Barracuda Reef
Isla Mujeres · Mexico
Barracuda Reef is a classic Caribbean spur-and-groove formation running along the western edge of Isla Mujeres, named for the large resident schools of great barracuda that congregate above the coral spurs in glittering, silvery formations. The reef crest sits at around 8 metres and the grooves extend to 18 metres, creating distinct habitats from shallow staghorn thickets to deeper gorgonian-covered walls. Nurse sharks rest in the sandy grooves while the water column above teems with schooling jacks and snappers riding the gentle easterly drift.
Conditions
Depth
8 to 18 m
Good for beginners
Current
Usually gentle
Can pick up on the edge
Visibility
10 to 22 m
Clearest in the calm season
Water
24 to 31°C
skin or 1mm
Month by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (°C) | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 |
| Vis (m) | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 15 |
| Current | Gentle | Gentle | Moderate | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Moderate | Moderate | Gentle | Gentle |
Your chances of seeing each animal
Magnificent Frigatebird
Last confirmed Jul 5, 2026 · 453 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Tropical Mockingbird
Last confirmed Jul 5, 2026 · 393 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Great Kiskadee
Last confirmed Jun 27, 2026 · 315 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Great Barracuda
Last confirmed Jun 25, 2026 · 56 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Great-Tailed Grackle
Last confirmed Jul 7, 2026 · 1049 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Nurse Shark
Last confirmed Jun 13, 2026 · 13 records
Very likely
Most dives
Horse-eye Jack
Last confirmed Mar 31, 2026 · 3 records
Likely
About 6 in 10 dives
Gear