{ "schemaVersion": 1, "generatedAt": "2026-11-01T21:22:13.904Z", "commitSha": "ef0a5a94fdac5fc62709dd7a90745a72e7a390b5", "source": "brand.config.json", "business": { "name": "ReefHop", "niche": "dive", "domain": "reefhop.com", "url": "https://reefhop.com", "phone": null, "hours": null, "city": null, "state": null, "serviceRegion": null, "serviceAreaCopy": null, "yearsInBusiness": null }, "pricing": null, "services": [], "areas": [ { "slug": "bonaire", "name": "Bonaire", "zips": [] }, { "slug": "curacao", "name": "Curaçao", "zips": [] }, { "slug": "cozumel", "name": "Cozumel", "zips": [] }, { "slug": "yucatan-cenotes", "name": "Tulum and the cenotes", "zips": [] }, { "slug": "roatan", "name": "Roatán", "zips": [] }, { "slug": "key-largo", "name": "Key Largo", "zips": [] }, { "slug": "belize", "name": "Belize", "zips": [] }, { "slug": "red-sea", "name": "Egypt's Red Sea", "zips": [] } ], "faqs": [ { "q": "Where should I stay in Bonaire for diving?", "a": "Stay close to the shore sites. All 8 of our picks in Bonaire have a dive site within 1.5 km. Harbour Village Beach Club has the most, with 3 inside 1.5 km: Yellow Sub (645 m), Something Special (770 m) and The Cliff (1.3 km)." }, { "q": "What kind of diving does Bonaire have?", "a": "We map 15 dive sites in Bonaire, all reached from shore. 7 are rated beginner, 5 intermediate and 3 advanced." }, { "q": "What is the best time of year to dive Bonaire?", "a": "Year-round. Bonaire lies outside the main hurricane belt; coral spawning chances are best April to October. Water temperature is 27-29 °C. Visibility: Usually 18 m or better, often over 30 m at many sites." }, { "q": "Are there dive sites for beginners in Bonaire?", "a": "Yes. Beginner-rated dive sites in Bonaire include 1000 Steps, Andrea I, Yellow Sub, Something Special, Bachelor's Beach and Alice in Wonderland." }, { "q": "What should divers know before diving Bonaire?", "a": "STINAPA nature fee and diver orientation", "detail": "Every diver and snorkeler pays a STINAPA nature fee of 40 USD per person per calendar year (valid January 1 to December 31), which covers the Bonaire National Marine Park and Washington Slagbaai National Park; children under 13 are exempt. Independent divers must complete a mandatory orientation, a short briefing plus one supervised check-out dive, before diving on their own. Dive gloves, touching coral or animals, taking anything from the water and anchoring are prohibited, and reef-safe sunscreen is required." }, { "q": "Are there liveaboards from Bonaire?", "a": "Not from Bonaire right now. Divers here stay on land and dive on day trips." }, { "q": "Where should I stay in Curaçao for diving?", "a": "Stay close to the shore sites. 5 of our 8 picks in Curaçao have a dive site within 1.5 km. Nos Krusero Apartments has the most, with 3 inside 1.5 km: Alice in Wonderland (Playa Kalki) (234 m), Playa Grandi (Playa Piskado) (664 m) and Watamula (1.0 km)." }, { "q": "What kind of diving does Curaçao have?", "a": "We map 10 dive sites in Curaçao, 7 reached from shore and 3 by boat only. 5 are rated beginner, 2 intermediate and 3 advanced." }, { "q": "What is the best time of year to dive Curaçao?", "a": "Year-round; the island sits outside the hurricane belt. January to September brings the calmest seas and clearest water, and corals spawn around the full moons of August to October. Water temperature is 27-29 °C. Visibility: Usually 20 to 30 m; often over 30 m from January to September, 20 to 25 m from October to December." }, { "q": "Are there dive sites for beginners in Curaçao?", "a": "Yes. Beginner-rated dive sites in Curaçao include Playa Lagun, Alice in Wonderland (Playa Kalki), Playa Grandi (Playa Piskado), Porto Mari and Tugboat." }, { "q": "What should divers know before diving Curaçao?", "a": "Bring a surface marker buoy for shore dives", "detail": "Island dive operators require a surface marker buoy and reel (or dive flag) on every shore dive, deployed for the whole dive, because fishing and private boats run close to shore. Operators also ban dive gloves and solo diving and enforce a zero contact rule with coral and animals, and they ask for proof of certification plus a refresher if your last dive was more than 18 months ago." }, { "q": "Are there liveaboards from Curaçao?", "a": "Not from Curaçao right now. Divers here stay on land and dive on day trips." }, { "q": "Where should I stay in Cozumel for diving?", "a": "All 14 dive sites we map in Cozumel are boat dives, so the distance to the reef matters less than being near your dive operator's dock. For the shortest trip, Casa del Mar Cozumel is closest to a dive site: Paraiso Reef, 1.6 km away." }, { "q": "What kind of diving does Cozumel have?", "a": "We map 14 dive sites in Cozumel, all reached by boat. 3 are rated beginner, 9 intermediate and 2 advanced." }, { "q": "What is the best time of year to dive Cozumel?", "a": "November to May for visibility and calm weather; June to September for the warmest water and lighter boats, with hurricane-season risk. Water temperature is 27-30 °C. Visibility: 24-30+ m typical, clearest December to March." }, { "q": "Are there dive sites for beginners in Cozumel?", "a": "Yes. Beginner-rated dive sites in Cozumel include Palancar Gardens, Yucab Reef and Paraiso Reef." }, { "q": "What should divers know before diving Cozumel?", "a": "Cozumel Reefs National Park fee and rules", "detail": "Every diver pays the CONANP park fee of 225 MXN (about 13 USD) per calendar day, usually collected in cash by the dive shop, which issues a dated wristband. Park rules are no touching, no gloves, no collecting, no feeding fish, and mineral-only reef-safe sunscreen." }, { "q": "Are there liveaboards from Cozumel?", "a": "Not from Cozumel right now. Divers here stay on land and dive on day trips." }, { "q": "Where should I stay in Tulum and the cenotes for diving?", "a": "Stay close to the shore sites. 1 of our 8 picks in Tulum and the cenotes have a dive site within 1.5 km. Casa Cenote Hotel has the most, with 1 inside 1.5 km: Casa Cenote (Cenote Manatí) (124 m)." }, { "q": "What kind of diving does Tulum and the cenotes have?", "a": "We map 13 dive sites in Tulum and the cenotes, all reached from shore. 6 are rated beginner, 3 intermediate and 4 advanced." }, { "q": "What is the best time of year to dive Tulum and the cenotes?", "a": "Year-round. November to April is the dry season with the most reliable visibility; June to August brings the strongest vertical sunbeams at The Pit; September and October are the quietest and cheapest. Water temperature is 24-26 °C. Visibility: Often 30 to 40 m inside the caverns; rain can briefly reduce it near entrances." }, { "q": "Are there dive sites for beginners in Tulum and the cenotes?", "a": "Yes. Beginner-rated dive sites in Tulum and the cenotes include Dos Ojos, Casa Cenote (Cenote Manatí), Car Wash (Aktun Ha), Kukulkan, Chikin Ha and Eden (Ponderosa)." }, { "q": "What should divers know before diving Tulum and the cenotes?", "a": "Cenotes are overhead dives: guided cavern only, cave beyond the light", "detail": "Under the cenote diving rules published by CREER, the regional cave diving committee whose manual was written with local operator associations and the major cave training agencies, a guided cavern dive stays within natural light, within 60 m (200 ft) of the nearest surface point and no deeper than 30 m (100 ft), with at most 4 divers per guide (3 at Level 4 sites) and no dives starting after 4 pm. Going past the light zone is cave diving and needs a cave diver certification. Single-tank cavern diving is only allowed at designated cavern sites with a qualified local guide, even if you hold a cavern certification. Each cenote charges its own entrance fee, paid at the site: 200 to 500 pesos per diver at the main dive cenotes, plus a camera fee at many." }, { "q": "Are there liveaboards from Tulum and the cenotes?", "a": "Not from Tulum and the cenotes right now. Divers here stay on land and dive on day trips." }, { "q": "Where should I stay in Roatán for diving?", "a": "All 13 dive sites we map in Roatán are boat dives, so the distance to the reef matters less than being near your dive operator's dock. For the shortest trip, Splash Inn Dive Resort is closest to a dive site: Moonlight, 472 m away." }, { "q": "What kind of diving does Roatán have?", "a": "We map 13 dive sites in Roatán, all reached by boat. 3 are rated beginner, 6 intermediate and 4 advanced." }, { "q": "What is the best time of year to dive Roatán?", "a": "March to September for calmest seas and clearest water; diving runs year-round. Water temperature is 27-30 °C. Visibility: Often 30 m (100 ft) or more in the dry season, lower in the November to February wet season." }, { "q": "Are there dive sites for beginners in Roatán?", "a": "Yes. Beginner-rated dive sites in Roatán include Overheat Reef, Moonlight and Kab's Zen Garden." }, { "q": "What should divers know before diving Roatán?", "a": "Roatan Marine Park user fee", "detail": "Divers pay a 10 USD Roatan Marine Park user fee, issued as a bracelet or token. Dive shops and resorts sell it and many add it to the dive invoice. The fee funds reef protection and patrols in the park." }, { "q": "Are there liveaboards from Roatán?", "a": "Yes. 7 nights from French Harbour, Roatan, diving Roatan, Utila, Cayos Cochinos and offshore seamounts." }, { "q": "Where should I stay in Key Largo for diving?", "a": "All 11 dive sites we map in Key Largo are boat dives, so the distance to the reef matters less than being near your dive operator's dock. For the shortest trip, Amoray Dive Resort is closest to a dive site: Grecian Rocks, 10.0 km away." }, { "q": "What kind of diving does Key Largo have?", "a": "We map 11 dive sites in Key Largo, all reached by boat. 6 are rated beginner, 2 intermediate and 3 advanced." }, { "q": "What is the best time of year to dive Key Largo?", "a": "April to August for calm seas and warm water; winter has the best visibility but cold fronts; hurricane season runs June to November. Water temperature is 24-30 °C. Visibility: Typically 9-24 m (30-80 ft); clearest in winter and spring, around 12-18 m in summer." }, { "q": "Are there dive sites for beginners in Key Largo?", "a": "Yes. Beginner-rated dive sites in Key Largo include Benwood Wreck, Christ of the Abyss (Key Largo Dry Rocks), Grecian Rocks, Molasses Reef, City of Washington Wreck and Carysfort Reef." }, { "q": "What should divers know before diving Key Largo?", "a": "Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary rules", "detail": "Most Key Largo reefs sit inside the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and a dive flag is required for all diving and snorkeling. Sanctuary Preservation Areas such as Molasses, French, the Elbow, Carysfort and Key Largo Dry Rocks are no-take zones where touching or standing on coral is prohibited. Boats must use mooring buoys instead of anchoring on coral and keep to idle speed within 300 feet of a dive flag." }, { "q": "Are there liveaboards from Key Largo?", "a": "Not from Key Largo right now. Divers here stay on land and dive on day trips." }, { "q": "Where should I stay in Belize for diving?", "a": "All 12 dive sites we map in Belize are boat dives, so the distance to the reef matters less than being near your dive operator's dock. For the shortest trip, Sandbar Beachfront Hotel & Hostel is closest to a dive site: Cypress Canyon, 1.4 km away." }, { "q": "What kind of diving does Belize have?", "a": "We map 12 dive sites in Belize, all reached by boat. 6 are rated beginner, 3 intermediate and 3 advanced." }, { "q": "What is the best time of year to dive Belize?", "a": "April to June for visibility and whale sharks in the south; December to May is the dry season. Rainy and hurricane season runs late June to November. Water temperature is 27-30 °C. Visibility: Usually 24 m or better; 12-24 m at offshore sites in the rainy season." }, { "q": "Are there dive sites for beginners in Belize?", "a": "Yes. Beginner-rated dive sites in Belize include Hol Chan Cut, Shark Ray Alley, Mexico Rocks, Coral Garden (Caye Caulker), Long Caye Aquarium and Sayonara Wreck (Turneffe)." }, { "q": "What should divers know before diving Belize?", "a": "Marine park fees and Blue Hole rules", "detail": "The Great Blue Hole Natural Monument is managed by the Belize Audubon Society and charges non-nationals a daily entrance fee, which dive operators usually add to the trip price. Boats must contact Half Moon Caye park rangers on VHF Channel 16 before mooring or anchoring in the Half Moon Caye and Blue Hole Natural Monuments. Hol Chan Marine Reserve also charges a separate park fee, and dives there are made with a licensed guide." }, { "q": "Are there liveaboards from Belize?", "a": "Yes. 7-night trips from the Fort George Hotel dock, Belize City, to Lighthouse Reef (Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye) and Turneffe. Glovers Reef itinerary also listed; 7 and 10-night trips from the Fort George Hotel dock, Belize City, to Lighthouse Reef, Half Moon Caye and Turneffe. Glovers Reef itinerary also listed." }, { "q": "Where should I stay in Egypt's Red Sea for diving?", "a": "All 14 dive sites we map in Egypt's Red Sea are boat dives, so the distance to the reef matters less than being near your dive operator's dock. For the shortest trip, Oonas Dive Club is closest to a dive site: Near Garden, 1.4 km away." }, { "q": "What kind of diving does Egypt's Red Sea have?", "a": "We map 14 dive sites in Egypt's Red Sea, all reached by boat. 3 are rated beginner, 5 intermediate and 6 advanced." }, { "q": "What is the best time of year to dive Egypt's Red Sea?", "a": "Year-round. Water is coolest in February (about 22 C, a 5 mm suit may be needed) and warmest in August (about 28 C). April to November gives the most reliable seas for Thistlegorm day trips; hammerheads at Jackson Reef mostly August to early October, mantas on Sharm sites March to June. Water temperature is 23-29 °C. Visibility: Around 20 m is typical in the Straits of Tiran; 15-25 m on the Thistlegorm, and 25-35 m reported at Jackson Reef.." }, { "q": "Are there dive sites for beginners in Egypt's Red Sea?", "a": "Yes. Beginner-rated dive sites in Egypt's Red Sea include Temple, South Abu Ramada and Shaab El Erg (Dolphin House)." }, { "q": "What should divers know before diving Egypt's Red Sea?", "a": "US State Department: Egypt is Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution", "detail": "The US State Department advises travelers to \"Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to terrorism, crime, and health\" (advisory dated July 14, 2025). It lists \"Resorts\" and \"Tourist sites\" among places where \"Terrorists may attack with little or no warning,\" and notes that \"Egyptian authorities generally offer effective security protection.