Atlantis, Isla Mujeres

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.

El Pesquero, Atlantis, Isla Mujeres. Photo Credit Malek Be Prod

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.

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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.

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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 - 12 meters / 33- 40 feet

Boat Ride

10-15 min

Dive Type

Reef

Artificial Reef - Wreck,

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 

To view the fish surveyed here with reef.org, click HERE.

👉 [Dive Atltantis]

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Photo credits: Javier Dajer Miguel, Malek B Prod and Audrey

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Tracy Gunn is the founder and owner of Pocna Dive Center on Isla Mujeres, Mexico. A former banker turned adventurer, Tracy left a decade-long corporate career to pursue her passion for diving and island life. With over 35 years of diving experience and 24 years of living on Isla Mujeres, she now serves as a PADI Course Director, training the next generation of divers at her dive school. When she’s not underwater, Tracy shares her love for the island and the ocean through engaging blogs about diving, marine life, and the culture of Isla Mujeres. 

Interested in reading more from this author?

Blogs about Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and Recreational Scuba Diving: click here

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