Dive Site: San Benedicto Island - The Canyon

About San Benedicto Island - The Canyon

San Benedicto Island's dive site "The Canyon" is a renowned location within Mexico's Revillagigedo Archipelago, frequently compared to the Galapagos for its exceptional big-animal encounters. Located on the south end of the island, this site is a magnet for large pelagic species, making it a highlight for advanced divers seeking thrilling interactions in the open ocean. The topography features a reef edge and rocky areas, with depths extending beyond typical recreational limits. Divers typically follow the reef, encountering diverse marine life that utilizes the area as a cleaning station and hunting ground. While not known for coral gardens, the sheer abundance of large creatures creates a dramatic underwater landscape. "The Canyon" is particularly celebrated for close encounters with giant Pacific manta rays, often seen alongside various shark species including Galapagos, silvertip, silky, and hammerheads. Dolphins are also frequent visitors, and during certain months, there is a chance to spot humpback whales. The optimal diving season for these interactions spans from November to May. Liveaboard trips are the only way to access this remote site, departing from Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo. Divers should be comfortable with open ocean conditions, as strong currents can be present. The focus here is entirely on the majestic megafauna, providing an unparalleled experience for those prioritizing encounters with large marine animals.

Dive site facts: San Benedicto Island - The Canyon

Depth

5–49 m (15–160 ft)

Current

Medium to strong

Visibility

15–50 m (49–164 ft)

Water temperature

21–28°C (70–84°F)

Entry

Liveaboard / tender / negative entry

Level

Advanced recommended, current experience helpful

Dive type

Pelagic, big animal

Night dive

Not permitted

Region / port

Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico

Coordinates

18.7892, -110.8167

Conditions & Currents

Currents at "The Canyon" can range from medium to strong, posing a challenge for less experienced divers. Divers often follow the reef edge to mitigate the effects of the current, particularly when moving towards or positioning at cleaning stations. Negative entries are common to reach desired depths quickly. Visibility is highly variable, influenced by plankton blooms that attract pelagic life, but generally good. Water temperatures fluctuate seasonally, impacting wetsuit choice, and thermoclines can occur. Divers must be proficient in buoyancy control and comfortable with open ocean conditions and potential blue-water safety stops due to the site's exposure.

Marine life & sighting chances

Giant Pacific manta ray

Year-round, particularly Nov-May · common

Hammerhead shark

Year-round · common

Silky shark

Year-round · common

Galapagos shark

Year-round · common

Bottlenose dolphin

Year-round, frequent Jan-Mar · common

Whale shark

Nov-Dec, late Apr-Jul · occasional

Humpback whale

Jan-Apr · occasional

White tip reef shark

Year-round · common

Giant Pacific octopus

Year-round · occasional

Moray eel

Year-round · common

Blackjack

Year-round · common

Silver tip shark

Year-round · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at "The Canyon" typically begin with a negative entry from a panga (tender) to quickly descend to about 23 meters (75 feet), avoiding strong surface currents. Divers then follow the reef's edge, using it as protection from the main current, exploring rock formations where various sharks are frequently spotted. The main attraction, giant manta rays, are often encountered hovering at cleaning stations around 23 meters. The dive progresses along the wall, observing the dynamic pelagic action in the blue. Turnaround is based on air consumption and no-decompression limits, maintaining a generally similar depth profile to maximize time with large animals. Safety stops are often conducted in the blue water, requiring excellent buoyancy control due to potentially strong currents and the remote nature of the site.

Underwater photography

Capturing the pelagic action at "The Canyon" requires thoughtful preparation. A wide-angle lens, such as a fisheye or wide zoom, is essential to encompass the vastness of the ocean and the imposing size of manta rays, sharks, and dolphins. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out color and detail in the blue water, especially when subjects are further away. Focus on capturing the interaction and scale; be patient and allow the animals to approach. Ethical conduct is paramount: maintain a respectful distance, avoid chasing, and let the curious mantas come to you. Buoyancy control is critical, particularly during blue-water safety stops and in strong currents, to avoid disturbing the environment or other divers.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• San Benedicto - El Fondeadero

  Often used for check-out dives, featuring pinnacles with lobster, fish, eels, and occasional sharks.

• San Benedicto - The Boiler

  A famous cleaning station for giant Pacific manta rays, often showing curious behavior towards divers.

• Socorro - Cabo Pearce

  Known for frequent dolphin encounters and manta ray cleaning stations along a rock wall.

• Socorro - Punta Tosca

  A reef dive with two lava arms, known for dolphins, whitetip sharks, and occasional tiger shark and manta sightings.

• Roca Partida

  A remote pinnacle teeming with pelagic activity, including whitetip reef sharks, hammerheads, mantas, and sometimes whale sharks.

Getting there & logistics

Access to "The Canyon" and the Revillagigedo Archipelago is exclusively via liveaboard. Divers fly into San Jose del Cabo (SJD), located about 30 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. From either Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo, liveaboards embark for a crossing that typically takes around 24 hours to reach the remote islands. Trips are usually 8 to 10 nights, offering multiple dives daily across the various islands of the archipelago. Park fees are applicable for the UNESCO World Heritage site. There are no land-based operations or day trips to this site due to its extreme remoteness.

Safety & environment

Diving at "The Canyon" requires a high level of experience due to strong currents and deep dive profiles. Divers must be proficient in advanced diving techniques and comfortable with open ocean conditions, including blue-water safety stops. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Cabo San Lucas, necessitating a long-distance evacuation by liveaboard. Comprehensive dive insurance, including evacuation and recompression coverage, is mandatory. It is crucial to follow the dive guide's instructions, maintain excellent buoyancy, and avoid chasing marine life to ensure both diver safety and animal welfare in this protected marine area.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

San Benedicto Island - The Canyon FAQ

Liveaboards diving San Benedicto Island - The Canyon

These liveaboards may visit San Benedicto Island - The Canyon on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nautilus Explorer

Mexico

25 guests44.8 m

$330/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

$323/day

Quino del Mar

Mexico

20 guests36 m

$377/day

Nautilus Gallant Lady

Mexico

12 guests35.36 m

$332/day