Banco Chinchorro
Mexico · Yucatán Peninsula
Banco Chinchorro is Mexico's largest coral atoll and one of the most remote dive destinations in the Caribbean, lying 50 km off the southern Yucatán coast. Its shallow lagoon harbours one of the only places on Earth where divers can encounter American saltwater crocodiles face to face, while the outer walls and historic wrecks remain virtually untouched.
How this reef is doing
ⓘ How we measure thisReef state
Live coral covers 14% of this reef. The water is warmer than usual right now, so expect some pale coral.
Coral cover
Fish life
Heat
Warmer than usual right now, but not hot enough to bleach.
Fishing
Open to fishing, and the water is fairly quiet.
Sources · AGRRA and GCRMN reef surveys · NOAA Coral Reef Watch · Global Fishing Watch and reef gravity
Coral cover over time
Live coral cover, by survey year
Across 6 survey years from 2011 to 2021, live coral cover here has held steady at about 14%. Every point is a real survey reading, never a projection.
Live coral cover, percent by year
| Year | Coral cover |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 14% |
| 2012 | 12% |
| 2014 | 11% |
| 2016 | 15% |
| 2018 | 17% |
| 2021 | 14% |
What you will see
14 species across the dive sites here
American Crocodile
Seen 2 months ago
at Crocodile Lagoon
Vulnerable
Caribbean Land Hermit Crab
Seen 2 months ago
at Crocodile Lagoon
Nurse Shark
Seen Jan 2025
at Crocodile Lagoon
Vulnerable
Caribbean Spiny Lobster
Seen Jan 2025
at Crocodile Lagoon
Allison'S Anole
Seen Sep 2024
at Crocodile Lagoon
Least concern
Black Grouper
Seen year round
at Jardines del Norte
Near threatened
Caribbean Reef Shark
Seen year round
at El Pionero Wreck
Endangered
Longspine Squirrelfish
Seen year round
at El Pionero Wreck
Least concern
Nassau Grouper
Seen year round
at El Pionero Wreck
Critically endangered
Permit
Seen year round
at Crocodile Lagoon
Least concern
Spotted Moray
Seen year round
at Jardines del Norte
Least concern
Staghorn Coral
Seen year round
at Jardines del Norte
Critically endangered
Red Cushion Sea Star
Seasonal visitor
at Crocodile Lagoon
Caribbean Bluehead Wrasse
Rare sighting
at Crocodile Lagoon
Least concern
