Mexico

Dive Site: The Abyss

Advanced Wall
© Esri — Source: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar, GIS Community · Labels © Esri — HERE, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS

Which liveaboards dive The Abyss?

About The Abyss

The Abyss is a renowned deep wall dive site located off Isla del Carmen in Loreto, known for its dramatic underwater topography. This site plunges to significant depths, offering an exhilarating experience for advanced divers interested in exploring the deeper reef structures of the Sea of Cortez. As divers descend along the wall, they can observe a fascinating change in marine life and coral formations. The Abyss is particularly famous for its pelagic encounters; eagle rays are frequently spotted here, gracefully navigating the currents along the wall. The vastness of the wall and its deep sections also provide opportunities to spot larger, more elusive species that inhabit deeper waters. The site's unique geological features, combined with its abundant marine life, make it a captivating dive. Good buoyancy control is essential to navigate the wall effectively and appreciate its intricate ecosystems. The deep blue waters and the sense of limitless depth contribute to an awe-inspiring dive experience.

Highlights

Dramatic deep wall diveFrequent eagle ray sightingsOpportunity for pelagic encountersUnique geological formationsChallenging yet rewarding dive

Dive site facts: The Abyss

Current
Mild
Entry
Liveaboard only
Level
Advanced
Dive type
Wall, Wall, Drift
Region / port
Mexico
Coordinates
25.8797° N, 111.2941° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents are usually mild, which makes this a relaxed dive suitable for most certified divers. It is usually briefed as a dive for advanced 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 The Abyss from a liveaboard?

The Abyss 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 The Abyss on their Mexico itineraries.

Liveaboards diving The Abyss

These liveaboards may visit The Abyss on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nautilus Explorer liveaboard at The Abyss

Nautilus Explorer

Mexico

25 guests44.8 m
$230/day
Valentina liveaboard at The Abyss

Valentina

Mexico

20 guests38.1 m
$430/day
Rocio del Mar liveaboard at The Abyss

Rocio del Mar

Mexico

20 guests33.5 m
$392/day
Nautilus Under Sea liveaboard at The Abyss

Nautilus Under Sea

Mexico

19 guests32 m
$261/day
Nautilus Belle Amie liveaboard at The Abyss

Nautilus Belle Amie

Mexico

32 guests44.8 m
$249/day
Quino del Mar liveaboard at The Abyss

Quino del Mar

Mexico

20 guests36 m
$392/day
Nautilus Gallant Lady liveaboard at The Abyss

Nautilus Gallant Lady

Mexico

12 guests35.36 m
$332/day

Dive sites similar to The Abyss

Same character, same waters — six more sites divers love for the exact same reasons.Compare seasons, access and liveaboard routes — then pick the site that fits your trip best.
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

The C-58 Wreck, also known as the USS Harlequin or ARM DM-20, is a prominent artificial reef located off the coast of Cancún and Isla Mujeres.

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Moderate
Access
Dayboat
Depth
18–26 m
Theme
Wreck / Drift
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

Cenote Kukulkan, often referred to as Chikin Ha, is a captivating underwater cavern system located in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Playa del Carmen.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
No current
Access
Dayboat
Depth
10–15 m
Theme
Cavern / Pinnacle
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

Moc-Che Shallow is a vibrant reef dive situated directly off Playa del Carmen in Mexico, forming part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
7–14 m
Theme
Drift
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

Pelican Rock is a renowned dive site located within the Cabo San Lucas Marine Park in Baja California Sur, Mexico, just a few minutes by boat from the marina.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Mild
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
5–40 m
Theme
Wall
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

El Morro

Mexico

El Morro is acclaimed as one of the best diving locations in the Puerto Vallarta area, situated just beyond the sheltered waters of Banderas Bay.

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Strong
Access
Dayboat
Depth
18–37 m
Theme
Reef / Wall
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

Cabo San Lucas, situated at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, offers a surprisingly rich underwater environment despite its popular tourism.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Mild
Access
Dayboat
Depth
8–40 m
Theme
Reef / Wall

7 liveaboards run the The Abyss route.

Three to four guided dives a day on The Abyss and the other signature sites in Mexico, sleeping right above the reef.