Scuba Diving at Punta Sur (South Point)-Isla Mujeres

Loggerhead turtles at Punta Sur return every year between May - September. Photo credit @jamie_justaddwater

Manchones National Park offers fantastic diving for both entry-level and certified divers, but tucked within the park’s southern edge lies a hidden gem of an adventure dive. Punta Sur offers an unforgettable experience—one unlike anything you’ve done before. A powerful current sweeps you around the southern tip of Isla Mujeres, past mating loggerhead turtles, playful dolphins, and—on rare, magical days—entire families of manatees.

While most diving within Manchones is ideal for training and recreational diving, this particular site requires more experienced divers. Punta Sur is not suitable for new divers or anyone who hasn’t been in the water for a while. Recent dive activity and strong buoyancy control are a must.

Spiritual Waters and Ancient Goddesses

Punta Sur is not just a beautiful dive—it’s a deeply spiritual part of Isla Mujeres. It is home to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Ixchel, dedicated to the Mayan goddess of the moon, medicine, gestation, textile arts, and love. The island’s name—Isla Mujeres or “Island of Women”—comes from the carved female statues found here, left in tribute to Ixchel.

The Dive Begins: Negative Entry & Immediate Descent

The dive begins near Garrafon Park. From the boat, you’ll spot the dramatic cliffs and winding pathways that outline the southern tip of the island. Entry is a negative entry backward roll—you enter the water with no air in your BCD and descend immediately. There is no time to linger at the surface.

You must descend together as a group, with ears that equalise easily and solid control over your buoyancy. It is essential to follow your guide’s directions closely—this dive does not tolerate hesitation.

Garrafon Park seen from the water; the entry point to the Punta Sur drift dive. Photo credit @jamie_justaddwater

Through the Channel: Chains, Anchors, and Barracudas

While the water near Garrafon is shallow, the current quickly carries you toward the deeper southern end of the island. You must be underwater well before you reach that point, maintaining tight formation with your guide and group.

Your instructor will give a signal for everyone to drop into a channel that begins with a fish-filled swim-through. This is a key moment—miss the drop, and you’ll miss both the channel and a much smoother ride.

The entry point to the drift dive. photo credit @jaspersblueworld

In the channel lies a massive old chain, leading to an anchor—the first hint of the wreck story beneath you. Large barracudas are often spotted cruising through this area.

The chain from the boat sunk in the 1922 hurricane can be seen on the right. Photo credit @jaspersblueworld

The chain and anchor are the remains of a ship that sank during the 1922 hurricane. It had come to Isla Mujeres to hunt turtles, a common practice at the time. When the storm hit, the vessel was lost, but the heavy metal remains have endured—and they now mark the start of this incredible drift dive. There is much debate about this, with many saying it is the remains of an old Spanish Galleon, as old cannons can also be seen in this area.

The anchor of the boat sunk in the 1922 hurricane. Photo credit @jaspersblueworld

Drift & Fly: A Ride with the Currents

Once you pass the anchor, the ride begins. You’re now being swept along by powerful currents, flying past vibrant marine life and dramatic seascapes.

But stay alert: these currents are strong. If you lose sight of your group or guide, you can quickly become separated from them. "Separated" means you can no longer see your guide, the surface buoy line, or your fellow divers—even if you’re still with your buddy.

If this happens:

• Look for the group’s bubbles or the surface line (sent up shortly after passing the anchor).

• If you don’t see them after one minute, ascend to reunite at the surface.

Following the dive briefing carefully and staying close to your guide will help prevent this.

Marine Encounters at Punta Sur

The mating of Loggerhead turtles happens between May-August

Loggerhead Turtle Mating Season

Between May and September, loggerhead turtles return to Isla Mujeres to mate, lay eggs, and begin the next generation. The peak months for viewing large numbers of mating turtles while diving Punta Sur are May through August. It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience. [Read more about it here.]

Wild dolphins are a common sight at Punta Sur

The huge Roughtail Stingray is often seen at Punta Sur

Wild Dolphins

You’ll often hear the clicks and squeaks of dolphins before you see them. These wild visitors frequently swim among divers, offering an experience that’s pure magic—graceful, wild, and free.

Roughtail Stingrays and More

Punta Sur is home to many rays:

• Southern Stingrays

• Yellow Stingrays

• Lesser Electric Rays

• Spotted Eagle Rays

• Occasional Mobula Ray schools

• And, frequently, the massive Roughtail Stingray

Batfish are always an amazing sight at Punta Sur

Batfish

Among the more curious creatures here are the Roughback and Shortnose Batfish—strange, bottom-dwelling fish that always spark fascination.

Although it is extremely rare, manatee families have been seen here

Rare Manatee Encounters

In June 2022, Punta Sur was blessed with the appearance of a manatee family—a truly extraordinary event witnessed by several lucky divers. While rare, sightings like these have occurred over the years.

An Isla Mujeres Bucket List Dive

While sightings of larger pelagic marine life can vary with the seasons, every dive at Punta Sur offers something special. The thrill of being swept by the currents, combined with incredible views both above and below the surface, makes this a must-do experience.

Even without turtles or dolphins, just riding the current around the island’s southern point—past ancient ruins, century-old shipwreck remnants, and the vast Caribbean blue—is unforgettable.

The dive typically lasts 40–45 minutes, ending with a group safety stop before surfacing. At this point, you’ll realise you’ve been carried a considerable distance from where you started—proof of the power of the current and the magic of the dive. All that’s left is to relax and wait for your boat to pick you up.

Depth

16 meters / 52 feet

Boat Ride

15 min

Dive Type

Drift -Strong Currents

Artificial Reef - Anchor and Chain

Experience Level 

Advanced Open Water, Experienced Diver

Recent Dive Experience

Average Visibility Underwater 

20-30 mt / 66-99 feet

Average Water Temp

28 C° / 82 F°

Dive Time

30 - 35 min

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

Isla Mujeres from the water

loggerhead turtle in Isla Mujeres

Loggerhead turtle in Isla Mujeres

Diver with loggerhead turtle

Loggerhead turtle seen from a distance

Loggerhead turtle in Isla Mujeres

Divers and a loggerhead turtle

Turtle and mating loggerhead turtles

old anchor found at Isla Mujeres

Diver at Punta Sur

mating loggerhead turtles in Isla Mujeres

part of the anchor and chain found in Isla Mujeres

Divers entering the channels at Punta Sur, Isla Mujeres

Divers entering the channels Punta Sur, Isla Mujeres

Mating loggerhead turtles

Loggerhead turtle at Isla Mujeres

Loggerhead turtle at Isla Mujeres

Loggerhead turtle at Isla Mujeres

Loggerhead turtle at Isla Mujeres

Loggerhead turtle at Isla Mujeres

Loggerhead turtle at Isla Mujeres

Divers at Punta Sur, Isla Mujeres

divers and part of the anchor at Punta Sur, Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres seen from the water

Isla Mujeres as seen from the water

Learn More

• Godesses, Iguanas, and More at Temple Ixchel – The Travel Current

• Maya Goddess Ixchel – Yucatán Today

• The Hurricane of 1922 – Isla Mujeres History