Scuba Diving at Punta Sur (South Point)-Isla Mujeres
- Tracy Gunn
- Aug 4, 2025
- 5 min read
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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
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
Among the more curious creatures here are the Roughback and Shortnose Batfish—strange, bottom-dwelling fish that always spark fascination.
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
Learn More
Hi, I’m a Salesforce professional experienced in CRM and cloud-based technologies. After completing Salesforce Training in Jaipur at FITA Academy, I strengthened my skills in administration, customization, and automation. I enjoy tackling business challenges, learning new tools, and delivering efficient CRM solutions that drive success.
Paragliding in Manali gives you clear views of mountains and valleys with safe flight support. Indian Para Association runs daily flights in Manali from Solang Valley. You get trained pilots, safety gear, and short briefing before takeoff. Flight time ranges from 5 to 15 minutes. Best season is March to June and September to November. You can book tandem flights or join beginner training courses. Paragliding in Manali suits beginners and repeat flyers.
Since discovering pinupportrait, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the creativity behind vintage-inspired portrait photography. What makes this style truly special is the way it blends classic elegance with modern artistic expression. The poses, styling, and overall presentation create images that feel timeless while still highlighting individuality and confidence.
My experience with Twill Tees has been truly impressive. From the first wear, the standout feature is the precision-engineered orthopedic support that offers immediate relief for my feet. The cushioning provides a perfect cloud-like feel without sacrificing the stability needed for all-day wear. Even after putting them through the rigors of daily use, the structural integrity and high-grade materials remain flawless. If you're looking for a blend of longevity and ergonomic comfort, these are unmatched.
My experience with Zentra Orthopedic Shoes has been very impressive. From the first time I wore them, I noticed a clear improvement in comfort and foot support. The cushioning feels gentle and soft while still providing the stability needed for all-day wear. This makes them a great option for people who spend long hours standing or walking.