\" Level 4, Do Not Travel, applies to \"The Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula,\" to the Western Desert unless traveling with a professionally licensed tour company, and to Egyptian border areas. The advisory does not name Sharm el Sheikh, South Sinai or the Hurghada coast separately. Separately, Sharm dive centres charge a mandatory national park fee of 7 euros per person per day on boat trips (Camel Dive Club price list)." }, { "q": "Are there liveaboards from Egypt's Red Sea?", "a": "Yes. Hurghada round trip, 7 nights: Reefs and Wrecks (Shaab El Erg, Abu Nuhas, Thistlegorm, Ras Mohammed, Straits of Tiran), also North and Easy (May to September); Hurghada round trip, 7 nights: Reefs and Wrecks, northern wrecks including Thistlegorm plus Ras Mohammed and Tiran." } ], "trust": [], "hubs": [ { "slug": "bonaire", "name": "Bonaire", "region": "Caribbean", "country": "Caribbean Netherlands", "url": "https://reefhop.com/bonaire/", "bases": [ "Kralendijk" ], "stats": { "sites": 15, "shore": 15, "boatOnly": 0, "beginner": 7, "beginnerShore": 7, "advanced": 3, "stays": 8, "staysNearASite": 8, "radiusKm": 1.5, "water": "27-29 °C", "visibility": "Usually 18 m or better, often over 30 m at many sites", "season": "Year-round. Bonaire lies outside the main hurricane belt; coral spawning chances are best April to October." }, "conditions": [ { "key": "water", "label": "Water", "value": "27-29 °C" }, { "key": "visibility", "label": "Visibility", "value": "Usually 18 m or better, often over 30 m at many sites" }, { "key": "season", "label": "Best months", "value": "Year-round. Bonaire lies outside the main hurricane belt; coral spawning chances are best April to October." } ], "advisory": { "title": "STINAPA nature fee and diver orientation", "body": "Every diver and snorkeler pays a STINAPA nature fee of 40 USD per person per calendar year (valid January 1 to December 31), which covers the Bonaire National Marine Park and Washington Slagbaai National Park; children under 13 are exempt. Independent divers must complete a mandatory orientation, a short briefing plus one supervised check-out dive, before diving on their own. Dive gloves, touching coral or animals, taking anything from the water and anchoring are prohibited, and reef-safe sunscreen is required." }, "seaTemperature": { "source": "NOAA Daily Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (OISST) v2.1, monthly means (v02r01), NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)", "years": "2011-2025", "gridCell": { "lat": 12.125, "lng": -68.375 }, "note": null, "months": [ { "month": 1, "meanC": 27.19, "minC": 26.64, "maxC": 27.99 }, { "month": 2, "meanC": 26.89, "minC": 26.2, "maxC": 27.46 }, { "month": 3, "meanC": 26.88, "minC": 26.07, "maxC": 27.7 }, { "month": 4, "meanC": 27.11, "minC": 26.57, "maxC": 27.98 }, { "month": 5, "meanC": 27.57, "minC": 26.83, "maxC": 28.83 }, { "month": 6, "meanC": 27.89, "minC": 27.1, "maxC": 28.93 }, { "month": 7, "meanC": 28.09, "minC": 27.32, "maxC": 29.03 }, { "month": 8, "meanC": 28.7, "minC": 27.88, "maxC": 29.6 }, { "month": 9, "meanC": 29.28, "minC": 28.45, "maxC": 30.02 }, { "month": 10, "meanC": 29.31, "minC": 28.61, "maxC": 30.33 }, { "month": 11, "meanC": 28.87, "minC": 28.21, "maxC": 29.81 }, { "month": 12, "meanC": 28.04, "minC": 27.27, "maxC": 28.87 } ] }, "whereToStay": "Stay close to the shore sites. All 8 of our picks in Bonaire have a dive site within 1.5 km. Harbour Village Beach Club has the most, with 3 inside 1.5 km: Yellow Sub (645 m), Something Special (770 m) and The Cliff (1.3 km).", "diveSites": [ { "name": "Something Special", "depthM": "2-30", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Reef and sand next to the Harbour Village marina entrance, with eagle rays over the sand. Currents vary.", "base": "Kralendijk", "baseKm": 2.33, "nearestStay": { "name": "Harbour Village Beach Club", "km": 0.77, "distance": "770 m" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Bonaire.com", "sourceUrl": "https://bonaire.com/en/dive-sites/something-special/" }, { "name": "Yellow Sub", "depthM": "0-30", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "House reef in front of Dive Friends Bonaire with a sandy training area to 5 m. Tarpon, seahorses and frogfish are seen here.", "base": "Kralendijk", "baseKm": 2.46, "nearestStay": { "name": "Harbour Village Beach Club", "km": 0.65, "distance": "645 m" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Bonaire.com", "sourceUrl": "https://bonaire.com/en/dive-sites/yellow-sub/" }, { "name": "Bachelor's Beach", "depthM": "3-30", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Seven steps down to a small beach in Belnem, gradual reef slope, free parking on EEG Boulevard.", "base": "Kralendijk", "baseKm": 3.18, "nearestStay": { "name": "Oasis Guesthouse Bonaire", "km": 0.47, "distance": "471 m" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Bonaire.com", "sourceUrl": "https://bonaire.com/en/dive-sites/bachelors-beach-dive/" }, { "name": "Alice in Wonderland", "depthM": "8-45", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Double reef: first reef 8-20 m suits beginners, second reef past 30 m. Turtles and barracuda.", "base": "Kralendijk", "baseKm": 5.4, "nearestStay": { "name": "Oasis Guesthouse Bonaire", "km": 2.37, "distance": "2.4 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Bonaire.com", "sourceUrl": "https://bonaire.com/en/dive-sites/alice-in-wonderland/" }, { "name": "Andrea I", "depthM": "3-45", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Easy coral-beach entry marked by yellow stones, reef to a wall at 8 m. Common check-out dive site.", "base": "Kralendijk", "baseKm": 5.91, "nearestStay": { "name": "Hamlet Oasis Resort", "km": 1.75, "distance": "1.7 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Bonaire.com", "sourceUrl": "https://bonaire.com/en/dive-sites/andrea-i-dive/" }, { "name": "Salt Pier", "depthM": "3-30", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Coral-covered pier pillars with schooling fish and turtles. Only dive when no ship is docked.", "base": "Kralendijk", "baseKm": 7.12, "nearestStay": { "name": "Oasis Guesthouse Bonaire", "km": 4.28, "distance": "4.3 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Bonaire.com", "sourceUrl": "https://bonaire.com/en/dive-sites/salt-pier-dive/" }, { "name": "1000 Steps", "depthM": "3-40", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Limestone staircase (67 steps) down to the beach, reef plateau to about 9 m then a drop-off past 40 m.", "base": "Kralendijk", "baseKm": 9.56, "nearestStay": { "name": "Hamlet Oasis Resort", "km": 5.38, "distance": "5.4 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Bonaire.com", "sourceUrl": "https://bonaire.com/en/dive-sites/1000-steps-dive/" }, { "name": "Eighteenth Palm", "depthM": "3-30", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Sandy beach entry in front of Plaza Beach Resort, double reef with a sand channel at about 15 m. Non-guests need a resort day pass.", "base": "Kralendijk", "baseKm": 1.4, "nearestStay": { "name": "Plaza Beach Resort Bonaire", "km": 0.21, "distance": "211 m" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Bonaire.com", "sourceUrl": "https://bonaire.com/en/dive-sites/eighteenth-palm/" }, { "name": "Tori's Reef", "depthM": "3-40", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Spotted eagle rays over a wide sandy bottom, between Salt Pier and the White Slave huts. Currents moderate to strong.", "base": "Kralendijk", "baseKm": 8.37, "nearestStay": { "name": "Oasis Guesthouse Bonaire", "km": 5.66, "distance": "5.7 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Bonaire.com", "sourceUrl": "https://bonaire.com/en/dive-sites/toris-reef/" }, { "name": "Ol' Blue", "depthM": "3-40", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Also called Tolo. Healthy reef off the Queen's Highway, known for tarpon schools.", "base": "Kralendijk", "baseKm": 11.08, "nearestStay": { "name": "Hamlet Oasis Resort", "km": 6.94, "distance": "6.9 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Bonaire.com", "sourceUrl": "https://bonaire.com/en/dive-sites/ol-blue/" }, { "name": "La Dania's Leap", "depthM": "8-60", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Giant-stride entry from a limestone cliff, often done as a drift toward Karpata. Advanced Open Water recommended.", "base": "Kralendijk", "baseKm": 12.15, "nearestStay": { "name": "Hamlet Oasis Resort", "km": 8.06, "distance": "8.1 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Bonaire.com", "sourceUrl": "https://bonaire.com/en/dive-sites/la-danias-leap/" }, { "name": "Karpata", "depthM": "3-50", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Steep coral walls and overhangs on the northwest coast, entry by concrete platform with stairs, site marker 12.", "base": "Kralendijk", "baseKm": 12.56, "nearestStay": { "name": "Hamlet Oasis Resort", "km": 8.49, "distance": "8.5 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Bonaire.com", "sourceUrl": "https://bonaire.com/en/dive-sites/karpata-dive/" }, { "name": "The Cliff", "depthM": "3-40", "level": "advanced", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Vertical wall dropping past 40 m, reached via Hamlet Oasis. Currents can be moderate to strong.", "base": "Kralendijk", "baseKm": 4.3, "nearestStay": { "name": "Hamlet Oasis Resort", "km": 0.15, "distance": "145 m" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Bonaire.com", "sourceUrl": "https://bonaire.com/en/dive-sites/the-cliff/" }, { "name": "Hilma Hooker", "depthM": "18-34", "level": "advanced", "entry": "shore or boat", "highlights": "72 m cargo ship sunk in 1984, lying between two reefs off Angel City. Advanced Open Water and nitrox recommended.", "base": "Kralendijk", "baseKm": 5.41, "nearestStay": { "name": "Oasis Guesthouse Bonaire", "km": 2.24, "distance": "2.2 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Bonaire.com", "sourceUrl": "https://bonaire.com/en/dive-sites/hilma-hooker/" }, { "name": "Red Slave", "depthM": "3-40", "level": "advanced", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Southernmost leeward site by the historic slave huts. Strong, unpredictable currents; experienced divers only.", "base": "Kralendijk", "baseKm": 13.16, "nearestStay": { "name": "Oasis Guesthouse Bonaire", "km": 11.15, "distance": "11.2 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Bonaire.com", "sourceUrl": "https://bonaire.com/en/dive-sites/red-slave/" } ], "stays": [ { "name": "Buddy Dive Resort", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "Kralendijk · 3.8 km from center", "amenities": [ "shore-diving", "dive-shop-on-site", "house-reef", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Full dive operation on site with boat and shore diving, plus a tank delivery service for shore dives.", "officialUrl": "https://buddydive.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Buddy+Dive+Resort&address=Kralendijk%2C+Bonaire&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/372107795" }, { "name": "Captain Don's Habitat", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "Kralendijk · 4.0 km from center", "amenities": [ "shore-diving", "dive-shop-on-site", "house-reef", "nitrox", "pool", "kitchen", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Unlimited 24/7 shore diving on the house reef with an on-site dive shop offering nitrox and technical diving.", "officialUrl": "https://www.habitatbonaire.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Captain+Don%27s+Habitat&address=Kralendijk%2C+Bonaire&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/372107794" }, { "name": "Harbour Village Beach Club", "type": "hotel", "town": "Kralendijk · 3.1 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "pool", "boat-dock", "ocean-view" ], "note": "PADI 5-Star dive center with private boats and a private marina; Something Special reef is at the marina entrance.", "officialUrl": "https://www.harbourvillage.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Harbour+Village+Beach+Club&address=Kralendijk%2C+Bonaire&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/378000928" }, { "name": "Plaza Beach Resort Bonaire", "type": "hotel", "town": "Kralendijk · 1.3 km from center", "amenities": [ "shore-diving", "dive-shop-on-site", "pool", "house-reef", "family-friendly" ], "note": "Toucan Diving (PADI 5-Star) on site and the Eighteenth Palm reef off its beach. Renovations under way; pools and beach remain open.", "officialUrl": "https://www.plazaresortbonaire.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Plaza+Beach+Resort+Bonaire&address=Kralendijk%2C+Bonaire&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/320746254" }, { "name": "Sand Dollar Condominium Resort", "type": "condo", "town": "Kralendijk · 3.6 km from center", "amenities": [ "shore-diving", "kitchen", "ocean-view", "family-friendly" ], "note": "Oceanfront condos from studios to three bedrooms, with pier and beach entry and a Dive Friends shop next door.", "officialUrl": "https://www.sanddollarbonaire.