Dive Site: Manchones 2

About Manchones 2

Manchones 2 is a shallow reef located just off the coast of Isla Mujeres, situated on the Cancún side of Manchones 1 within the protected Manchones National Park. Its name, derived from the word 'mancha' meaning 'stain', reflects its appearance from above. This site is renowned for its calm conditions and excellent visibility, making it a popular spot for divers and snorkelers of all experience levels. The topography of Manchones 2 features an elongated reef section resting on Caribbean white sand at a depth of 9-10 meters (30-33 feet). Divers can navigate this vibrant coral garden in a zigzag pattern to explore numerous outcroppings and even some swim-throughs. A notable starting point is a large reef outcrop with coral plantations, and further south lies "The Cosmic Rock," another significant reef formation teeming with marine life. The marine environment at Manchones 2 is rich and diverse. Encounters with pelagic species like turtles, rays, and nurse sharks are common. The reef is home to massive schools of yellowtail snapper, blue tangs, sergeant majors, parrotfish, trunkfish, cowfish, eels, butterflyfish, and angelfish. The consistent presence of these creatures, along with comfortable water temperatures, ensures excellent opportunities for marine observation and underwater photography throughout the year. Diving here typically involves easy boat entries into conditions with minimal current and strong sunlight penetration. Dive times within the National Park are limited to 45 minutes, irrespective of air supply, to manage diver traffic and protect the reef. This site is ideal for specialty training, continuing education, and initial ocean dives, providing a relaxed pace to practice buoyancy and enjoy the tranquil underwater scenery.

Dive site facts: Manchones 2

Depth

9–10 m

Current

No current

Entry

Liveaboard or dayboat

Level

Beginner

Dive type

Reef, Reef

Region / port

Mexico

Coordinates

21.1645° N, 86.7475° W

Conditions & Currents

Manchones 2 typically experiences mild to negligible currents, creating an exceptionally calm environment for both divers and snorkelers. Its protected location ensures conditions are generally tranquil with excellent visibility, often ranging from 15 to 30 meters. Divers can anticipate easy boat entries and exits, with no significant concern for strong surge or challenging blue water descents. The gentle water flow allows for comfortable drifts over the coral gardens, making it suitable for all experience levels, including those undergoing training or completing their first ocean dives. Thermoclines are generally absent at these shallow depths, ensuring a consistently warm water column. This predictability supports extended bottom times and simplified gas planning, though dive times within the national park are limited to 45 minutes regardless of air supply.

Liveaboards diving Manchones 2

These liveaboards may visit Manchones 2 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

$249/day

Quino del Mar

Mexico

20 guests36 m

$392/day

Nautilus Gallant Lady

Mexico

12 guests35.36 m

$332/day