Diving in Chiapas-Nicaragua
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Chiapas-Nicaragua's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Chiapas-Nicaragua, ecoregion. This region features 26 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Chiapas-Nicaragua has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Chiapas-Nicaragua (6)
Popular Spots in Chiapas-Nicaragua (26)
Agua Caliente
Agua Caliente is a dive site located on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, characterized by a shallow overhead environment that allows divers to experience a unique setting reminiscent of a bar. The site is home to various black bass, and divers can observe bright green vegetation near the surface. Dive guides from ATI Divers are available to assist with identifying the diverse flora and fauna of the lake.
Arco Iris, Brumel Island
Arco Iris is situated 8 kilometers north of Playa Potrero, accessible via a shore entry. The dive site features a rock formation extending from the northwest side of Brumel Island in a northerly direction. Divers can expect to encounter white tip reef sharks, with depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 100 feet). The area is also known for sightings of various ray species and large schools of fish, making it a notable location for marine life observation.
Bajo Negro, Black Rock
Bajo Negro, also known as Black Rock, is situated within the National Park of Santa Rosa, specifically on Bat Island. This dive site is approximately 45 kilometers from Potrero. Divers may experience sudden encounters with marine life, such as sailfish and schools of barracuda, making it an unpredictable yet intriguing dive. The site can experience strong currents, which may require divers to have some experience. The entry to the site is from the shore.
Bat Island: Big Scare, Gran Susto
Bat Islands, part of the Murcielago Archipelago within the Santa Rosa National Park, are recognized as a premier location for bull shark encounters, particularly from April to November. The site, known as 'Big Scare,' is characterized by its depth, making it suitable only for advanced certified divers. In addition to bull sharks, divers may also observe various species of rays, including oceanic mantas. The area is protected, contributing to its rich marine biodiversity.
Brumel shallow
Brumel Shallow is a dive site located at coordinates 10.507900, -85.822100, accessible via shore entry. This site is particularly suitable for beginner divers and is often chosen during periods of strong winds due to its sheltered environment compared to the main Catalina Islands. Divers typically head south from the entry point, with a maximum depth of approximately 14 meters. The marine life here includes various tropical reef fish such as angelfish, barber fish, cornetfish, damselfish, and wrasses. Larger species like sharks are infrequent due to the shallow nature of the site.
Casa del Mundo
Casa del Mundo is a dive site located in Lake Atitlan, accessible by boat. The site features deep and clear waters with small freshwater reefs positioned along the steep cliffs. A notable aspect of this dive is the ability to touch the sandy bottom at the base of the volcano, where the sediment retains heat. The surrounding landscape includes towering volcanoes and lush jungles, contributing to the unique underwater environment.
Chiliguaro
Chiliguaro is a small dive site located on the peninsula between Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa. The rocky formations provide excellent habitats for various macro marine life, including nudibranchs, seahorses, and other small creatures. Divers can also encounter octopuses, turtles, rays, and resting sharks, along with schools of fish. This site is particularly suitable for macro photography due to the diverse and vibrant marine life present.
Coco Bay
Coco Bay features a sandy bottom that provides a calm environment ideal for training activities. Divers can practice essential skills such as rescue techniques and navigation in these tranquil conditions. The sandy substrate supports a surprising variety of marine life, including occasional sightings of seahorses, nudibranchs, snake eels, and pufferfish. Each small rock in this area serves as a habitat for various organisms, contributing to the biodiversity of the site.
Corridas
Corridas is located at the corner of Coco Bay and features two closely situated rocks or low pinnacles surrounded by sandy areas. Divers can explore both formations within a single dive. The site is particularly known for its diverse ray population, where sightings of multiple ray species, including eagle rays, longtail stingrays, butterfly rays, bullseye electric rays, and devil rays, are common.
Escorpiones
Escorpiones is situated on a shallow ledge with depths ranging from 10 meters (30 feet) to 20 meters (70 feet). The rocky formations provide shelter for various small marine creatures, while the adjacent sandy areas are frequented by larger species. Divers can often observe white tip reef sharks and eagle rays in the sandy regions near the rocks. The rocky structures themselves are inhabited by a variety of marine life, including octopus, nudibranchs, moray eels, and scorpionfish.
Estudiantes
Estudiantes is a shallow dive site characterized by a sandy bottom and calm waters, making it suitable for beginner divers and students. The site is also appealing to experienced divers due to the rich marine life present. Notably, divers can observe large schools of balloon fish, often numbering in the hundreds. Additionally, the area is home to various macro critters, moray eels, octopuses, and a variety of schooling fish, enhancing the overall diving experience.
Guacamaya Island
Guacamaya Island is located north of Flamingo and Potrero along the coast, accessible via a shore entry. The site features varying depths, with the eastern side reaching around 5 meters and the western side dropping to nearly 30 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life, including numerous fish species, rays, sharks, and turtles. The area is also suitable for snorkeling when conditions permit.
La Tortuga
La Tortuga is situated northwest of Playa Coco and derives its name from the turtle-shaped island above and a turtle-shaped cement block near the mooring line. This dive site features multiple routes and includes a small wreck. Divers can expect to see white tip sharks, particularly in cooler water, as well as numerous stingrays. Additionally, boxfish and crocodile fish are commonly observed near the moorings.
