Local Water Sports Guide – Diving

"Huge manta rays are regularly seen, along with eagle, electric and sting rays."

--A.J.--

Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa is not exactly ‘on the map,’ as for as diving goes. The main reason for this is that the visibility is not always great, like the more famous places. But don’t let this put you off. The diving here can be incredible. The best time of year for visibility is in the summer, but for variety of sea life the winter months are better.

In 98 the Mexican tourism board came through and mapped out the popular dive sights in the area. They came up with 52 named sights, each with something special to offer. These sites are grouped in 8 separate areas, With Isla Ixtapa at one end and the Morros Del Potosi, out from Barra De Potosi at the other.

One of the most popular areas would have to be Sacremento. This area is located out from the Westin Hotel in Ixtapa and is a group of moros, (above water rocks) and bajos. (Underwater rocks or sea mounts) This dive has it all, with coral beds, shear rock walls and caves to explore.

When diving here you will enjoy the amount and variety of fish that are down there with you, Huge manta rays are regularly seen along with eagle, electric and sting rays. Also game fish can be seen looking for their prey. As an extra treat, at this time of year with whales in the area, you can sometimes hear their soundings.

The night diving here is worth doing. Everything is different. There are corals and anemones here that only open at night. Lobsters are easily spotted with dive lights along with sleeping fish.

You have a couple of options here for dive shops. One being the Zihuatanejo Scuba Center, (Naui) with its office located back from the basket ball court downtown. The other being Carlo Scuba (Padi) located on the beach at Las Gatas. (Phone 55 43570)

You can do everything from an introductory dive through to an advanced course with either of these dive shops. Carlo Scuba charges $50US for their introductory dive and $65 for a two-tank dive with all equipment. The Zihuatanejo Scuba Center charges $80US for the introductory dive and $80 for the two-tank dive.

February 2000

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