Wildlife· Banco Chinchorro· Mexico
Chinchorro American Crocodiles
18° 35.0′ N · 87° 20.0′ W · approximate
More than 400 saltwater crocodiles live in Chinchorro's mangroves - a population so isolated that scientists think it may be a distinct species - and specialist operators take small groups into the water with them.
Practical
Coordinate is approximate (Cayo Centro, the largest cay, where Wikipedia places the crocodile reserve). XTC Dive Center (Xcalak) runs 3-day croc encounters for small groups of no more than seven experienced divers on a very limited basis (book via crocs@xtcdivecenter.com). Wild crocodiles: never swim or wade from a beach or the mangroves on your own.
Best for
Bucket-list wildlife encounter with a specialist operator
Nearby
- Cayo Centro (Banco Chinchorro)Right here
- Frigatebird Nesting at Cayo CentroRight here
- Cayo Centro Fish-Camp Walk (Banco Chinchorro)0.7 NM away
- Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve0.8 NM away
- Chinchorro Wrecks (40 Cannons)0.8 NM away
- Lobster and Conch Closed Seasons (Banco Chinchorro)0.8 NM away
- Cayo Centro Anchorage (Banco Chinchorro)0.9 NM away
- Cayo Norte Anchorage (Banco Chinchorro)10.1 NM away