Lago Llopango
Lago Llopango, located approximately 16 kilometers from San Salvador, is a volcanic crater lake measuring 8 by 11 kilometers, with a total area of 72 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 230 meters. This site offers divers the opportunity to explore underwater hot springs and unique volcanic formations. The lake was formed by a significant volcanic eruption in 240 AD, providing a distinctive diving experience within an active crater. Entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its depths and geological features.
Laguna de Apoyo 60m Spot
Laguna de Apoyo is recognized as the first official freediving site in the region. This volcanic crater lake offers warm water conditions with no thermocline, minimal current, and infrequent waves. The maximum depth available for diving is 60 meters. The lake is home to seven species of fish, the largest reaching approximately 15 centimeters in length. The environment is considered safe for divers, with no dangerous marine life present. Access to the site is via a shore entry, and a private mooring line is available for use.
Lake Atitlan Qnyy
Lake Atitlán is an altitude dive site at 1,562 meters (5,026 feet) and is intended for experienced divers. Notable features include a submerged Mayan village and a petrified forest with volcanic boulders. Divers can also find ancient artifacts scattered in the area.
Memories wreck
The Memories wreck is a fishing vessel that sank in Coco Bay. Measuring approximately 25 meters in length, it is not suitable for penetration but provides an opportunity to observe a variety of juvenile fish that take refuge within the structure. Divers can look into the cabin to see features such as the captain's chair and may encounter marine life including nudibranchs, scorpionfish, and schools of juvenile grunts, such as spot tail, Latin, and Cortez. The site offers a unique view of the underwater ecosystem surrounding the wreck.
Meros
Meros is a shallow dive site with a maximum depth of 12 meters (40 feet), making it suitable for photography and relaxed diving experiences. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including octopus, nudibranchs, and the occasional frogfish. Moray eels are also present, along with sightings of eagle rays and numerous pufferfish. This site is ideal for a second dive of the day due to its calm conditions and diverse aquatic life.
Monkey Head
Monkey Head is located approximately 15 minutes by boat from Playas del Coco. The site is characterized by a prominent underwater pinnacle that resembles a monkey's head above the surface. Divers can expect to see reef sharks and rays resting on the sandy bottom. In the shallower areas, large schools of reef fish are common, along with sightings of eagle rays and devil rays.
Playpen
Playpen is a shore entry dive site characterized by diverse rock formations and a rich array of marine life. In the shallower regions, divers can observe various schools of tropical fish alongside numerous invertebrates, including octopus, arrow crabs, harlequin shrimp, and seahorses. As divers venture deeper, they may encounter white tip reef sharks and different species of rays. The site also offers an excellent area for shallow training, making it suitable for divers of varying experience levels.
Punta Argentina
Punta Argentina is a dive site suitable for all divers, with an average depth of 10 meters (32 feet). You can find macro marine life such as harlequin shrimp and frogfish, along with larger species like stingrays. The site is accessed by boat from Playa del Coco, Guanacaste, and may have strong currents.
Punta Ballena
Punta Ballena, also known as Whale Point, is situated between Playa Hermosa and Playa Panama. This dive site represents the underwater extension of the peninsula that divides the two beaches. It is recognized for its diverse marine life, including frequent sightings of eagle rays, stingrays, and schools of various fish. On clear days, visibility is optimal, making it one of the preferred dive locations in the region. Divers may also encounter the occasional white tip reef shark. The site offers opportunities for macro photography as well.
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is a local dive site characterized by a prominent rocky outcrop nearby. The site offers a diverse marine environment, showcasing both larger fish species and smaller critters. Notable marine life includes harlequin shrimps, seahorses, moray eels, and eagle rays, which can all be observed during a single dive. The entry to the site is from the shore.
Sorpresa
Sorpresa is a pinnacle dive site that begins at a depth of approximately 16 meters and descends to 30 meters. This site is designated for advanced divers due to the absence of shallow areas. The name 'Sorpresa' translates to 'surprise,' reflecting the varying conditions divers may encounter, including unexpected temperature changes and visibility. A notable feature of this site is the large school of Bigeye Jacks that can surround divers, creating a dynamic underwater experience. Additionally, divers can expect to see various marine life, including stingrays, eagle rays, moray eels, and octopuses, along with smaller critters.
Tortuga Equador
Tortuga Ecuador is a dive site accessible from the shore, featuring a variety of rocky formations that provide shelter for marine life. Divers of all experience levels can explore the shallow areas, which are rich in biodiversity. More advanced divers can venture to the Rusty II wreck, located at a depth of 22 meters (70 feet). The site is home to white tip reef sharks, moray eels, and lobsters, with longtail stingrays found in deeper sections. Schools of fish are abundant, making it an excellent location for macro photography enthusiasts.
Virador
Virador is located approximately 20 minutes from Playa del Coco and is recognized as a popular dive site within the Gulf of Papagayo. This site features a drift dive around a prominent pinnacle, typically lasting about an hour. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of jacks and various tropical fish species. In the deeper sandy areas, sightings of white tip reef sharks and rays are common.