Xcalak (pronounced “ish-ka-lak”) is a small village on the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula that is about 50 kilometers/31 miles south of Mahahual in the state of Quintana Roo. It is only 10 kilometers/6 miles north from the border with neighboring country Belize. A section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System is located just offshore from Xcalak and is protected by its designation as a Mexican National Marine Reef Park – Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak.
Just north of the marine park is Banco Chinchorro, an atoll that is part of the protected Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. For many divers, Banco Chinchorro, located just 30 kilometers/19 miles offshore, is the main attraction. It is known for its vibrant coral reefs and many shipwrecks. Xcalak itself only has a few dive shops and one dive resort, but they have the correct permits for diving in the marine park and run daily trips. These dive shops also offer certification courses for beginners. Liveaboard dive boats are not common in this area, since all dive sites are a short boat ride away.
Xcalak has reef-diving, drift-diving, wall-diving, and wreck-diving opportunities at offshore sites both in the Xcalak Reef National Marine Park and Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Most dive sites are beginner-friendly, though there are a few deep dives in areas with swift current that are recommended for advanced divers only.
As part of a protected area, the dive sites near Xcalak consist of healthy coral reefs and vibrant flora and fauna. Divers can expect to see lobsters, stingrays, groupers, angelfish, damselfish, and hundreds of other fish. Green, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead turtles are also frequently spotted in this area. If you’re lucky, you may come across a manatee hanging out around the mangrove roots at Banco Chinchorro atoll.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
