REVILLAGIGEDO ARCHIPELAGO

The Revillagigedo Archipelago is a group of four volcanic islands – Socorro, San Benedicto, Roca Partida, and Clarión – about 850 kilometres west of Manzanillo, Mexico. It was first discovered in the 1500s by Spanish explorers, and subsequently declared a biosphere reserve by the Mexican government in 1994 to protect its endemic species.

After marine research revealed that the archipelago hosts one of the world’s largest aggregations of sharks, manta rays, whales and turtles, authorities expanded it to a full marine reserve in 2017. At almost 150,000 square kilometres, it is the largest marine protected area in North America.

MUST-SEE

THE BOILER – Although it is one of the region’s most famous dive sites, this spot off San Benedicto is recommended only for more experienced divers. The Boiler is a guyot, or tablemount, that starts 35 metres underwater and stretches up to the surface. One can explore the site’s extensive coral walls teeming with a huge variety of fish and resident reef sharks such as whitetips and silky sharks. Divers can also expect to see giant manta rays being cleaned by reef fish.

ROCA PARTIDA – At just 1.4 hectares, Roca Partida is the smallest of the four islands. What it lacks in landmass, it makes up for in marine life – the entire site is teeming with fish, sharks, and manta rays. Between 10 to 15 metres, divers may catch whitetip sharks taking a nap amidst small caves along the rock. Further down to 40 metres, schools of hammerhead sharks congregate, while curious manta rays pass by. Lucky divers may also spot whale sharks and humpback whales on their migratory trip.

PUNTA TOSCA – This site lies west of Socorro Island and is the best site for spotting humpback whales. At depths of up to 40 metres, divers will see silky and Galápagos sharks, and even the occasional tiger shark. Bottlenose dolphins frequent the area as well, and are extremely curious and eager to interact with divers visiting the site. Meanwhile, the crevices of the site’s coral reefs are full of giant lobsters, eels and other fascinating reef life. Visibility is excellent, averaging between 20 to 30 metres.

WHEN 1994

WHERE

Mexico

WHAT

Marine Reserve

A giant oceanic manta ray swimming just above a freediver

A family of oceanic bottlenose dolphins near the rocky bottom