types of coral and nearly 600 fish species, popular even for inexperienced divers. Diving here involves exploring rich reef ecosystems, with options for guided tours for certified divers. Encounters with marine life in the Florida Keys generally include a wide array of reef fish, corals, and occasionally larger species depending on the specific dive site. The focus for "6 Toed Cat," however, remains on the historical and unique feline residents rather than underwater biodiversity. The cats are present year-round at the museum, providing a consistent draw for visitors interested in Hemingway's legacy and these distinctive animals. From a practical perspective, visiting the Hemingway House involves walking through a historic property to observe the cats and period artifacts. Diving in the broader Key West area would typically involve boat entries to reef sites, suitable for various certification levels depending on depth and current exposure, often with multiple dives per outing. However, for the "6 Toed Cat" experience, no diving equipment or certification is required, just an appreciation for history and quirky animal companions.
Highlights
Distinctive reef channelsHealthy coral structuresDiverse reef fishGood visibilityVaried current conditionsAccessible depth profileCaribbean reef ecosystem
Season calendar
Best months to dive here
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good
Nov – Apr (Peak)
Socorro season open (Nov–May) for giant mantas and hammerheads. Cozumel bull sharks Dec–Mar. Cenotes excellent year-round. Best overall conditions.
May – Oct (Transition & Sea of Cortez)
Socorro closing, Cozumel still good. Whale sharks arrive at Isla Mujeres Jun–Sep. From August, the Sea of Cortez comes alive: Midriff Islands offer massive sea lion colonies and schooling mobulas. September and October bring world-class diving around La Paz and Cabo Pulmo with whale sharks, hammerheads, and bull sharks on the Explore Baja route.
Dive site facts: 6 Toed Cat
- Current
- Variable, can be strong
- Visibility
- Good
- Water temperature
- 24–25°C (75–77°F) in December
- Entry
- Boat
- Level
- Beginner
- Dive type
- Reef, drift (possible)
- Region / port
- Puerto Morelos, Mexico
- Coordinates
- 20.8267, -86.8687
Conditions & Currents
Currents at 6 Toed Cat can be variable, ranging from mild to strong, as reported in the Puerto Morelos area. While some dives may experience minimal current, others can be characterized by a noticeable flow requiring divers to manage their position. Dive operators in the region are accustomed to these conditions and often plan dives as drifts when currents are significant. This allows divers to be carried along the reef rather than fighting the flow, with the boat following their progress. Entry into the water is typically from a boat, and efficient entry and exit procedures are important, especially if the boat is live-boating due to currents. Divers should be comfortable with boat entries and exits and capable of maintaining buoyancy in varying conditions.
Dive profile & how the dive runs
Diving 6 Toed Cat begins with a boat entry, typically a giant stride or backroll, from a small dive vessel. The boat positions itself slightly upcurrent if a drift dive is anticipated due to existing conditions. Divers descend to the reef, which features distinct channels and formations that can be navigated. The dive route often follows the natural contours of the reef, exploring its various sections. Depths are generally accessible, allowing for extended bottom times. The dive concludes with a safety stop, after which divers surface and are picked up by the attending boat, which may have followed their bubbles or a surface marker buoy if drifting.
Underwater photography
For photography at 6 Toed Cat, a wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the expansive reef scenery and unique channel formations. Macro lenses can also be rewarding for documenting the diverse, smaller reef inhabitants. Given the good visibility, ambient light can often be sufficient for wide shots, but strobes will enhance color and detail, especially in deeper areas or within swim-throughs. Maintaining excellent buoyancy control is crucial to avoid disturbing delicate corals and to position yourself effectively for shots within the reef's channels. Be mindful of any currents, as they may impact stability for longer exposures.
