Scuba Diving
on the Manzanillo, Colima Coast

Remember, however, Pacific coast diving is quite unlike the Caribbean, in that diving conditions change daily. Periodic strong wave action on the Pacific can affect all water sports activities. This phenomena is known as Rebalses. Before you go out on your own, check with the local dive shop for an update.

Sea worms called Christmas Trees or Feather Dusters

LOS FRAILES (The Friars) is a group of detached rock pinnacles in the open ocean that reach a maximum depth of 100 ft. About 10 minutes from the mainland, visibility is normally 50-100 ft. The area is teaming with grouper, hogfish and triggerfish. The rocks are volcanic in origin and are covered with large gorgonians, starfish, encrusting stony corals and brightly-colored sponges. On almost every dive, a 5-6 foot green moray can be seen poking his head from a protective crevice.

ROCA ELEFANTE (Elephant Rock) is another site that can only be reached by boat. This dive features underwater tunnels (about 50 yards in length) through the mountain, 2 swim-through underwater arches (the first opening into a high-walled canyon with a white sand bottom, squeeze-through crevices, shallow coral reefs, and a booming, surging blow-hole. Schools of yellowtail surgeonfish and king angels swim by, right under the boat, and several species of puffers frequent the area. Other noteworthy dive buddies we've seen include turtles, a 30-foot whale shark (a harmless plankton eater), zebra and jewel morays, dolphins, giant Pacific mantas, and electric rays. Depths from 20-60 ft.

LOS CARRIZALES (The Reeds) is a quiet, deep bay about 20 minutes north of Audiencia Beach, where it is said that more than a million dollars of Spanish gold and silver were lost in a storm more than 400 years ago. One never knows whether divers will happen across the treasure while exploring this uncharted

Octopus held in diver's hand

bay, but it is guaranteed they will discover other living treasures of the sea. The "Grand Canyons of Carrizales" are awesome, and the numerous cracks and crevices in shallow water serve as habitats for octopus and lobster. Depths from 25 to 100 feet.

LA HERRERA COVE (also known as Horseshoe Cove or Lover's Beach) is spectacular. Beginning in shallow water you'll see schools of grunts and yellowtail. A giant brain coral standing 15 feet high astounds divers, while the abundant sea life in every nook and cranny tantalizes the eye.

LA AHOGADA or "Drowned Rock" is aptly named because with good visibility you can see a huge boulder about 25 feet beneath the surface. Walls and canyons make this an interesting dive with depths of up to 70 feet.

PENA BLANCA is an enormous white rock (aptly named because its color is due to bird droppings of the brown and blue-footed booby) that is often visited by whales and giant pacific manta rays. Volcanic fissures and crevices, caves and deeper depths make this dive worth remembering. Prolific sea life, black coral, virtually unexplored regions. About a 40 minute boat ride from La Audiencia Beach, this diving area is designed for experienced divers. Depths from 45-100+ feet.

A snake eel

There are many other unexplored coves north of Santiago Bay. Every location where you drop anchor has something special to offer. In 1995, two artificial reefs were installed--one to the south of Manzanillo in an area known as Tepalcates, and the other to the north, near Elephant Rock. Last year a new shallow reef was discovered in the Bay of Santiago. In July of 1998, several sea mounds (mountains under the sea) were discovered 5 minutes from Audiencia Beach in open ocean, whose tops are only 30 feet beneath the surface. All of these areas make Manzanillo's diving and snorkeling something to remember, especially when winter-summer temperatures range from 76-86 degrees.

Manzanillo dive site information and photos provided by:
Susan Dearing
Underworld Scuba
(314) 333-3678, scuba@gomanzanillo.com
Manzanillo, Colima
October 2011

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The Pacific Coast of Mexico www.tomzap.com Tom Penick:  tom@tomzap.com