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Sand+Dollar+Condominium+Resort&address=Kralendijk%2C+Bonaire&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/372125291" }, { "name": "Hamlet Oasis Resort", "type": "villa", "town": "Kralendijk · 4.2 km from center", "amenities": [ "shore-diving", "kitchen" ], "note": "24 self-catering cottages steps from the sea; access point for The Cliff dive site, about 2 miles north of Kralendijk.", "officialUrl": "https://www.hamletbonaire.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Hamlet+Oasis+Resort&address=Kralendijk%2C+Bonaire&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/529050421" }, { "name": "Bruce Bowker's Carib Inn", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "Kralendijk · 1.1 km from center", "amenities": [ "shore-diving", "dive-shop-on-site", "pool", "kitchen", "budget" ], "note": "Small, long-running dive inn in Kralendijk with a PADI 5-Star shop and diving from its own pier.", "officialUrl": "https://caribinn.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Bruce+Bowker%27s+Carib+Inn&address=Kralendijk%2C+Bonaire&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/371233370" }, { "name": "Oasis Guesthouse Bonaire", "type": "guesthouse", "town": "Kralendijk · 3.4 km from center", "amenities": [ "pool", "kitchen", "gear-rinse", "gear-storage", "budget" ], "note": "Family-run guesthouse in Belnem with a communal kitchen, gear rinse and storage, and Scuba School Bonaire on site; minutes from the southern dive sites.", "officialUrl": "https://oasisguesthousebonaire.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Oasis+Guesthouse+Bonaire&address=Kralendijk%2C+Bonaire&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/420015759" } ] }, { "slug": "curacao", "name": "Curaçao", "region": "Caribbean", "country": "Curaçao", "url": "https://reefhop.com/curacao/", "bases": [ "Willemstad" ], "stats": { "sites": 10, "shore": 7, "boatOnly": 3, "beginner": 5, "beginnerShore": 5, "advanced": 3, "stays": 8, "staysNearASite": 5, "radiusKm": 1.5, "water": "27-29 °C", "visibility": "Usually 20 to 30 m; often over 30 m from January to September, 20 to 25 m from October to December", "season": "Year-round; the island sits outside the hurricane belt. January to September brings the calmest seas and clearest water, and corals spawn around the full moons of August to October." }, "conditions": [ { "key": "water", "label": "Water", "value": "27-29 °C" }, { "key": "visibility", "label": "Visibility", "value": "Usually 20 to 30 m; often over 30 m from January to September, 20 to 25 m from October to December" }, { "key": "season", "label": "Best months", "value": "Year-round; the island sits outside the hurricane belt. January to September brings the calmest seas and clearest water, and corals spawn around the full moons of August to October." } ], "advisory": { "title": "Bring a surface marker buoy for shore dives", "body": "Island dive operators require a surface marker buoy and reel (or dive flag) on every shore dive, deployed for the whole dive, because fishing and private boats run close to shore. Operators also ban dive gloves and solo diving and enforce a zero contact rule with coral and animals, and they ask for proof of certification plus a refresher if your last dive was more than 18 months ago." }, "seaTemperature": { "source": "NOAA Daily Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (OISST) v2.1, monthly means (v02r01), NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)", "years": "2011-2025", "gridCell": { "lat": 12.125, "lng": -69.125 }, "note": null, "months": [ { "month": 1, "meanC": 26.95, "minC": 26.07, "maxC": 27.92 }, { "month": 2, "meanC": 26.71, "minC": 25.91, "maxC": 27.35 }, { "month": 3, "meanC": 26.77, "minC": 26.11, "maxC": 27.47 }, { "month": 4, "meanC": 26.99, "minC": 26.42, "maxC": 27.8 }, { "month": 5, "meanC": 27.49, "minC": 26.68, "maxC": 28.82 }, { "month": 6, "meanC": 27.71, "minC": 26.91, "maxC": 28.77 }, { "month": 7, "meanC": 27.94, "minC": 26.98, "maxC": 28.82 }, { "month": 8, "meanC": 28.49, "minC": 27.85, "maxC": 29.23 }, { "month": 9, "meanC": 29.1, "minC": 28.34, "maxC": 29.66 }, { "month": 10, "meanC": 29.24, "minC": 28.54, "maxC": 30.33 }, { "month": 11, "meanC": 28.84, "minC": 28.13, "maxC": 29.85 }, { "month": 12, "meanC": 27.91, "minC": 26.79, "maxC": 28.76 } ] }, "whereToStay": "Stay close to the shore sites. 5 of our 8 picks in Curaçao have a dive site within 1.5 km. Nos Krusero Apartments has the most, with 3 inside 1.5 km: Alice in Wonderland (Playa Kalki) (234 m), Playa Grandi (Playa Piskado) (664 m) and Watamula (1.0 km).", "diveSites": [ { "name": "Tugboat", "depthM": "5-36", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Small tug sunk in 5 m a few meters off Tugboat Beach in Caracasbaai, covered in sponges and coral, with seahorses, octopus and frogfish. Can be done as a drift from Directors Bay.", "base": "Willemstad", "baseKm": 9.04, "nearestStay": { "name": "LionsDive Beach Resort", "km": 4.38, "distance": "4.4 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Curaçao Tourist Board", "sourceUrl": "https://www.curacao.com/en/activity/tug-boat" }, { "name": "Porto Mari", "depthM": "9-36", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Double reef called the Valley: from the buoy at 9 m, down to the first reef at 15 m, across sand to a second reef at about 18 m. Minimal current, with eagle rays and nurse sharks, and a beach club with showers and lockers.", "base": "Willemstad", "baseKm": 20.16, "nearestStay": { "name": "Lagun Blou Resort", "km": 13.69, "distance": "13.7 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Curaçao Tourist Board", "sourceUrl": "https://www.curacao.com/en/activity/playa-porto-mari" }, { "name": "Playa Lagun", "depthM": "12-36", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Narrow cove between rocky cliffs with calm, shallow water inside and routes along the inner and outer reef. One of the best spots on the island for turtles, with a small cave nearby.", "base": "Willemstad", "baseKm": 33.21, "nearestStay": { "name": "Lagun Blou Resort", "km": 0.08, "distance": "81 m" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Curaçao Tourist Board", "sourceUrl": "https://www.curacao.com/en/activity/playa-lagun" }, { "name": "Playa Grandi (Playa Piskado)", "depthM": "5-20", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Fishermen's beach where resident green turtles feed in about 5 m near the pier; hard coral reef slopes from 5 m to sand at about 20 m, with a Neptune statue on the reef. Touching or feeding the turtles is not allowed.", "base": "Willemstad", "baseKm": 37.7, "nearestStay": { "name": "All West Apartments & Diving", "km": 0.11, "distance": "114 m" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Curaçao Tourist Board", "sourceUrl": "https://www.curacao.com/en/directory/do/dive/dive-sites/" }, { "name": "Alice in Wonderland (Playa Kalki)", "depthM": "5-30", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Sandy beach entry at Playa Kalki onto a dive shop's house reef, with Reef Renewal coral nurseries, turtles, eagle rays and octopus. Shallow zone at 5 to 10 m suits new divers; the reef continues past 30 m.", "base": "Willemstad", "baseKm": 38.38, "nearestStay": { "name": "Nos Krusero Apartments", "km": 0.23, "distance": "234 m" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Curaçao Tourist Board", "sourceUrl": "https://www.curacao.com/en/activity/playa-kalkialice-in-wonderland" }, { "name": "Blue Bay (The Wall and The Garden)", "depthM": "6-36", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Two house reefs walked in from Blue Bay beach: the Garden for easy coral dives and the Wall, which drops to about 56 m. Blue Bay Dive runs a shop at the beach.", "base": "Willemstad", "baseKm": 6.43, "nearestStay": { "name": "Blue Bay Curaçao Golf & Beach Resort", "km": 0.32, "distance": "322 m" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Mushroom Forest", "depthM": "10-30", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Giant star coral heads eroded into mushroom shapes form a maze of crevices off Santa Cruz, with morays, stingrays, turtles and nurse sharks. Boat only; currents can be strong, and the Blue Room cave is next door.", "base": "Willemstad", "baseKm": 32.22, "nearestStay": { "name": "Lagun Blou Resort", "km": 1.77, "distance": "1.8 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Curaçao Tourist Board", "sourceUrl": "https://www.curacao.com/en/article/best-boat-diving-spots-curacao" }, { "name": "Superior Producer", "depthM": "21-30", "level": "advanced", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Upright cargo ship that sank in 1977 at the harbor mouth, superstructure at about 21 m and sand at 30 m, with tarpon and jacks. Closed when cruise ships are at the Mega Pier, so go with an operator who checks the schedule.", "base": "Willemstad", "baseKm": 1.29, "nearestStay": { "name": "Scuba Lodge & Ocean Suites", "km": 2.21, "distance": "2.2 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Curaçao Tourist Board", "sourceUrl": "https://www.curacao.com/en/article/top-5-reasons-to-dive-in-curacao" }, { "name": "Klein Curaçao", "depthM": "12-36", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Uninhabited islet about 1.5 to 2 hours by boat each way, with reef dropping to deep blue and more pelagics than the mainland sites. Current is common enough to make most dives drifts.", "base": "Willemstad", "baseKm": 33.63, "nearestStay": { "name": "LionsDive Beach Resort", "km": 29.01, "distance": "29.0 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klein_Cura%C3%A7ao" }, { "name": "Watamula", "depthM": "6-36", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Dense hard coral fields at the island's western tip, fed by converging currents that can switch direction and turn the dive into a drift. Boat only; shore entry is unsafe.", "base": "Willemstad", "baseKm": 39.37, "nearestStay": { "name": "Nos Krusero Apartments", "km": 1.04, "distance": "1.0 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Curaçao Tourist Board", "sourceUrl": "https://www.curacao.com/en/article/best-boat-diving-spots-curacao" } ], "stays": [ { "name": "LionsDive Beach Resort", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "Willemstad · 4.7 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "house-reef", "shore-diving", "pool", "ocean-view", "family-friendly" ], "note": "Ocean Encounters runs its dive center on site, with the Stella Maris house reef off the private beach on Mambo Beach, a few minutes from Willemstad.", "officialUrl": "https://www.lionsdive.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=LionsDive+Beach+Resort&address=Willemstad%2C+Curacao&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/395183062" }, { "name": "Scuba Lodge & Ocean Suites", "type": "hotel", "town": "Willemstad · 1.1 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "pool", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Oceanfront boutique hotel in Pietermaai with a PADI 5 Star dive center on site, walking distance to Willemstad's restaurants.", "officialUrl": "https://www.scubalodge.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Scuba+Lodge+%26+Ocean+Suites&address=Willemstad%2C+Curacao&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/371895388" }, { "name": "Blue Bay Curaçao Golf & Beach Resort", "type": "hotel", "town": "Willemstad · 6.3 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "house-reef", "shore-diving" ], "note": "Villas and rooms on a large resort with Blue Bay Dive on the beach and two house reefs, the Wall and the Garden, reached from shore.", "officialUrl": "https://www.bluebay-curacao.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Blue+Bay+Cura%C3%A7ao+Golf+%26+Beach+Resort&address=Willemstad%2C+Curacao&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/395897155" }, { "name": "Lagun Blou Resort", "type": "villa", "town": "33.2 km from Willemstad", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "shore-diving", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Apartments and bungalows a few steps from Playa Lagun, with an SSI dive center on the property.", "officialUrl": "https://lagunblou.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Lagun+Blou+Resort&address=Willemstad%2C+Curacao&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/233949014" }, { "name": "Scuba Lodge Lagun Beach", "type": "apartment", "town": "About 33 km from Willemstad", "amenities": [ "shore-diving", "dive-shop-on-site", "kitchen", "ocean-view", "parking" ], "note": "The former Bahia Apartments, perched above the Playa Lagun shore dive with Dive Center Lagun on site for fills, rentals and guided shore dives.", "officialUrl": "https://scubalodgelagun.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Scuba+Lodge+Lagun+Beach&address=Willemstad%2C+Curacao&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "medium", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/373531473" }, { "name": "Marazul Dive Resort", "type": "villa", "town": "37.3 km from Willemstad", "amenities": [ "shore-diving", "house-reef", "kitchen", "pool", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Self-catering townhomes and bungalows above the sea in Westpunt, with stairs cut into the coral wall down to its house reef and Alice in Wonderland.", "officialUrl": "https://www.marazuldiveresort.