Dive Site: Moc-Che Shallow

About Moc-Che Shallow

Moc-Che Shallow is a vibrant reef dive situated directly off Playa del Carmen in Mexico, forming part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. This site is easily accessible, typically reached by a short 10-minute boat ride from the port, making it a popular choice for local diving. It is considered one of the northernmost shallow reef sections directly fronting the city, providing an accessible entry point to the region's rich marine environment. The dive begins as you descend to the reef, which starts at depths between 7 to 9 meters. Following the reef edge, you'll discover a healthy coral garden featuring both hard and soft corals, alongside various sponges. The reef structure builds to a height of about 3 meters in places, creating numerous stones and crevices that offer shelter to a variety of small reef inhabitants. The topography also includes sandy channels and impressive archways, with one notable arch at the site's maximum depth of 12.5 meters. Marine life at Moc-Che Shallow is abundant and diverse. Divers frequently encounter lobsters, spotted moray eels, spider crabs, and shrimp hidden within the reef's many nooks. Green giant moray eels and various crabs can be spotted in small caves. The site is home to large schools of reef fish, including yellowstripe grunts that congregate around the archway, providing a memorable visual. Turtles are also often present, feeding on the corals. While specific seasonal aggregations are not detailed, marine life is generally consistent. This site is primarily suited for beginner and Open Water certified divers due to its shallow profile and generally manageable conditions. Dives are typically conducted as drift dives, with the boat following overhead, eliminating the need for long surface swims. A surface marker buoy is recommended due to moderate boat traffic. The dive profile is relaxed, allowing ample time for exploration of the extensive coral formations and marine encounters.

Dive site facts: Moc-Che Shallow

Depth

7–14 m

Current

Moderate

Entry

Liveaboard or dayboat

Level

Beginner

Dive type

Reef, Drift

Region / port

Mexico

Coordinates

20.6171° N, 87.0172° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Moc-Che Shallow are typically light to moderate, often flowing from south to north. This allows for enjoyable drift dives, where divers can comfortably glide along the reef formations. Entry is usually direct from the boat, and as the dive progresses, the vessel follows the divers overhead, ensuring minimal surface swimming upon ascent. Due to the generally moderate boat traffic in the area, the use of a surface marker buoy is strongly recommended for safety and visibility to surface vessels. Visibility is generally excellent, often reaching 20 to 40 meters, particularly during the dry season from November to April. Thermoclines are generally not a concern in these shallow depths, and surface conditions usually feature minimal waves.

Liveaboards diving Moc-Che Shallow

These liveaboards may visit Moc-Che Shallow 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