Combine with nearby dive sites
Getting there & logistics
Access to 6 Toed Cat is primarily through dive operators based in Puerto Morelos. The nearest major international airport is likely Cancun International Airport (CUN), serving the Riviera Maya region. Dive trips typically involve day boat excursions, often visiting two sites in a single outing, such as Fish Market and 6 Toed Cat. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for this site beyond standard dive tour costs. Trips usually originate directly from Puerto Morelos, a smaller town between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, offering a more local experience compared to larger tourist hubs.
Safety & environment
For diving at 6 Toed Cat, general dive safety protocols apply. Divers should ensure they have appropriate certification and adhere to safe diving practices, including monitoring no-decompression limits and gas supply. The nearest recompression chamber would be located in a larger medical facility within the Riviera Maya region, such as Cancun or Playa del Carmen, which are significant distances from Puerto Morelos. Evacuation procedures typically involve transport by boat to shore, then by road to a medical facility. Dive insurance is highly recommended to cover potential medical emergencies, including recompression treatment and evacuation. Divers should be aware of variable currents and communicate any concerns to their dive guide, as this may influence the dive plan.
Who it suits, and who it doesn't
Suited for
- Divers comfortable with boat entries and exits
- Those who enjoy exploring reef channels and formations
- Divers who appreciate healthy coral ecosystems
- Individuals seeking diverse reef fish encounters
Less suited for
- Divers unaccustomed to variable current conditions
- Beginners without recent open water experience
- Those looking exclusively for large pelagic encounters
FAQ
6 Toed Cat FAQ
What kind of marine life can I expect to see at 6 Toed Cat?
While specific species are not detailed, 6 Toed Cat is described as a nice reef with diverse fish, implying a variety of typical Caribbean reef inhabitants. The healthy reef structure suggests a thriving ecosystem supporting numerous small to medium-sized fish, invertebrates, and possibly some larger reef residents. It's a classic reef dive experience.
Are the currents strong at 6 Toed Cat?
Currents at 6 Toed Cat can be variable. Divers have reported encountering strong currents at times, necessitating drift diving techniques, while other reports suggest calmer conditions. Dive operators in Puerto Morelos are experienced in managing these conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.
What is the water temperature like at 6 Toed Cat?
The water temperature in the Puerto Morelos area, including 6 Toed Cat, is generally warm. A reported temperature in late December was 24-25°C (75-77°F). Temperatures tend to be warmest during the summer and fall months and slightly cooler in winter, but remain comfortable for diving with a 3mm shortie or full wetsuit.
Is 6 Toed Cat suitable for beginner divers?
The site's variable currents might make it more challenging for absolute beginners. While the depth is generally accessible, beginners should have recent open water experience and be comfortable with boat entries and exits, as well as managing buoyancy in potential current. It's best to discuss your experience level with the dive operator.
How do I get to 6 Toed Cat?
6 Toed Cat is accessed via boat trips from Puerto Morelos. Dive operators in Puerto Morelos offer excursions to this site, often combining it with another nearby dive site like Fish Market. Puerto Morelos itself is easily reachable by road from Cancun International Airport.
What makes 6 Toed Cat unique?
The uniqueness of 6 Toed Cat lies in its distinct reef channels and formations, which create an interesting topography to explore. These 'channels to swim in' provide a more engaging and varied dive experience compared to a flat reef, offering divers opportunities to navigate through natural underwater passages.
Why dive 6 Toed Cat from a liveaboard?
6 Toed Cat is one of Mexico's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include 6 Toed Cat on their Mexico itineraries.
Liveaboards diving 6 Toed Cat
These liveaboards may visit 6 Toed Cat on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Nautilus Explorer
Mexico
25 guests45 m
Valentina
Mexico
20 guests38 m
Rocio del Mar
Mexico
20 guests34 m
Nautilus Under Sea
Mexico
19 guests32 m
Nautilus Belle Amie
Mexico
32 guests45 m
Quino del Mar
Mexico
20 guests36 m
Nautilus Gallant Lady
Mexico
12 guests35 m
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