Banco Chinchorro

Banco Chinchorro is an atoll reef about 35 kilometres offshore in the Caribbean Sea, lying in the Municipality of Othón P. Blanco in Quintana Roo. The atoll is roughly 40.2 kilometres long and up to about 16 kilometres wide, covering around 800 square kilometres of sea with three low islands and about 6.7 square kilometres of combined land.

The islands are fringed by mangroves that grade into open woodland and are home to abundant small crabs and seabirds; there is a crocodile reserve on the archipelago’s largest island, Cayo Centro. Several islets are occupied by local fishermen who live in stilt houses just offshore.

Banco Chinchorro is famous for underwater heritage as well as reef life: the lagoon and surrounding sea contain at least nine known shipwrecks, including two Spanish galleons, which attract experienced wreck divers. Visiting feels remote and marine-focused rather than village- or resort-oriented, with little in the way of built facilities on the islands.

• Historic shipwrecks: The reef holds at least nine wrecks, including two Spanish galleons and later steam and ferry wrecks, which make for dramatic dive and snorkel sites.
• Cayo Centro and other islets: Cayo Centro is the largest island with mangrove and woodland habitat, while the smaller islets offer close-up wildlife encounters and quiet sandy spots.
• Fringing reef and coral walls: Healthy coral formations and good visibility make the atoll a prime location for snorkeling and reef diving.
• Mangroves and birdlife: The mangrove-fringed islands are important bird habitat and are easily explored from small boats.
• Crocodile reserve: A protected crocodile population is maintained on the archipelago’s largest island; observe from a safe distance and follow local guidance.

The archipelago lies east of Chetumal; the nearest city on the Mexican mainland is Chetumal and the reef is commonly reached from small coastal towns and ports on Quintana Roo’s Caribbean coast. Many visitor departures come from the village and small port at Mahahual or by private or charter boats from Chetumal or other coastal towns.

The final stretch to the atoll is by boat only; trips range from day excursions to liveaboard dive trips. For logistics, arrange passage and guides locally in Mahahual or Chetumal and confirm sea conditions and timings with operators before travelling.

• This is a remote, protected marine area with very limited facilities on the islands - bring water, sun protection and any required dive/snorkel gear or arrange rentals in advance.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and follow responsible-diving and snorkelling practices to protect corals and wrecks.
• Respect wildlife and stay clear of the crocodile reserve and nesting birds; do not attempt to touch or feed animals.
• Sea conditions can change quickly - book with experienced local skippers and check weather and swell before departing.
• Many sites are visited by divers and snorkelers only; if you want to land on an island, check access rules and local guidance first.