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Marazul+Dive+Resort&address=Willemstad%2C+Curacao&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/233949018" }, { "name": "All West Apartments & Diving", "type": "apartment", "town": "37.6 km from Willemstad", "amenities": [ "shore-diving", "dive-shop-on-site", "kitchen", "gear-rinse", "gear-storage", "nitrox", "ocean-view", "parking", "budget" ], "note": "Self-catering apartments in Westpunt with a dive locker, rinse area and 24/7 tank access from a dive shop, and stairs down to the beach.", "officialUrl": "https://www.allwestcuracao.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=All+West+Apartments+%26+Diving&address=Willemstad%2C+Curacao&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/374166860" }, { "name": "Nos Krusero Apartments", "type": "apartment", "town": "38.3 km from Willemstad", "amenities": [ "kitchen", "ocean-view", "parking", "budget" ], "note": "Simple apartments at Playa Kalki from about 100 USD a night, across the street from a dive shop and the Alice in Wonderland shore entry.", "officialUrl": "https://www.noskrusero-apartments.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Nos+Krusero+Apartments&address=Willemstad%2C+Curacao&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/233774347" } ] }, { "slug": "cozumel", "name": "Cozumel", "region": "Caribbean", "country": "Mexico", "url": "https://reefhop.com/cozumel/", "bases": [ "San Miguel" ], "stats": { "sites": 14, "shore": 0, "boatOnly": 14, "beginner": 3, "beginnerShore": 0, "advanced": 2, "stays": 8, "staysNearASite": 0, "radiusKm": 1.5, "water": "27-30 °C", "visibility": "24-30+ m typical, clearest December to March", "season": "November to May for visibility and calm weather; June to September for the warmest water and lighter boats, with hurricane-season risk" }, "conditions": [ { "key": "water", "label": "Water", "value": "27-30 °C" }, { "key": "visibility", "label": "Visibility", "value": "24-30+ m typical, clearest December to March" }, { "key": "season", "label": "Best months", "value": "November to May for visibility and calm weather; June to September for the warmest water and lighter boats, with hurricane-season risk" } ], "advisory": { "title": "Cozumel Reefs National Park fee and rules", "body": "Every diver pays the CONANP park fee of 225 MXN (about 13 USD) per calendar day, usually collected in cash by the dive shop, which issues a dated wristband. Park rules are no touching, no gloves, no collecting, no feeding fish, and mineral-only reef-safe sunscreen." }, "seaTemperature": { "source": "NOAA Daily Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (OISST) v2.1, monthly means (v02r01), NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)", "years": "2011-2025", "gridCell": { "lat": 20.375, "lng": -87.125 }, "note": null, "months": [ { "month": 1, "meanC": 27.04, "minC": 25.81, "maxC": 27.68 }, { "month": 2, "meanC": 26.8, "minC": 26.1, "maxC": 27.16 }, { "month": 3, "meanC": 26.92, "minC": 26.44, "maxC": 27.6 }, { "month": 4, "meanC": 27.4, "minC": 27.04, "maxC": 27.85 }, { "month": 5, "meanC": 28.27, "minC": 27.73, "maxC": 28.92 }, { "month": 6, "meanC": 28.79, "minC": 28.25, "maxC": 29.56 }, { "month": 7, "meanC": 29.17, "minC": 28.68, "maxC": 29.81 }, { "month": 8, "meanC": 29.56, "minC": 29.07, "maxC": 30.16 }, { "month": 9, "meanC": 29.67, "minC": 29.02, "maxC": 30.39 }, { "month": 10, "meanC": 29.45, "minC": 29, "maxC": 30.22 }, { "month": 11, "meanC": 28.6, "minC": 27.93, "maxC": 29.14 }, { "month": 12, "meanC": 27.8, "minC": 27.08, "maxC": 28.42 } ] }, "whereToStay": "All 14 dive sites we map in Cozumel are boat dives, so the distance to the reef matters less than being near your dive operator's dock. For the shortest trip, Casa del Mar Cozumel is closest to a dive site: Paraiso Reef, 1.6 km away.", "diveSites": [ { "name": "Paraiso Reef", "depthM": "9-15", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Shallow coral ridges just south of San Miguel, short boat ride.", "base": "San Miguel", "baseKm": 5.44, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa del Mar Cozumel", "km": 1.59, "distance": "1.6 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_nacional_Arrecifes_de_Cozumel" }, { "name": "Yucab Reef", "depthM": "12-19", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Low reef ridge with tropical reef fish, mild to moderate current.", "base": "San Miguel", "baseKm": 13.86, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa del Mar Cozumel", "km": 10.01, "distance": "10.0 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_nacional_Arrecifes_de_Cozumel" }, { "name": "Palancar Gardens", "depthM": "15-21", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Coral buttresses with swim-throughs, usually mild current.", "base": "San Miguel", "baseKm": 21.02, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa del Mar Cozumel", "km": 17.28, "distance": "17.3 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palancar_Reef" }, { "name": "C-53 Xicotencatl Wreck", "depthM": "17-24", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Former Mexican Navy vessel sunk as an artificial reef off Chankanaab.", "base": "San Miguel", "baseKm": 9, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa del Mar Cozumel", "km": 5.14, "distance": "5.1 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_nacional_Arrecifes_de_Cozumel" }, { "name": "Tormentos Reef", "depthM": "10-20", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Line of coral heads on sand south of Chankanaab, often a fast drift.", "base": "San Miguel", "baseKm": 9.65, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa del Mar Cozumel", "km": 5.8, "distance": "5.8 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_nacional_Arrecifes_de_Cozumel" }, { "name": "Punta Tunich", "depthM": "15-40", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Reef slope dropping to a wall, current is common.", "base": "San Miguel", "baseKm": 15.3, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa del Mar Cozumel", "km": 11.46, "distance": "11.5 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_nacional_Arrecifes_de_Cozumel" }, { "name": "San Francisco Wall", "depthM": "18-40", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Wall dive along the drop-off, typically done as a drift.", "base": "San Miguel", "baseKm": 17.51, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa del Mar Cozumel", "km": 13.7, "distance": "13.7 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_nacional_Arrecifes_de_Cozumel" }, { "name": "Santa Rosa Wall", "depthM": "21-40", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Vertical wall with overhangs, moderate to strong drift. Wall continues below recreational depth.", "base": "San Miguel", "baseKm": 18.05, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa del Mar Cozumel", "km": 14.25, "distance": "14.3 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_nacional_Arrecifes_de_Cozumel" }, { "name": "Paso del Cedral", "depthM": "13-25", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Low reef drift dive with schooling fish and turtles.", "base": "San Miguel", "baseKm": 19.21, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa del Mar Cozumel", "km": 15.43, "distance": "15.4 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_nacional_Arrecifes_de_Cozumel" }, { "name": "Palancar Caves", "depthM": "14-28", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Tall coral pinnacles cut by caverns and tunnels.", "base": "San Miguel", "baseKm": 22.09, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa del Mar Cozumel", "km": 18.36, "distance": "18.4 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palancar_Reef" }, { "name": "Palancar Horseshoe", "depthM": "13-27", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Coral buttresses arranged in a horseshoe at the edge of the drop-off.", "base": "San Miguel", "baseKm": 22.21, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa del Mar Cozumel", "km": 18.47, "distance": "18.5 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palancar_Reef" }, { "name": "Columbia Reef", "depthM": "10-27", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Coral pinnacles and sand channels south of Palancar, reached by boat.", "base": "San Miguel", "baseKm": 22.68, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa del Mar Cozumel", "km": 19.04, "distance": "19.0 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_nacional_Arrecifes_de_Cozumel" }, { "name": "Columbia Deep", "depthM": "27-40", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Large pinnacles on the wall edge, strong and variable current. Wall continues below recreational depth.", "base": "San Miguel", "baseKm": 23.42, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa del Mar Cozumel", "km": 19.74, "distance": "19.7 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Punta Sur, Devil's Throat", "depthM": "27-40", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Deep tunnel swim-through at the southern tip, strong currents.", "base": "San Miguel", "baseKm": 24.95, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa del Mar Cozumel", "km": 21.32, "distance": "21.3 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Throat_at_Punta_Sur" } ], "stays": [ { "name": "Coral Princess Hotel & Dive Resort", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "San Miguel · 2.8 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "boat-dock", "shore-diving", "pool", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Island Divers operates from the resort's private dock, with direct ocean entry from the property.", "officialUrl": "https://www.coralprincess.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Coral+Princess+Hotel+%26+Dive+Resort&address=San+Miguel%2C+Cozumel%2C+Mexico&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.coralprincess.com/en/scubacozumel/" }, { "name": "Blue Angel Resort", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "San Miguel · 2.7 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "boat-dock", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Own dive shop with 2-tank boat dives leaving from the hotel dock, all rooms ocean view.", "officialUrl": "https://www.blueangelresort.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Blue+Angel+Resort&address=San+Miguel%2C+Cozumel%2C+Mexico&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.blueangelresort.com/" }, { "name": "Casa del Mar Cozumel", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "San Miguel · 3.9 km from center", "amenities": [ "boat-dock", "gear-storage", "pool" ], "note": "Dock and dive gear storage on site, partner dive shops, about 4 km south of town near Paraiso reef.", "officialUrl": "https://www.casadelmarcozumel.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Casa+del+Mar+Cozumel&address=San+Miguel%2C+Cozumel%2C+Mexico&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.casadelmarcozumel.com/" }, { "name": "Hotel B Cozumel", "type": "hotel", "town": "San Miguel · 2.9 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "shore-diving", "boat-dock", "pool", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Oceanfront in the north hotel zone with a dive in, dive out program run with Island Divers.", "officialUrl": "https://www.hotelbcozumel.com", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Hotel+B+Cozumel&address=San+Miguel%2C+Cozumel%2C+Mexico&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.hotelbcozumel.com" }, { "name": "Condumel Condo Rentals", "type": "condo", "town": "San Miguel · 1.9 km from center", "amenities": [ "kitchen", "ocean-view", "boat-dock" ], "note": "Ten oceanfront condos with full kitchens, a water ladder and dock for snorkeling from the property.", "officialUrl": "https://www.condumel.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Condumel+Condo+Rentals&address=San+Miguel%2C+Cozumel%2C+Mexico&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.condumel.com/" }, { "name": "Villa Aldora", "type": "guesthouse", "town": "San Miguel · 2.0 km from center", "amenities": [ "ocean-view" ], "note": "Beachfront rooms linked to the Aldora Divers operation, north of town.", "officialUrl": "https://www.aldoravilla.