MANCHONES 1
Manchones 1 is ideal for snorkelers, divers, and photographers. Its shallow depths and clear turquoise waters offer rich marine life and exploration opportunities. The warm currents provide a comfortable diving experience. Its name reflects its stain-like appearance "manchas" from above.
Depth
10 meters / 33 feet
Boat Ride
15 minutes
Dive Type
Reef
Experience Level
Entry Level, Beginners, All levels of certified divers, Snorkelers
Average Visibility Underwater
20-30 mt / 66-99 feet
Average Water Temperature
28 C°/ 82F°
Dive Time
45 minutes
National Park
Yes
Manchones 1 is a simply named reef and serves as the main diving and snorkeling area within Manchones National Park. With its beautiful shallow depths, this site caters to divers of all experience levels.
Spanning a large area, the reef is teeming with marine life, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration. The shallow depth allows for abundant natural light, while the white sand and clear turquoise water make this dive a photographer's dream. Gentle currents and warm tropical waters create a comfortable diving experience. Additionally, those looking to advance their diving careers will find many options for specialty courses and continuing education.
A standout feature of this area is one of Jason de Caires Taylor's MUSA statues, titled "Man on Fire." If you follow the direction he faces, you'll encounter another of Taylor's MUSA statues called "The Dream Catcher”, which depicts a man leaning on a bar in a style reminiscent of Hemingway.
The entire reef extends in a steady 330° direction, shaped by the mild current that has influenced its formation over thousands of years. The name of the National Park derives from the fact that, when viewed from above, the reef resembles "manchas" (which means "stains" in English) on the ocean surface.