Dive· Isla Mujeres· Mexico
Sleeping Shark Caves (Cuevas de los Tiburones Dormidos)
21° 17.4′ N · 86° 44.1′ W · approximate
Isla Mujeres' most famous dive: a cave system at about 20 m (60-65 ft) where nurse sharks lie motionless in the swim-throughs, resting in the current instead of swimming to breathe. Turtles, jacks and rays are often seen on the way.
Practical
Coordinate is approximate and is NOT a dive-site position: no published latitude/longitude was found, so it is a representative point in open water off the north end of the island, where the operators run from (Squalo describes the site as about 30 minutes off Cancún near Isla Mujeres; Bluewater says it lies away from the island's other reef sites). Go with a local dive shop. Depth about 20 m (65 ft) maximum; certified divers only, generally not recommended for novices; current is moderate and conditions change quickly. Squalo Adventures sold a two-tank Sleeping Shark Cave + Pailas Reef trip for MXN 2,300 with own gear or MXN 2,800 with full rental (current listing - verify). Taste of Isla notes that the sharks are seen less reliably than in the past and the site is now also used for lionfish culls. Mostly nurse sharks; gray reef, blacktip and bull sharks have been reported. Inside the national park: no touching, no take.
Best for
A cave dive with resting sharks
Nearby
- Ultrafreeze Wreck (El Frío, Isla Mujeres)1.1 NM away
- Regata al Sol (Pensacola–Isla Mujeres)1.6 NM away
- Hondureño Wreck (Isla Mujeres)1.7 NM away
- Fenix Lounge and Beach Club (Isla Mujeres)1.9 NM away
- Green Demon Beach Club (Isla Mujeres)1.9 NM away
- Bally Hoo (Isla Mujeres)2 NM away
- Isla Mujeres Carnaval2 NM away
- Isla Mujeres Hyperbaric Chamber2 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).