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Villa+Aldora&address=San+Miguel%2C+Cozumel%2C+Mexico&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.aldoravilla.com/" }, { "name": "Hotel Villas Las Anclas", "type": "apartment", "town": "San Miguel · 365 m from center", "amenities": [ "kitchen", "pool", "parking", "budget" ], "note": "Apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes in central San Miguel, walking distance to the ferry pier.", "officialUrl": "https://www.booking.com/hotel/mx/villas-las-anclas.html", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fmx%2Fvillas-las-anclas.html&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://us.trip.com/hotels/cozumel-hotel-detail-10727007/hotel-villas-las-anclas/" }, { "name": "Hostelito Cozumel", "type": "guesthouse", "town": "San Miguel · 136 m from center", "amenities": [ "kitchen", "pool", "budget" ], "note": "Dorms and private rooms with a shared kitchen in central San Miguel, near the ferry pier.", "officialUrl": "https://www.booking.com/hotel/mx/hostelito.html", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fmx%2Fhostelito.html&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.hostelworld.com/hostels/p/300493/hostelito-cozumel/" } ] }, { "slug": "yucatan-cenotes", "name": "Tulum and the cenotes", "region": "Riviera Maya", "country": "Mexico", "url": "https://reefhop.com/yucatan-cenotes/", "bases": [ "Tulum" ], "stats": { "sites": 13, "shore": 13, "boatOnly": 0, "beginner": 6, "beginnerShore": 6, "advanced": 4, "stays": 8, "staysNearASite": 1, "radiusKm": 1.5, "water": "24-26 °C", "visibility": "Often 30 to 40 m inside the caverns; rain can briefly reduce it near entrances", "season": "Year-round. November to April is the dry season with the most reliable visibility; June to August brings the strongest vertical sunbeams at The Pit; September and October are the quietest and cheapest." }, "conditions": [ { "key": "water", "label": "Water", "value": "24-26 °C" }, { "key": "visibility", "label": "Visibility", "value": "Often 30 to 40 m inside the caverns; rain can briefly reduce it near entrances" }, { "key": "season", "label": "Best months", "value": "Year-round. November to April is the dry season with the most reliable visibility; June to August brings the strongest vertical sunbeams at The Pit; September and October are the quietest and cheapest." } ], "advisory": { "title": "Cenotes are overhead dives: guided cavern only, cave beyond the light", "body": "Under the cenote diving rules published by CREER, the regional cave diving committee whose manual was written with local operator associations and the major cave training agencies, a guided cavern dive stays within natural light, within 60 m (200 ft) of the nearest surface point and no deeper than 30 m (100 ft), with at most 4 divers per guide (3 at Level 4 sites) and no dives starting after 4 pm. Going past the light zone is cave diving and needs a cave diver certification. Single-tank cavern diving is only allowed at designated cavern sites with a qualified local guide, even if you hold a cavern certification. Each cenote charges its own entrance fee, paid at the site: 200 to 500 pesos per diver at the main dive cenotes, plus a camera fee at many." }, "seaTemperature": { "source": "NOAA Daily Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (OISST) v2.1, monthly means (v02r01), NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)", "years": "2011-2025", "gridCell": { "lat": 20.125, "lng": -87.375 }, "note": "Cenotes are fresh water; the sea value is the Caribbean coast near Tulum (the hub centre), for the reef and beach side of the trip.", "months": [ { "month": 1, "meanC": 27, "minC": 25.89, "maxC": 27.69 }, { "month": 2, "meanC": 26.75, "minC": 26.06, "maxC": 27.1 }, { "month": 3, "meanC": 26.93, "minC": 26.43, "maxC": 27.57 }, { "month": 4, "meanC": 27.44, "minC": 27, "maxC": 27.88 }, { "month": 5, "meanC": 28.32, "minC": 27.69, "maxC": 29.06 }, { "month": 6, "meanC": 28.84, "minC": 28.26, "maxC": 29.8 }, { "month": 7, "meanC": 29.22, "minC": 28.6, "maxC": 29.98 }, { "month": 8, "meanC": 29.62, "minC": 29.08, "maxC": 30.36 }, { "month": 9, "meanC": 29.68, "minC": 28.95, "maxC": 30.53 }, { "month": 10, "meanC": 29.47, "minC": 28.96, "maxC": 30.33 }, { "month": 11, "meanC": 28.57, "minC": 27.9, "maxC": 29.02 }, { "month": 12, "meanC": 27.74, "minC": 27.08, "maxC": 28.22 } ] }, "whereToStay": "Stay close to the shore sites. 1 of our 8 picks in Tulum and the cenotes have a dive site within 1.5 km. Casa Cenote Hotel has the most, with 1 inside 1.5 km: Casa Cenote (Cenote Manatí) (124 m).", "diveSites": [ { "name": "Car Wash (Aktun Ha)", "depthM": "0-15", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Cavern dive, CREER Level 1: open water certification with a guide, minimum age 15 and recent diving beyond your course. Wide open pool with lily pads and aquatic plants that turns green with algae in the rainy season, leading into a spacious, decorated cavern with a halocline near 15 m, on the Coba road west of Tulum.", "base": "Tulum", "baseKm": 7.47, "nearestStay": { "name": "Mama's Home", "km": 7.69, "distance": "7.7 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "CREER", "sourceUrl": "https://creer-mx.com/cenote-ratings-and-status" }, { "name": "Casa Cenote (Cenote Manatí)", "depthM": "2-7", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Cavern dive, CREER Level 1: open water certification with a guide, minimum age 15 and recent diving beyond your course. Open-air river cenote winding through mangroves just across the road from the sea at Tankah, 2 to 7 m deep, where fresh and salt water mix and sea turtles and juvenile barracuda turn up.", "base": "Tulum", "baseKm": 9.67, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa Cenote Hotel", "km": 0.12, "distance": "124 m" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "CREER", "sourceUrl": "https://creer-mx.com/cenote-ratings-and-status" }, { "name": "Dos Ojos", "depthM": "0-10", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Cavern dive, CREER Level 1: open water certification with a guide, minimum age 15 and recent diving beyond your course. Two sinkholes joined by a decorated cavern; the Barbie Line (Level 1) runs past big stalactites and stalagmites at 8 to 10 m, and the Bat Cave Line (Level 2) surfaces in a dark air dome with roosting bats.", "base": "Tulum", "baseKm": 14.7, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa Cenote Hotel", "km": 6.52, "distance": "6.5 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "CREER", "sourceUrl": "https://creer-mx.com/cenote-ratings-and-status" }, { "name": "Eden (Ponderosa)", "depthM": "0-12", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Cavern dive, CREER Level 1: open water certification with a guide, minimum age 15 and recent diving beyond your course. Semi-open jungle cenote about 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen with wide, well-lit cavern passages and a halocline, max about 12 m; good for mixed groups of divers and swimmers. CREER notes it closes Saturdays.", "base": "Tulum", "baseKm": 37.78, "nearestStay": null, "coordConfidence": "medium", "source": "CREER", "sourceUrl": "https://creer-mx.com/cenote-ratings-and-status" }, { "name": "Chikin Ha", "depthM": "0-12", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Cavern dive, CREER Level 1: open water certification with a guide, minimum age 15 and recent diving beyond your course. High-ceilinged cavern with stalactite curtains, soda straws and a pronounced halocline, max about 12 m; often paired with neighbouring Crystalino. CREER notes it closes Saturdays in low season.", "base": "Tulum", "baseKm": 38.33, "nearestStay": { "name": "Hotel Akumal Caribe", "km": 12.67, "distance": "12.7 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "CREER", "sourceUrl": "https://creer-mx.com/cenote-ratings-and-status" }, { "name": "Kukulkan", "depthM": "0-14", "level": "beginner", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Cavern dive, CREER Level 1: open water certification with a guide, minimum age 15 and recent diving beyond your course. In the same park as Chac Mool, about 25 minutes south of Playa del Carmen; stalactite galleries and columns to about 14 m, with light entering at several points along the line.", "base": "Tulum", "baseKm": 40.42, "nearestStay": { "name": "Hotel Akumal Caribe", "km": 14.72, "distance": "14.7 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "CREER", "sourceUrl": "https://creer-mx.com/cenote-ratings-and-status" }, { "name": "Calavera (Temple of Doom)", "depthM": "0-15", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Cavern dive, CREER Level 2: open water certification with a guide plus a previous dive in a Level 1 cenote. Three skull-like holes in the roof throw light columns into a dome cavern with a sandy bottom near 15 m; entry is by ladder or a jump through the main hole, just outside Tulum.", "base": "Tulum", "baseKm": 2.08, "nearestStay": { "name": "Mama's Home", "km": 2.14, "distance": "2.1 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "CREER", "sourceUrl": "https://creer-mx.com/cenote-ratings-and-status" }, { "name": "Tajma Ha", "depthM": "0-15", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Rated CREER Level 2 (open water plus a previous Level 1 cenote dive, with a guide), but CREER currently marks cavern tours here as not recommended because sediment from a nearby excavation made the cavern line unsafe. Known for ornate formations such as the Sugar Bowl chamber, to about 15 m.", "base": "Tulum", "baseKm": 35.94, "nearestStay": { "name": "Hotel Akumal Caribe", "km": 10.38, "distance": "10.4 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "CREER", "sourceUrl": "https://creer-mx.com/cenote-ratings-and-status" }, { "name": "Chac Mool", "depthM": "0-12", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Cavern dive, CREER Level 2 when entered via Little Brother: open water certification with a guide plus a previous Level 1 cenote dive. Two pools linked by a wide cavern with sunbeams through ceiling holes and a strong halocline at 8 to 10 m.", "base": "Tulum", "baseKm": 40.41, "nearestStay": { "name": "Hotel Akumal Caribe", "km": 14.71, "distance": "14.7 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "CREER", "sourceUrl": "https://creer-mx.com/cenote-ratings-and-status" }, { "name": "Dreamgate", "depthM": "0-13", "level": "advanced", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Cavern dive, CREER Level 4 (expert): Advanced Open Water or equivalent plus previous dives in Level 1, 2 and 3 cenotes, with a guide. Very densely decorated cavern to about 13 m with a halocline near 10 m; formations sit close, so tight buoyancy control matters. CREER lists the cave zone as closed, cavern open.", "base": "Tulum", "baseKm": 12.76, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa Cenote Hotel", "km": 4.35, "distance": "4.4 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "CREER", "sourceUrl": "https://creer-mx.com/cenote-ratings-and-status" }, { "name": "The Pit (El Pit)", "depthM": "0-30", "level": "advanced", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Deep cavern dive, CREER Level 3: Advanced Open Water or equivalent required, plus previous dives in Level 1 and 2 cenotes, with a guide. Open shaft inside Parque Dos Ojos with a halocline near 15 m and a hydrogen sulphide cloud around 30 m; midday sunbeams are strongest from about 11:00 to 13:00.", "base": "Tulum", "baseKm": 13.63, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa Cenote Hotel", "km": 6.65, "distance": "6.6 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "CREER", "sourceUrl": "https://creer-mx.com/cenote-ratings-and-status" }, { "name": "Angelita", "depthM": "0-30", "level": "advanced", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Deep cavern dive, CREER Level 3: Advanced Open Water or equivalent required, plus previous dives in Level 1 and 2 cenotes, with a guide. Deep open cenote about 15 minutes south of Tulum; a thick hydrogen sulphide cloud at about 30 m looks like a river, with sunken trees poking up through it.", "base": "Tulum", "baseKm": 14.58, "nearestStay": { "name": "Zamas Hotel", "km": 14.38, "distance": "14.4 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "CREER", "sourceUrl": "https://creer-mx.com/cenote-ratings-and-status" }, { "name": "Nicte Ha", "depthM": "0-14", "level": "advanced", "entry": "shore", "highlights": "Deep cavern dive, CREER Level 3: Advanced Open Water or equivalent required, plus previous dives in Level 1 and 2 cenotes, with a guide. Descent through a lily pad garden into a decorated cavern to about 12 to 14 m; shallow water near the plants can be hazy with organic particles.", "base": "Tulum", "baseKm": 15.14, "nearestStay": { "name": "Casa Cenote Hotel", "km": 6.43, "distance": "6.4 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "CREER", "sourceUrl": "https://creer-mx.com/cenote-ratings-and-status" } ], "stays": [ { "name": "Zamas Hotel", "type": "hotel", "town": "Tulum · 4.3 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "pool", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Beach hotel on the Tulum hotel zone road with Mexidivers operating from the property; the shop runs morning and afternoon cenote departures.", "officialUrl": "https://www.zamas.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Zamas+Hotel&address=Tulum%2C+Quintana+Roo%2C+Mexico&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/3412903098" }, { "name": "Azura Boutique Hotel", "type": "hotel", "town": "Tulum", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site" ], "note": "Small suite hotel in Tulum Centro that houses Agua Clara Diving, a cenote shop offering nitrox and two-tank cenote days from 3,000 MXN.", "officialUrl": "https://azuratulum.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Azura+Boutique+Hotel&address=Tulum%2C+Quintana+Roo%2C+Mexico&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "medium", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/1378592987" }, { "name": "Mama's Home", "type": "guesthouse", "town": "Tulum · 317 m from center", "amenities": [ "kitchen", "budget" ], "note": "Budget hostel in Tulum Centro with a shared kitchen and free breakfast; the town's cenote shops are nearby.", "officialUrl": "https://www.hostelworld.com/hostels/p/45988/mama-s-home/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Mama%27s+Home&address=Tulum%2C+Quintana+Roo%2C+Mexico&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/4476789707" }, { "name": "Casa Cenote Hotel", "type": "hotel", "town": "Tulum · 9.7 km from center", "amenities": [ "pool", "ocean-view", "parking" ], "note": "Oceanfront rooms at Tankah right beside Casa Cenote, a Level 1 cavern dive; the hotel arranges cenote dives and intro classes.", "officialUrl": "https://www.casacenote.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Casa+Cenote+Hotel&address=Tulum%2C+Quintana+Roo%2C+Mexico&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/4958660443" }, { "name": "Hotel Akumal Caribe", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "25.8 km from Tulum", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Akumal's original beachfront resort, with Akumal Dive Center on site running Dos Ojos cenote trips as well as cavern and cave courses.", "officialUrl": "https://hotelakumalcaribe.