About Los Anegados
Los Anegados is a notable dive site located just west of the Marietas Islands, near the mouth of Banderas Bay in the Central Pacific region of Mexico. Positioned roughly a mile from Las Marietas, it serves as a popular second dive option, often paired with deeper sites like El Morro. This area is characterized by an intriguing underwater topography, featuring a rocky slope that begins at approximately 10 meters and extends down to a maximum depth of 25 meters. The site's sandy bottom provides habitat for a variety of marine species, including rays and eels, while the rocky formations create shelters and feeding grounds. While not as deep as some of its neighbors, Los Anegados offers a rich ecosystem. The waters here are warm, especially during the summer months, and generally provide good visibility, making it an accessible and enjoyable dive for many skill levels. Divers frequently encounter nurse sharks at Los Anegados, making it particularly renowned for these docile creatures. The site's position within the broader Banderas Bay means it benefits from the Pacific's diverse pelagic life, although its shallower nature makes it more focused on reef and bottom dwellers. Its proximity to the protected Marietas Islands also contributes to the health and biodiversity of the area, providing a calm yet engaging underwater experience.
Highlights
Nurse shark encountersRocky slope topographySandy bottom inhabitantsProximity to Marietas IslandsSecond dive optionBanderas Bay marine life
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: Los Anegados
- Depth
- 10–25 m
- Current
- Mild to variable
- Visibility
- 12–24 m
- Water temperature
- 17–30 °C
- Entry
- Day boat
- Level
- All certified levels
- Dive type
- Reef, topography
- Region / port
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Coordinates
- 21.7735° N, 97.2463° W
Conditions & Currents
Los Anegados is situated near the edge of Banderas Bay, where currents are typically milder than in more exposed areas like El Morro, yet can still be variable. The site is often recommended as a second dive, implying generally manageable conditions. Visibility is often good, ranging from 12-24 meters, but can vary seasonally. Water temperatures are warm, ranging from 17°C to 30°C throughout the year, with the warmest conditions in late summer. Divers should be aware of potential thermoclines, especially during cooler months. Entry is typically by boat, with divers descending onto the rocky slope. Exit is usually back onto the boat. While not known for strong currents, divers should always be mindful of local conditions and plan their gas accordingly, especially given the site's maximum depth of 25 meters.
Marine life & sighting chances
Nurse sharks
common
Rays
occasional
Eels
occasional
Tropical fish
common
Octopus
occasional
Nudibranchs
occasionalDive profile & how the dive runs
Dives at Los Anegados typically begin from a day boat, often as a second dive following a deeper excursion at a nearby site like El Morro. Divers descend onto a rocky slope that starts around 10 meters and gradually deepens to a maximum of 25 meters. The dive usually progresses along this slope, exploring the interesting topography and rocky outcrops where marine life congregates. Particular attention should be paid to the sandy bottom adjacent to the rocks, which hosts various species such as rays and eels. Keep an eye out for nurse sharks, which are a highlight here. The dive often concludes with a slow ascent along the slope, conducting the safety stop at 5 meters near the top of the reef before surfacing for boat pick-up.
Underwater photography
Los Anegados offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography focusing on its unique rocky formations and the nurse sharks that frequent the site. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the topography and broader reef scenes. For macro enthusiasts, the crevices and sandy patches may reveal nudibranchs, crabs, and eels, requiring a macro lens. Given the maximum depth of 25 meters, external strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the marine life and corals. Practice good buoyancy to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom and delicate reef structures, ensuring clear shots and preserving the environment.
Combine with nearby dive sites
Getting there & logistics
Los Anegados is accessed via day boats primarily departing from Puerto Vallarta or nearby towns such as Sayulita and Punta Mita. Travelers typically fly into Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in Puerto Vallarta. Dive trips to Los Anegados are usually part of a two-tank dive excursion, often combined with El Morro or Marietas Islands due to their proximity. No specific permit fees are mentioned for Los Anegados itself, though national park fees may apply if combined with trips to the Marietas Islands. The typical duration for a two-tank trip including this site is half a day.
Safety & environment
While Los Anegados is generally considered suitable for all certified divers, being aware of and prepared for variable currents is important. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Puerto Vallarta, emphasizing the need for appropriate dive insurance covering emergency medical care and evacuation. Divers should always maintain good buoyancy control to avoid contact with the rocky slopes and marine life. Always dive within your training limits and follow the guidance of your divemaster, particularly regarding group separation and dive profiles. Emergency evacuation procedures would involve surface transport back to Puerto Vallarta.
Who it suits, and who it doesn't
Suited for
- All certified diver levels
- Divers seeking nurse shark encounters
- Photographers interested in wide-angle and macro subjects
- Divers looking for a relaxed second dive
- Enthusiasts of rocky reef topography
Less suited for
- Divers seeking deep technical dives
- Beginners without proper certification
- Divers unfamiliar with boat diving procedures
- Those looking exclusively for large pelagic encounters (better at other sites)
- Individuals sensitive to variable currents
FAQ
Los Anegados FAQ
What kind of marine life can I expect to see at Los Anegados?
Los Anegados is particularly known for frequent sightings of nurse sharks, which are often found resting on the sandy bottom or in crevices. Divers can also commonly encounter various species of rays and eels. The rocky slopes and reef patches host tropical fish, and macro life like nudibranchs and octopuses can be spotted within the crevices and coral formations.
Is Los Anegados suitable for beginner divers?
Yes, Los Anegados is generally suitable for all certified diver levels, including beginners. The site's maximum depth of 25 meters and typically mild currents make it accessible. However, basic certification is required, and divers should be comfortable with boat entries and exits. It is often recommended as a second, shallower dive after a deeper excursion.
What are the typical dive conditions at Los Anegados?
Typical dive conditions at Los Anegados feature water temperatures ranging from 17°C to 30°C, with the warmest conditions in late summer. Visibility is usually good, often between 12 to 24 meters, though it can vary seasonally. Currents are generally mild to variable, making it a manageable dive site for most. The site consists of a rocky slope and sandy bottom.
Can I combine a dive at Los Anegados with other sites?
Yes, Los Anegados is frequently combined with other dive sites in the Banderas Bay area, particularly El Morro or the Marietas Islands. It is often scheduled as the second, shallower dive of a two-tank trip, providing a diverse experience within the region. This combination allows divers to explore both deeper, more exposed areas and shallower, protected reefs.
How deep is Los Anegados and what is the underwater topography like?
Los Anegados features an interesting underwater topography, starting with a rocky slope at approximately 10 meters and descending to a maximum depth of 25 meters. The site combines these rocky formations with areas of sandy bottom. This mix of hard and soft substrates provides diverse habitats for various marine species, including nurse sharks, rays, and eels.
Why dive Los Anegados from a liveaboard?
Los Anegados is one of Mexico's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and typically offers several guided dives per day (the exact number depends on the vessel and itinerary), 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.
Liveaboards diving Los Anegados
These liveaboards may visit Los Anegados on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Nautilus Explorer
Mexico
25 guests45 m
Valentina
Mexico
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Rocio del Mar
Mexico
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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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