About Fish Market
Fish Market is a vibrant shallow reef located in the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park, on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Situated just an eight-minute boat ride from the Marina, this site is renowned for its exceptional abundance of marine life, earning its evocative name. It provides an ideal setting for divers seeking substantial schools of fish and a pristine coral environment. The dive site features a largely uniform depth, reaching a maximum of 9 to 10.7 meters (30 to 35 feet). While generally flat, the reef is dotted with soft corals and offers plenty of intricate structures to explore. Divers can expect long bottom times due to its shallow nature. The topography supports a high density of fish, making it a compelling location for underwater photography. The site is teeming with marine life throughout the year. You'll encounter numerous schools, often containing 50-100 fish, primarily composed of various grunt species and parrotfish. Other common reef fish are also present, alongside schools of 'sailors choice'. It's also a hotspot for eels, with sightings of large green morays and smaller blue-striped eels. Occasional encounters with sharks, whales, dolphins, and turtles are possible. Fish Market is an excellent choice for novice divers and those looking for relaxed exploration. Its gentle conditions and abundant fish life provide a rewarding experience, typically allowing for extended dives and multiple photographic opportunities.
Highlights
Season calendar
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: Fish Market
- Depth
- 0–11 m
- Current
- Moderate
- Entry
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Level
- Beginner
- Dive type
- Reef, Reef
- Region / port
- Mexico
- Coordinates
- 20.8291° N, 86.8775° W
Conditions & Currents
Information regarding current strength, direction, slack dependency, entry/exit techniques, surge, thermoclines, or specific visibility swings for Fish Market is not detailed in the provided sources. However, the site's suitability for novice divers and extended bottom times suggests generally mild and manageable conditions. Divers can anticipate comfortable diving in waters with temperatures typically in the low 80s Fahrenheit (around 27-28°C), making a 3mm wetsuit suitable.
Why dive Fish Market from a liveaboard?
Fish Market 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 Fish Market on their Mexico itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Fish Market
These liveaboards may visit Fish Market on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nautilus Explorer
Mexico

Valentina
Mexico

Rocio del Mar
Mexico

Nautilus Under Sea
Mexico

Nautilus Belle Amie
Mexico

Quino del Mar
Mexico

Nautilus Gallant Lady
Mexico
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