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Hotel+Akumal+Caribe&address=Tulum%2C+Quintana+Roo%2C+Mexico&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Club_Akumal_Caribe" }, { "name": "Puerto Aventuras Hotel & Beach Club", "type": "hotel", "town": "About 40 km from Tulum", "amenities": [ "pool", "ocean-view", "family-friendly" ], "note": "Beachfront hotel with two pools and a children's pool in Puerto Aventuras, where Aquanauts Dive Shop in the marina runs 2-tank cenote dives for up to 4 divers.", "officialUrl": "https://www.puertoaventurashotel.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Puerto+Aventuras+Hotel+%26+Beach+Club&address=Tulum%2C+Quintana+Roo%2C+Mexico&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "medium", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/4028736730" }, { "name": "The Reef 28", "type": "hotel", "town": "62.3 km from Tulum", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "gear-rinse", "gear-storage", "pool", "adults-only" ], "note": "Adults-only all-inclusive near 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen; The Reef Dive Shop lists its address at the hotel, and divers' own gear is rinsed, dried and stored.", "officialUrl": "https://www.thereefresorts.com/reef28", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=The+Reef+28&address=Tulum%2C+Quintana+Roo%2C+Mexico&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/1341446835" }, { "name": "The Reef Coco Beach", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "63.2 km from Tulum", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "gear-rinse", "gear-storage", "pool", "family-friendly" ], "note": "Family all-inclusive on the beach in Playa del Carmen with The Reef Marina (PADI 5 Star) on site, max 5 divers per guide, and a rinse, dry and store service for your own gear.", "officialUrl": "https://www.thereefresorts.com/reefcocobeach", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=The+Reef+Coco+Beach&address=Tulum%2C+Quintana+Roo%2C+Mexico&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/1231263540" } ] }, { "slug": "roatan", "name": "Roatán", "region": "Caribbean", "country": "Honduras", "url": "https://reefhop.com/roatan/", "bases": [ "West End" ], "stats": { "sites": 13, "shore": 0, "boatOnly": 13, "beginner": 3, "beginnerShore": 0, "advanced": 4, "stays": 8, "staysNearASite": 6, "radiusKm": 1.5, "water": "27-30 °C", "visibility": "Often 30 m (100 ft) or more in the dry season, lower in the November to February wet season", "season": "March to September for calmest seas and clearest water; diving runs year-round" }, "conditions": [ { "key": "water", "label": "Water", "value": "27-30 °C" }, { "key": "visibility", "label": "Visibility", "value": "Often 30 m (100 ft) or more in the dry season, lower in the November to February wet season" }, { "key": "season", "label": "Best months", "value": "March to September for calmest seas and clearest water; diving runs year-round" } ], "advisory": { "title": "Roatan Marine Park user fee", "body": "Divers pay a 10 USD Roatan Marine Park user fee, issued as a bracelet or token. Dive shops and resorts sell it and many add it to the dive invoice. The fee funds reef protection and patrols in the park." }, "seaTemperature": { "source": "NOAA Daily Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (OISST) v2.1, monthly means (v02r01), NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)", "years": "2011-2025", "gridCell": { "lat": 16.375, "lng": -86.625 }, "note": null, "months": [ { "month": 1, "meanC": 27.14, "minC": 26.3, "maxC": 27.94 }, { "month": 2, "meanC": 26.94, "minC": 26.28, "maxC": 27.47 }, { "month": 3, "meanC": 27.25, "minC": 26.65, "maxC": 27.98 }, { "month": 4, "meanC": 27.84, "minC": 27.27, "maxC": 28.31 }, { "month": 5, "meanC": 28.54, "minC": 28.08, "maxC": 29.17 }, { "month": 6, "meanC": 28.97, "minC": 28.27, "maxC": 29.97 }, { "month": 7, "meanC": 28.82, "minC": 28.18, "maxC": 29.57 }, { "month": 8, "meanC": 29.42, "minC": 28.9, "maxC": 30.05 }, { "month": 9, "meanC": 29.89, "minC": 29.27, "maxC": 30.68 }, { "month": 10, "meanC": 29.6, "minC": 29.08, "maxC": 30.42 }, { "month": 11, "meanC": 28.61, "minC": 27.83, "maxC": 29.13 }, { "month": 12, "meanC": 27.8, "minC": 27.08, "maxC": 28.46 } ] }, "whereToStay": "All 13 dive sites we map in Roatán are boat dives, so the distance to the reef matters less than being near your dive operator's dock. For the shortest trip, Splash Inn Dive Resort is closest to a dive site: Moonlight, 472 m away.", "diveSites": [ { "name": "Moonlight", "depthM": "5-15", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Shallow reef with sandy patches near West End. Sea turtles and eagle rays.", "base": "West End", "baseKm": 0.49, "nearestStay": { "name": "Splash Inn Dive Resort", "km": 0.47, "distance": "472 m" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Overheat Reef", "depthM": "5-18", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Shallow sandy plateau at 5-6 m sheltered from current, with a wall drop nearby.", "base": "West End", "baseKm": 2.33, "nearestStay": { "name": "Roatan Backpackers' Hostel", "km": 1.7, "distance": "1.7 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Kab's Zen Garden", "depthM": "5-18", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Wide patches of soft corals and sea fans off West Bay.", "base": "West End", "baseKm": 2.61, "nearestStay": { "name": "Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort", "km": 0.94, "distance": "937 m" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Bear's Den", "depthM": "9-27", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Swim-through chute at about 15 m leading to a wall, with a large cavern near 9 m.", "base": "West End", "baseKm": 4.4, "nearestStay": { "name": "Roatan Backpackers' Hostel", "km": 1.09, "distance": "1.1 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Spooky Channel", "depthM": "12-29", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Narrow channel between tall coral walls with dim light and swim-throughs.", "base": "West End", "baseKm": 4.91, "nearestStay": { "name": "Roatan Backpackers' Hostel", "km": 1.4, "distance": "1.4 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Roatán Marine Park", "sourceUrl": "https://www.roatanmarinepark.org/post/dive-sites-with-meaning-stories" }, { "name": "Mary's Place", "depthM": "9-36", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Vertical crevices formed by old volcanic activity, reaching about 36 m. South side near Brick Bay.", "base": "West End", "baseKm": 13.76, "nearestStay": { "name": "CoCo View Resort", "km": 4.5, "distance": "4.5 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Mr Bud Wreck", "depthM": "15-18", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "23 m conch boat lying at about 18 m on the south shore.", "base": "West End", "baseKm": 16.4, "nearestStay": { "name": "CoCo View Resort", "km": 1.85, "distance": "1.9 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Dolphin's Den", "depthM": "5-12", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "North shore coral canyons joined by tunnels. Usually less crowded.", "base": "West End", "baseKm": 25.08, "nearestStay": { "name": "CoCo View Resort", "km": 7.88, "distance": "7.9 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Calvin's Crack", "depthM": "9-27", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Narrow crack that drops out onto a wall on the east side.", "base": "West End", "baseKm": 25.13, "nearestStay": { "name": "CoCo View Resort", "km": 7.02, "distance": "7.0 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Hole in the Wall", "depthM": "15-34", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Chute through the reef that exits the wall at about 30 m. Deeper section suited to deep-certified divers.", "base": "West End", "baseKm": 1.03, "nearestStay": { "name": "Coconut Tree Cabins West End", "km": 0.9, "distance": "900 m" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Roatán Marine Park", "sourceUrl": "https://www.roatanmarinepark.org/post/new-dive-sites-in-2022" }, { "name": "El Aguila Wreck", "depthM": "20-34", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "70 m cargo ship sunk as an artificial reef in 1997. Grouper, barracuda and moray eels.", "base": "West End", "baseKm": 2.94, "nearestStay": { "name": "Roatan Backpackers' Hostel", "km": 1.23, "distance": "1.2 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Roatán Marine Park", "sourceUrl": "https://www.roatanmarinepark.org/post/a-gift-to-honor" }, { "name": "Odyssey Wreck", "depthM": "18-35", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Roatan's largest shipwreck, about 90 m long. Stern rises to about 18 m, hull rests near 35 m.", "base": "West End", "baseKm": 7.41, "nearestStay": { "name": "Roatan Backpackers' Hostel", "km": 3.73, "distance": "3.7 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Roatán Marine Park", "sourceUrl": "https://www.roatanmarinepark.org/post/new-dive-sites-in-2022" }, { "name": "Cara a Cara", "depthM": "18-21", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Caribbean reef shark dive on the south side. Needs certification and at least 20 logged dives.", "base": "West End", "baseKm": 8, "nearestStay": { "name": "Roatan Backpackers' Hostel", "km": 6.72, "distance": "6.7 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null } ], "stays": [ { "name": "Anthony's Key Resort", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "West End", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "nitrox", "pool", "boat-dock", "family-friendly", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Long-running Sandy Bay dive resort with its own dive center, near Bear's Den and Spooky Channel.", "officialUrl": "https://anthonyskey.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Anthony%27s+Key+Resort&address=West+End%2C+Roat%C3%A1n%2C+Honduras&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "medium", "sourceUrl": "https://anthonyskey.com/" }, { "name": "CoCo View Resort", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "18.1 km from West End", "amenities": [ "shore-diving", "house-reef", "dive-shop-on-site", "nitrox", "boat-dock", "gear-storage", "gear-rinse" ], "note": "South shore resort with 24-hour shore diving and the Prince Albert wreck on its house reef.", "officialUrl": "https://www.cocoviewresort.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=CoCo+View+Resort&address=West+End%2C+Roat%C3%A1n%2C+Honduras&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.cocoviewresort.com/" }, { "name": "Splash Inn Dive Resort", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "West End · 186 m from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "nitrox", "boat-dock", "gear-storage" ], "note": "West End inn with an on-site dive operation and a dive dock across the street.", "officialUrl": "https://roatansplashinn.com/en", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Splash+Inn+Dive+Resort&address=West+End%2C+Roat%C3%A1n%2C+Honduras&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://roatansplashinn.com/en" }, { "name": "Bananarama Dive & Beach Resort", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "West End · 3.4 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "family-friendly", "ocean-view" ], "note": "West Bay Beach resort with a PADI 5 Star dive center and snorkeling from the beach.", "officialUrl": "https://bananarama.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Bananarama+Dive+%26+Beach+Resort&address=West+End%2C+Roat%C3%A1n%2C+Honduras&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://bananarama.com/" }, { "name": "Infinity Bay Spa and Beach Resort", "type": "condo", "town": "West End · 3.6 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "pool", "kitchen", "ocean-view" ], "note": "West Bay condo resort with an on-site SSI dive shop.", "officialUrl": "https://www.infinitybay.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Infinity+Bay+Spa+and+Beach+Resort&address=West+End%2C+Roat%C3%A1n%2C+Honduras&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.infinitybay.com/" }, { "name": "Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort", "type": "villa", "town": "West End · 3.2 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "pool", "kitchen", "family-friendly", "ocean-view" ], "note": "West Bay villas with kitchens and Mayan Divers operating from the property.", "officialUrl": "https://www.mayanprincess.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Mayan+Princess+Beach+%26+Dive+Resort&address=West+End%2C+Roat%C3%A1n%2C+Honduras&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.mayanprincess.com/" }, { "name": "Coconut Tree Cabins West End", "type": "guesthouse", "town": "West End · 128 m from center", "amenities": [ "budget", "family-friendly" ], "note": "Family-run cabins a short walk from Half Moon Bay and the West End dive shops.", "officialUrl": "https://coconuttreecabinsroatan.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Coconut+Tree+Cabins+West+End&address=West+End%2C+Roat%C3%A1n%2C+Honduras&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://coconuttreecabinsroatan.com/" }, { "name": "Roatan Backpackers' Hostel", "type": "guesthouse", "town": "West End · 3.7 km from center", "amenities": [ "budget", "kitchen", "pool" ], "note": "Sandy Bay hostel with dorms and apartments, a shared kitchen and dive shop discounts. West End is about 4 km away.", "officialUrl": "https://www.roatanbackpackers.