About Aquarium, Gardens
Aquarium, Gardens is a captivating dive site situated within the northern sector of the designated diving zone in Chinchorro, located 36 km off the coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico. This area, part of the wider Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve, is renowned for its vibrant marine ecosystems and significant coral formations, making it a prime destination for exploring Caribbean underwater life. The site features a distinctive topography, characterized by a small coral wall leading to a 15-meter-deep platform. From this platform, a vertical drop commences around an average depth of 12 meters, extending down to its deepest point at 20 meters. The wall itself is interspersed with sandy patches, while other sections are adorned with independent coral structures. Beyond the wall, a gradual slope descends further into the depths, offering varied terrain for exploration. Divers can anticipate encountering a rich diversity of marine species typical of the Chinchorro atoll, such as colorful sponges and a multitude of tropical fish, including groupers, damselfish, and snappers. Turtles are a common sight, frequently observed in the shallower areas, with multiple species often present during a single dive. Schools of barracudas may also be encountered, and nurse sharks are a particularly notable and friendly resident species, often swimming alongside divers. While specific seasonality for these encounters isn't detailed for this exact site, the general region offers abundant marine life throughout the year, with species diversity depending on the season and time of day. This site is considered an easy dive, largely due to its manageable depths and varied topography. Diving here typically ranges from 12 to 30 meters, allowing for exploration across different depth bands. The relatively straightforward conditions and abundant marine life make it suitable for a wide range of certified divers, from those gaining experience to more seasoned enthusiasts.
Highlights
Small coral wall structure15-meter deep platformVertical drop from 12 metersNurse shark encountersAbundant tropical fishFrequent turtle sightingsInterspersed sandbanks with coral
Dive site facts: Aquarium, Gardens
- Depth
- 12–30 m
- Current
- Moderate
- Entry
- Liveaboard only
- Level
- Beginner
- Dive type
- Reef, Reef
- Region / port
- Mexico
- Coordinates
- 18.5992° N, 87.3195° W
Conditions & Currents
Moderate currents can run here, so plan drift entries and stay close to the group. Dive profiles here run between roughly 12 and 30 metres, so plan your gas and no-decompression limits around the deeper part of the site. It is usually briefed as a dive for beginner divers. The site is reached by liveaboard, so entries are run from the tender or straight off the back deck. Tide, wind and season all shift the picture from day to day, so the crew's briefing on the boat always overrides any general description.
Why dive Aquarium, Gardens from a liveaboard?
Aquarium, Gardens 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 Aquarium, Gardens on their Mexico itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Aquarium, Gardens
These liveaboards may visit Aquarium, Gardens on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Nautilus Explorer
Mexico
25 guests44.8 m
$230/day
Valentina
Mexico
20 guests38.1 m
$430/day
Rocio del Mar
Mexico
20 guests33.5 m
$392/day
Nautilus Under Sea
Mexico
19 guests32 m
$261/day
Nautilus Belle Amie
Mexico
32 guests44.8 m
$323/day
Quino del Mar
Mexico
20 guests36 m
$392/day
Nautilus Gallant Lady
Mexico
12 guests35.36 m
$332/day
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
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