Atlantis is a beautiful shallow dive site near Isla Mujeres, suitable for divers of all skill levels. This reef is south of Manchones 1 and is part of a larger national park in Mexico. Divers here can explore a small shrimp boat, encounter abundant marine life, and discover numerous artificial reef balls that were placed after the devastation caused by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. While diving, you may encounter various species, including endangered turtles, barracudas, and elusive sharks. The calm waters make this site ideal for families and travellers looking to snorkel or get SCUBA certified.
Diving at Atlantis begins with a modest shipwreck known as El Pesquero. This small shipwreck, which was once a shrimp boat, now rests at a depth of 10 meters (33 feet) and is teeming with fish. Over time, the currents surrounding the wreck have formed a channel that allows divers to navigate toward the start of the dive. Once you're in the water, you can let the currents guide you along.
At the start of the dive, there may not be many reefs to see, but many reef balls have been placed to form artificial reefs and habitats for marine life. You’ll find many animals inside these structures, making them their homes.
The Reef Ball project began in 2005 following the devastation caused by Hurricane Wilma. This hurricane severely damaged much of the Staghorn and Elkhorn coral on the Manchones Reefs, which are essential for the marine habitat. Reef Balls were placed just south of the park to restore this habitat and encourage the return of marine life that once thrived among these fast-growing corals. You can also find these reef balls in the snorkeling area of Sac Bajo, close to the island.
This remarkable project has established sites worldwide to provide habitat and refuge for fish, crustaceans, mollusks, snails, and sponges, among other organisms. It serves as a viable option for conserving and/or restoring natural marine ecosystems.
Thanks to forward thinkers like Javier Dajer Miguel, who helped create projects like these, and who was kind enough to answer my questions and send me photos of the laying of the reef balls in 2005.
The dive experience at Atlantis is a shallow drift dive with a gentle current, allowing divers to glide smoothly over the area. It concludes at the beginning of Manchones 2, a breathtaking section of the reef. This dive is ideal for beginner or entry-level divers. The clear, warm waters provide a stress-free experience with opportunities to see turtles, rays, and diverse marine life.
Depth
10 meters / 33 feet
Boat Ride
10-15 min
Dive Type
Reef
Artificial Reef- Reef Balls
Experience Level
Divers - Beginners, and all levels of certified divers
Average Visibility Underwater
20-30 mt / 66-99 feet
Average Water Temp
28 C°/ 82F°
Dive Time
45 min
Photo credits: Javier Dajer Miguel, Malek B Prod and Audrey
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