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Roatan+Backpackers%27+Hostel&address=West+End%2C+Roat%C3%A1n%2C+Honduras&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.roatanbackpackers.com/" } ] }, { "slug": "key-largo", "name": "Key Largo", "region": "Florida", "country": "United States", "url": "https://reefhop.com/key-largo/", "bases": [ "Rock Harbor" ], "stats": { "sites": 11, "shore": 0, "boatOnly": 11, "beginner": 6, "beginnerShore": 0, "advanced": 3, "stays": 8, "staysNearASite": 0, "radiusKm": 1.5, "water": "24-30 °C", "visibility": "Typically 9-24 m (30-80 ft); clearest in winter and spring, around 12-18 m in summer", "season": "April to August for calm seas and warm water; winter has the best visibility but cold fronts; hurricane season runs June to November" }, "conditions": [ { "key": "water", "label": "Water", "value": "24-30 °C" }, { "key": "visibility", "label": "Visibility", "value": "Typically 9-24 m (30-80 ft); clearest in winter and spring, around 12-18 m in summer" }, { "key": "season", "label": "Best months", "value": "April to August for calm seas and warm water; winter has the best visibility but cold fronts; hurricane season runs June to November" } ], "advisory": { "title": "Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary rules", "body": "Most Key Largo reefs sit inside the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and a dive flag is required for all diving and snorkeling. Sanctuary Preservation Areas such as Molasses, French, the Elbow, Carysfort and Key Largo Dry Rocks are no-take zones where touching or standing on coral is prohibited. Boats must use mooring buoys instead of anchoring on coral and keep to idle speed within 300 feet of a dive flag." }, "seaTemperature": { "source": "NOAA Daily Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (OISST) v2.1, monthly means (v02r01), NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)", "years": "2011-2025", "gridCell": { "lat": 25.125, "lng": -80.375 }, "note": null, "months": [ { "month": 1, "meanC": 24.13, "minC": 22.36, "maxC": 25.52 }, { "month": 2, "meanC": 24.43, "minC": 22.77, "maxC": 25.43 }, { "month": 3, "meanC": 25.03, "minC": 23.85, "maxC": 25.7 }, { "month": 4, "meanC": 26.15, "minC": 25.5, "maxC": 27.38 }, { "month": 5, "meanC": 27.6, "minC": 26.54, "maxC": 28.81 }, { "month": 6, "meanC": 28.85, "minC": 27.88, "maxC": 29.69 }, { "month": 7, "meanC": 29.91, "minC": 28.78, "maxC": 31.49 }, { "month": 8, "meanC": 30.3, "minC": 28.94, "maxC": 31.22 }, { "month": 9, "meanC": 29.77, "minC": 28.79, "maxC": 30.44 }, { "month": 10, "meanC": 28.44, "minC": 27.64, "maxC": 28.88 }, { "month": 11, "meanC": 26.6, "minC": 25.66, "maxC": 27.26 }, { "month": 12, "meanC": 25.46, "minC": 23.89, "maxC": 26.41 } ] }, "whereToStay": "All 11 dive sites we map in Key Largo are boat dives, so the distance to the reef matters less than being near your dive operator's dock. For the shortest trip, Amoray Dive Resort is closest to a dive site: Grecian Rocks, 10.0 km away.", "diveSites": [ { "name": "Molasses Reef", "depthM": "2-18", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Most visited reef in the Upper Keys; spur and groove coral, boulder corals, a ship's winch and a historic anchor near the light", "base": "Rock Harbor", "baseKm": 10.96, "nearestStay": { "name": "Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina", "km": 11.21, "distance": "11.2 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molasses_Reef" }, { "name": "Benwood Wreck", "depthM": "8-14", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "360 ft freighter sunk in a 1942 collision, lying between French Reef and Dixie Shoals on the Shipwreck Trail; popular night dive", "base": "Rock Harbor", "baseKm": 11.48, "nearestStay": { "name": "Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina", "km": 11.35, "distance": "11.4 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Benwood" }, { "name": "Grecian Rocks", "depthM": "1-9", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Shallow reef about 1 km south-southwest of the Christ statue; parts of the crest are exposed at low tide", "base": "Rock Harbor", "baseKm": 13.85, "nearestStay": { "name": "Amoray Dive Resort", "km": 10.02, "distance": "10.0 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary", "sourceUrl": "https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/zones/spas/kldryrocks.html" }, { "name": "Christ of the Abyss (Key Largo Dry Rocks)", "depthM": "2-8", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Bronze Christ of the Deep statue placed in 1965 in under 8 m of water; also visible to snorkelers", "base": "Rock Harbor", "baseKm": 14.54, "nearestStay": null, "coordConfidence": "medium", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_Largo_Dry_Rocks" }, { "name": "City of Washington Wreck", "depthM": "to 8", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Iron-hulled steamship wrecked on the Elbow in 1917; broken-up remains in about 8 m on the Shipwreck Trail", "base": "Rock Harbor", "baseKm": 19.58, "nearestStay": { "name": "Amoray Dive Resort", "km": 14.04, "distance": "14.0 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Washington_(ship)" }, { "name": "Carysfort Reef", "depthM": "1-5", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Double reef around the Carysfort lighthouse; shallow corals near the light and ridges and swim-throughs further offshore", "base": "Rock Harbor", "baseKm": 27.27, "nearestStay": { "name": "Amoray Dive Resort", "km": 20.26, "distance": "20.3 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary", "sourceUrl": "https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/zones/spas/carysfort.html" }, { "name": "French Reef", "depthM": "6-14", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Spur and groove reef with ledges and swim-throughs such as Christmas Tree Cave; often paired with the Spiegel Grove or Benwood", "base": "Rock Harbor", "baseKm": 10.97, "nearestStay": { "name": "Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina", "km": 11, "distance": "11.0 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "local dive operator", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "The Elbow", "depthM": "3-14", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Bank reef about 6 nautical miles off Key Largo with spur and groove coral and several wrecks, including the City of Washington", "base": "Rock Harbor", "baseKm": 19.07, "nearestStay": { "name": "Amoray Dive Resort", "km": 13.54, "distance": "13.5 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary", "sourceUrl": "https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/zones/spas/elbow.html" }, { "name": "USCGC Bibb", "depthM": "to 40", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Sister ship of the Duane, scuttled in 1987 and lying on its side in about 40 m just outside the reef tract", "base": "Rock Harbor", "baseKm": 12.18, "nearestStay": { "name": "Seafarer Resort and Beach", "km": 12.27, "distance": "12.3 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USCGC_Bibb_(WPG-31)" }, { "name": "USCGC Duane", "depthM": "18-37", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "327 ft Coast Guard cutter scuttled upright in 1987 about 1 mile south of Molasses Reef; crow's nest near 18 m, sand at 37 m", "base": "Rock Harbor", "baseKm": 13.17, "nearestStay": { "name": "Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina", "km": 13.34, "distance": "13.3 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary", "sourceUrl": "https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/shipwrecktrail/duane.html" }, { "name": "Spiegel Grove", "depthM": "18-41", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "510 ft former Navy landing ship sunk as an artificial reef in 2002 on Dixie Shoal; top deck around 18 m, hull down to 41 m", "base": "Rock Harbor", "baseKm": 14.32, "nearestStay": { "name": "Amoray Dive Resort", "km": 13.14, "distance": "13.1 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Spiegel_Grove" } ], "stays": [ { "name": "Amoray Dive Resort", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "Rock Harbor · 7.8 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "boat-dock", "kitchen" ], "note": "Bayfront dive resort at MM 104 with its own dive shop and dive boats leaving from the property dock.", "officialUrl": "https://www.amoray.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Amoray+Dive+Resort&address=Key+Largo%2C+Florida%2C+United+States&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.amoray.com/" }, { "name": "Bayside Inn Key Largo", "type": "hotel", "town": "Rock Harbor · 546 m from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "pool" ], "note": "56-room bayside hotel with an on-site PADI 5-Star dive center, about five minutes from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.", "officialUrl": "https://www.baysidekeylargo.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Bayside+Inn+Key+Largo&address=Key+Largo%2C+Florida%2C+United+States&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.baysidekeylargo.com/" }, { "name": "Key Largo Inn", "type": "hotel", "town": "Rock Harbor · 404 m from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "pool", "budget" ], "note": "Motor lodge dating from 1952 at MM 99 with an on-site scuba dive shop.", "officialUrl": "https://www.keylargoinn.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Key+Largo+Inn&address=Key+Largo%2C+Florida%2C+United+States&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.keylargoinn.com/" }, { "name": "Seafarer Resort and Beach", "type": "hotel", "town": "Rock Harbor · 2.6 km from center", "amenities": [ "kitchen", "budget", "family-friendly" ], "note": "Family-owned cottage motel on Florida Bay with rooms from economy to family suites with kitchens and free kayaks.", "officialUrl": "https://www.seafarerkeylargo.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Seafarer+Resort+and+Beach&address=Key+Largo%2C+Florida%2C+United+States&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.seafarerkeylargo.com/" }, { "name": "Holiday Inn Key Largo", "type": "hotel", "town": "Rock Harbor · 657 m from center", "amenities": [ "pool", "boat-dock" ], "note": "MM 100 hotel with marina dockage; several dive charters list their departures at the hotel docks.", "officialUrl": "https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/key-largo/kylfl/hoteldetail", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Holiday+Inn+Key+Largo&address=Key+Largo%2C+Florida%2C+United+States&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://visitfloridakeys.com/business-directory/holiday-inn-key-largo" }, { "name": "Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina", "type": "hotel", "town": "Rock Harbor · 742 m from center", "amenities": [ "pool", "boat-dock" ], "note": "Oceanside resort on Caribbean Drive with a large deep-water marina and one to three bedroom suites.", "officialUrl": "https://www.oceanbreezeinns.com/marina-del-mar/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Marina+Del+Mar+Resort+and+Marina&address=Key+Largo%2C+Florida%2C+United+States&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.oceanbreezeinns.com/marina-del-mar/" }, { "name": "Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo", "type": "condo", "town": "Rock Harbor", "amenities": [ "kitchen", "pool", "boat-dock", "ocean-view", "family-friendly" ], "note": "One and two bedroom oceanfront suites with full kitchens, a deep-water marina and a private beach in Tavernier, south of Key Largo.", "officialUrl": "https://www.providentresorts.com/ocean-pointe-suites-at-key-largo", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Ocean+Pointe+Suites+at+Key+Largo&address=Key+Largo%2C+Florida%2C+United+States&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "medium", "sourceUrl": "https://www.providentresorts.com/ocean-pointe-suites-at-key-largo" }, { "name": "Largo Resort", "type": "villa", "town": "Rock Harbor · 3.7 km from center", "amenities": [ "pool", "boat-dock" ], "note": "Small bayfront property at MM 101.7 with 11 suites, bungalows and beach homes, a dock and included kayaks and paddle boards.", "officialUrl": "https://largoresort.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Largo+Resort&address=Key+Largo%2C+Florida%2C+United+States&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://largoresort.com/" } ] }, { "slug": "belize", "name": "Belize", "region": "Caribbean", "country": "Belize", "url": "https://reefhop.com/belize/", "bases": [ "San Pedro", "Caye Caulker" ], "stats": { "sites": 12, "shore": 0, "boatOnly": 12, "beginner": 6, "beginnerShore": 0, "advanced": 3, "stays": 8, "staysNearASite": 1, "radiusKm": 1.5, "water": "27-30 °C", "visibility": "Usually 24 m or better; 12-24 m at offshore sites in the rainy season", "season": "April to June for visibility and whale sharks in the south; December to May is the dry season. Rainy and hurricane season runs late June to November." }, "conditions": [ { "key": "water", "label": "Water", "value": "27-30 °C" }, { "key": "visibility", "label": "Visibility", "value": "Usually 24 m or better; 12-24 m at offshore sites in the rainy season" }, { "key": "season", "label": "Best months", "value": "April to June for visibility and whale sharks in the south; December to May is the dry season. Rainy and hurricane season runs late June to November." } ], "advisory": { "title": "Marine park fees and Blue Hole rules", "body": "The Great Blue Hole Natural Monument is managed by the Belize Audubon Society and charges non-nationals a daily entrance fee, which dive operators usually add to the trip price. Boats must contact Half Moon Caye park rangers on VHF Channel 16 before mooring or anchoring in the Half Moon Caye and Blue Hole Natural Monuments. Hol Chan Marine Reserve also charges a separate park fee, and dives there are made with a licensed guide." }, "seaTemperature": { "source": "NOAA Daily Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (OISST) v2.1, monthly means (v02r01), NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)", "years": "2011-2025", "gridCell": { "lat": 17.625, "lng": -87.875 }, "note": null, "months": [ { "month": 1, "meanC": 26.95, "minC": 26.05, "maxC": 27.53 }, { "month": 2, "meanC": 26.8, "minC": 26.06, "maxC": 27.35 }, { "month": 3, "meanC": 27.13, "minC": 26.57, "maxC": 27.76 }, { "month": 4, "meanC": 