Scuba Diving at San Toribio Reef, Isla Mujeres
- Tracy Sharlene Gunn
- Dec 20, 2025
- 3 min read
San Toribio Reef is a lively offshore reef commonly dived as a second dive after the wrecks. Located off the west side of Isla Mujeres, it’s known for strong, changeable currents, excellent visibility, and vibrant marine life — making it an exciting reef for confident certified divers.
What Makes This Dive Special
At the heart of San Toribio lies a small, mysterious shipwreck — completely overgrown by reef and partially scattered around its original resting place. No historical records remain, but the wreck has become an integral part of the site, acting as a natural anchor for coral growth and marine life. While easy to miss, it’s still clearly recognisable if you know where to look and adds a subtle but fascinating layer of interest to the dive.
From this reef-encrusted wreck, the dive unfolds organically. Divers move through a series of small reef walls and gentle drop-offs, almost like hopping from one underwater landscape to the next. These formations create natural valleys and corridors, where reef walls rise on either side, concentrating marine life and framing the diver.
The terrain is reminiscent of Punta Negra, featuring layered structures, ledges, and irregular profiles rather than a single continuous wall. These valleys are alive with colour — sponges, sea fans, and hard corals — with fish constantly moving in and out of the structure.
Adding to the sense of exploration are tunnels, swim-throughs, and arches, all enjoyed comfortably thanks to moderate depth and typically excellent visibility. The result is a dive that feels adventurous without being extreme, rewarding divers who enjoy structure, navigation, and discovery.
This reef truly rewards divers who relax into the current. Stay streamlined, maintain good buoyancy, and let the reef come to you. As conditions can vary, situational awareness enhances both safety and enjoyment.
Our Experience
San Toribio consistently delivers high bio-interest. The combination of current, visibility, and complex structure means no two dives feel the same — and it’s one of those sites where something big can appear at any moment.
It’s a strong example of why drift diving around Isla Mujeres is so rewarding: vibrant life, clear water, and a dynamic sense of movement from start to finish.
San Toribio is ideal if you’re looking for:
A current-driven reef dive with plenty of action
Excellent conditions for marine life observation and wide-angle photography
A natural follow-up dive after the wrecks
A site suitable for entry-level certified divers through to advanced divers
Marine Life Highlights
Abundant moray eels
Nurse sharks resting along the reef
Large groupers
Green and hawksbill turtles
Angelfish, triggerfish, and schooling reef fish
Occasional manta rays passing through
Dive Details
Depth
17 meters / 56 feet
Boat Ride
20-25 min
Dive Type
Reef
Drift
Swim through, Tunnels, Arches
Experience Level
Divers - Entry Level, and all levels of certified divers
Average Visibility Underwater
20-30 mt / 66-99 feet
Average Water Temp
28 C°/ 82F°
Dive Time
Approx 45 min
📩 Message us to book a tour or ask about certifications — we’re always happy to chat diving!
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
Blogs about Instructor Development Courses and Professional Scuba Diving:
ty