Explore Oaxaca
Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s 31 states and is located on the southern coast, facing the Pacific Ocean. It contains popular coastal tourist destinations such as Puerto Escondido, a surfing hotspot, and Huatulco (previously Bahías de Huatulco), which is a region consisting of 9 smaller bays and 36 beaches. Five of these bays in Huatulco are protected as part of a National Park (Parque Nacional Huatulco), which supports the vibrant marine ecosystem. This is part of the reason why Huatulco is a popular scuba diving destination as well.
While scuba diving is year-round in this region of the Pacific Ocean, the best time of year is November through May, when ocean conditions are calmest. This is also when divers have a chance of seeing pelagic species offshore of Huatulco. Non-pelagic species are also plentiful, such as sea turtles, eels, tropical fish, octopus, bivalves, crustaceans, and gastropods.
Top Oaxaca Dive Sites
1. Isla San Agustin
This site is abundant with diverse marine life, including colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and occasional dolphin sightings. The adventure level is easy, ideal for beginner scuba divers. It's a scuba diving site known for its beautiful coral formations and clear waters.
2. Cacaluta
Cacaluta boasts vibrant coral reefs and a variety of fish species, making it a perfect spot for both novice and advanced divers. This site is suited for scuba diving, offering serene underwater experiences with its extensive coral gardens.
3. Maguey
Known for its rich marine biodiversity, Maguey is home to schools of fish, octopuses, and occasional rays. It offers an easy diving experience suitable for scuba divers. The site features stunning rock formations and clear visibility, making it a favorite among divers.
4. El Violin
This dive site is famous for frequent sightings of various rays, including butterfly rays and electric rays. It is an easy to advanced scuba diving location, providing diverse underwater landscapes and thriving marine life.
5. La Montosa
La Montosa is a site for both scuba diving and freediving, catering to advanced divers due to its depth and currents. It features impressive underwater rock structures and is home to a variety of marine species. The site is slightly more challenging, offering an adventurous dive experience.
