About Gatas
Gatas is a coral reef dive site situated on the western side of the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. This region, encompassing both Gatas and Punta Gonzalez, holds significant cultural heritage status from UNESCO and was Mexico's first biosphere reserve. Its unique ecosystem supports endemic species and a vibrant array of marine life. The dive site features a coral reef flanked by sand on both sides, forming part of the extensive ring reef that encircles the atoll. Divers typically enter the water via boat. The maximum depth reached at Gatas is approximately 20 meters (65 feet), making it accessible for various certification levels while still offering rich exploration opportunities. The area is renowned for its marine biodiversity, including sightings of pelagic fish, barracuda, and jackfish. Parrotfish, trumpetfish, and various rays are also commonly observed. A particular highlight of Banco Chinchorro, and thus Gatas, is the presence of docile nurse sharks that are known to interact with divers, providing excellent chances for observation and photography. Lobsters are also frequently encountered. Diving at Gatas is generally done from a boat. The site is suitable for PADI Open Water Divers and those with an Advanced Open Water Diver certification. The experience focuses on reef exploration and observation of the abundant marine fauna, making it a rewarding dive for those interested in underwater photography and shark conservation.
Highlights
Docile nurse shark encountersEndemic pink lips bat fishCoral reef ecosystemUNESCO Biosphere ReservePelagic fish schoolsDiverse ray speciesLobster sightings
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: Gatas
- Depth
- 12–20 m
- Current
- Moderate
- Entry
- Liveaboard only
- Level
- Beginner
- Dive type
- Reef, Reef
- Region / port
- Mexico
- Coordinates
- 18.4362° N, 87.2980° 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 20 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 Gatas from a liveaboard?
Gatas 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 Gatas on their Mexico itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Gatas
These liveaboards may visit Gatas 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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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
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