27.72, "minC": 27.22, "maxC": 28.22 }, { "month": 5, "meanC": 28.52, "minC": 27.84, "maxC": 29.12 }, { "month": 6, "meanC": 28.93, "minC": 28.21, "maxC": 30.15 }, { "month": 7, "meanC": 29.12, "minC": 28.43, "maxC": 29.77 }, { "month": 8, "meanC": 29.66, "minC": 29.05, "maxC": 30.25 }, { "month": 9, "meanC": 29.81, "minC": 29.03, "maxC": 30.66 }, { "month": 10, "meanC": 29.49, "minC": 28.76, "maxC": 30.55 }, { "month": 11, "meanC": 28.55, "minC": 27.84, "maxC": 29.08 }, { "month": 12, "meanC": 27.7, "minC": 26.87, "maxC": 28.2 } ] }, "whereToStay": "All 12 dive sites we map in Belize are boat dives, so the distance to the reef matters less than being near your dive operator's dock. For the shortest trip, Sandbar Beachfront Hotel & Hostel is closest to a dive site: Cypress Canyon, 1.4 km away.", "diveSites": [ { "name": "Coral Garden (Caye Caulker)", "depthM": "6", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Shallow barrier reef site off Caye Caulker with blue tangs, eagle rays, stingrays, nurse sharks and moray eels.", "base": "Caye Caulker", "baseKm": 2.55, "nearestStay": { "name": "CayeReef", "km": 2.31, "distance": "2.3 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Hol Chan Cut", "depthM": "3-9", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Channel through the barrier reef in Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Elkhorn coral, large grouper, nurse sharks, turtles and eagle rays. Guided dives only, currents possible.", "base": "San Pedro", "baseKm": 6.59, "nearestStay": { "name": "Victoria House Resort & Spa", "km": 4.03, "distance": "4.0 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hol_Chan_Marine_Reserve" }, { "name": "Shark Ray Alley", "depthM": "2-3", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Shallow sand flat in Zone D of Hol Chan Marine Reserve with nurse sharks and southern stingrays. Mostly snorkeled.", "base": "San Pedro", "baseKm": 9.1, "nearestStay": { "name": "Victoria House Resort & Spa", "km": 6.49, "distance": "6.5 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hol_Chan_Marine_Reserve" }, { "name": "Mexico Rocks", "depthM": "2-5", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Shallow coral heads inside the reef about 10 miles north of San Pedro. Suited to snorkeling, first dives and training.", "base": "San Pedro", "baseKm": 10.27, "nearestStay": { "name": "Belizean Shores Resort", "km": 4.8, "distance": "4.8 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico_Rocks" }, { "name": "Sayonara Wreck (Turneffe)", "depthM": "10-18", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Former lodge transport boat sunk in 1985 on the southwest side of Turneffe Atoll, surrounded by hard coral, moray eels and lobsters.", "base": "Caye Caulker", "baseKm": 60.92, "nearestStay": { "name": "Bella's Backpackers", "km": 61.4, "distance": "61.4 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Long Caye Aquarium", "depthM": "12-15", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Reef at Long Caye on Lighthouse Reef with dense fish life and lobsters. Visibility often over 30 m.", "base": "Caye Caulker", "baseKm": 72.67, "nearestStay": { "name": "Bella's Backpackers", "km": 73.03, "distance": "73.0 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighthouse_Reef" }, { "name": "Cypress Canyon", "depthM": "20-40", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Spur and groove canyons on the outer reef off San Pedro, under 10 minutes by boat. Reef sharks are seen here.", "base": "San Pedro", "baseKm": 1.63, "nearestStay": { "name": "Sandbar Beachfront Hotel & Hostel", "km": 1.38, "distance": "1.4 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Long Caye Wall", "depthM": "15-21", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Wall dive with swim-throughs on the west side of Lighthouse Reef.", "base": "Caye Caulker", "baseKm": 72.92, "nearestStay": { "name": "Bella's Backpackers", "km": 73.28, "distance": "73.3 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Half Moon Caye Wall", "depthM": "15-30", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Wall and coral passages beside Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, usually the second dive of a Blue Hole day.", "base": "Caye Caulker", "baseKm": 78.81, "nearestStay": { "name": "Bella's Backpackers", "km": 79.16, "distance": "79.2 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Belize Tourism Board", "sourceUrl": "https://www.travelbelize.org/blog/dive-into-the-wonders-of-belize/" }, { "name": "West Point (Lighthouse Reef)", "depthM": "20-40", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Deep wall drop-off on the west side of Lighthouse Reef.", "base": "Caye Caulker", "baseKm": 62.36, "nearestStay": { "name": "Bella's Backpackers", "km": 62.65, "distance": "62.6 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighthouse_Reef" }, { "name": "The Elbow (Turneffe)", "depthM": "17-40", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Drift wall dive at the southern tip of Turneffe Atoll with large sponges, turtles and pelagics. Currents can be strong.", "base": "Caye Caulker", "baseKm": 66.45, "nearestStay": { "name": "Bella's Backpackers", "km": 66.92, "distance": "66.9 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Belize Tourism Board", "sourceUrl": "https://www.travelbelize.org/blog/dive-into-the-wonders-of-belize/" }, { "name": "Great Blue Hole", "depthM": "13-40", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Sinkhole about 318 m across and 124 m deep in Lighthouse Reef. Recreational dives reach stalactites at around 33-40 m. Caribbean reef sharks. About 2 to 2.5 hours by boat from San Pedro.", "base": "Caye Caulker", "baseKm": 70.38, "nearestStay": { "name": "Bella's Backpackers", "km": 70.68, "distance": "70.7 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Belize Audubon Society", "sourceUrl": "https://belizeaudubon.org/bhnm/" } ], "stays": [ { "name": "Ramon's Village Resort", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "San Pedro · 629 m from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "pool", "boat-dock", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Beachfront resort on Coconut Drive in San Pedro with its own dive center, Ramon's Village Divers, operating from the resort dock.", "officialUrl": "https://www.ramons.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Ramon%27s+Village+Resort&address=San+Pedro%2C+Ambergris+Caye%2C+Belize&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.ramons.com/" }, { "name": "SunBreeze Hotel", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "San Pedro · 394 m from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "pool", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Beachfront hotel at 7 Coconut Drive, walking distance to San Pedro town, with an on-site PADI 5 Star dive center.", "officialUrl": "https://www.sunbreeze.net/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=SunBreeze+Hotel&address=San+Pedro%2C+Ambergris+Caye%2C+Belize&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.sunbreeze.net/" }, { "name": "Victoria House Resort & Spa", "type": "hotel", "town": "San Pedro · 2.8 km from center", "amenities": [ "pool", "boat-dock", "ocean-view", "family-friendly" ], "note": "Beachfront resort south of town, closest of these stays to Hol Chan. Dive and snorkel trips are arranged through the activity center with pickup from the hotel pier.", "officialUrl": "https://www.victoria-house.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Victoria+House+Resort+%26+Spa&address=San+Pedro%2C+Ambergris+Caye%2C+Belize&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.victoria-house.com/" }, { "name": "Belizean Shores Resort", "type": "condo", "town": "San Pedro · 5.5 km from center", "amenities": [ "kitchen", "pool", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Suites with full kitchens about 3.5 miles north of San Pedro. Dive trips are booked through partner operators.", "officialUrl": "https://www.sandypointresorts.com/belizean-shores-resort/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Belizean+Shores+Resort&address=San+Pedro%2C+Ambergris+Caye%2C+Belize&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.sandypointresorts.com/belizean-shores-resort/" }, { "name": "Grand Caribe Resort", "type": "condo", "town": "San Pedro · 3.5 km from center", "amenities": [ "kitchen", "pool", "boat-dock", "ocean-view", "family-friendly" ], "note": "Studio to five-bedroom condos with full kitchens about 2 miles north of San Pedro, with a dock and six pools.", "officialUrl": "https://www.grandcaribebelize.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Grand+Caribe+Resort&address=San+Pedro%2C+Ambergris+Caye%2C+Belize&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.grandcaribebelize.com/" }, { "name": "CayeReef", "type": "apartment", "town": "Caye Caulker · 676 m from center", "amenities": [ "pool", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Beachfront apartments of about 1,000 sq ft on Caye Caulker, within walking distance of the island dive shops.", "officialUrl": "https://www.cayereef.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=CayeReef&address=San+Pedro%2C+Ambergris+Caye%2C+Belize&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.cayereef.com/" }, { "name": "Sandbar Beachfront Hotel & Hostel", "type": "guesthouse", "town": "San Pedro · 439 m from center", "amenities": [ "budget", "kitchen", "pool", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Beachfront hostel with dorms, private rooms, a communal kitchen and a rooftop pool on Boca del Rio Drive in San Pedro.", "officialUrl": "https://sanpedrohostel.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Sandbar+Beachfront+Hotel+%26+Hostel&address=San+Pedro%2C+Ambergris+Caye%2C+Belize&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://sanpedrohostel.com/" }, { "name": "Bella's Backpackers", "type": "guesthouse", "town": "Caye Caulker · 491 m from center", "amenities": [ "budget" ], "note": "Family-run hostel on Crocodile Street, Caye Caulker, four blocks from the water taxi, with dorms, private rooms and cabins.", "officialUrl": "https://www.bellasinbelize.com/cayecaulker", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Bella%27s+Backpackers&address=San+Pedro%2C+Ambergris+Caye%2C+Belize&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.bellasinbelize.com/cayecaulker" } ] }, { "slug": "red-sea", "name": "Egypt's Red Sea", "region": "Red Sea", "country": "Egypt", "url": "https://reefhop.com/red-sea/", "bases": [ "Sharm el Sheikh", "Hurghada" ], "stats": { "sites": 14, "shore": 0, "boatOnly": 14, "beginner": 3, "beginnerShore": 0, "advanced": 6, "stays": 8, "staysNearASite": 1, "radiusKm": 1.5, "water": "23-29 °C", "visibility": "Around 20 m is typical in the Straits of Tiran; 15-25 m on the Thistlegorm, and 25-35 m reported at Jackson Reef.", "season": "Year-round. Water is coolest in February (about 22 C, a 5 mm suit may be needed) and warmest in August (about 28 C). April to November gives the most reliable seas for Thistlegorm day trips; hammerheads at Jackson Reef mostly August to early October, mantas on Sharm sites March to June." }, "conditions": [ { "key": "water", "label": "Water", "value": "23-29 °C" }, { "key": "visibility", "label": "Visibility", "value": "Around 20 m is typical in the Straits of Tiran; 15-25 m on the Thistlegorm, and 25-35 m reported at Jackson Reef." }, { "key": "season", "label": "Best months", "value": "Year-round. Water is coolest in February (about 22 C, a 5 mm suit may be needed) and warmest in August (about 28 C). April to November gives the most reliable seas for Thistlegorm day trips; hammerheads at Jackson Reef mostly August to early October, mantas on Sharm sites March to June." } ], "advisory": { "title": "US State Department: Egypt is Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution", "body": "The US State Department advises travelers to \"Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to terrorism, crime, and health\" (advisory dated July 14, 2025). It lists \"Resorts\" and \"Tourist sites\" among places where \"Terrorists may attack with little or no warning,\" and notes that \"Egyptian authorities generally offer effective security protection.\" Level 4, Do Not Travel, applies to \"The Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula,\" to the Western Desert unless traveling with a professionally licensed tour company, and to Egyptian border areas. The advisory does not name Sharm el Sheikh, South Sinai or the Hurghada coast separately. Separately, Sharm dive centres charge a mandatory national park fee of 7 euros per person per day on boat trips (Camel Dive Club price list)." }, "seaTemperature": { "source": "NOAA Daily Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (OISST) v2.1, monthly means (v02r01), NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)", "years": "2011-2025", "gridCell": { "lat": 27.625, "lng": 34.125 }, "note": null, "months": [ { "month": 1, "meanC": 23.43, "minC": 22.67, "maxC": 24.5 }, { "month": 2, "meanC": 22.79, "minC": 21.73, "maxC": 23.54 }, { "month": 3, "meanC": 22.74, "minC": 21.61, "maxC": 23.62 }, { "month": 4, "meanC": 23.34, "minC": 22.75, "maxC": 24.46 }, { "month": 5, "meanC": 25.11, "minC": 24.19, "maxC": 26.37 }, { "month": 6, "meanC": 26.52, "minC": 25.64, "maxC": 28.01 }, { "month": 7, "meanC": 28.28, "minC": 27.02, "maxC": 29.89 }, { "month": 8, "meanC": 29.19, "minC": 28.17, "maxC": 30.17 }, { "month": 9, "meanC": 28.29, "minC": 27.51, "maxC": 30.14 }, { "month": 10, "meanC": 27.83, "minC": 26.8, "maxC": 29.72 }, { "month": 11, "meanC": 26.75, "minC": 24.88, "maxC": 28.2 }, { "month": 12, "meanC": 24.92, "minC": 23.4, "maxC": 25.74 } ] }, "whereToStay": "All 14 dive sites we map in Egypt's Red Sea are boat dives, so the distance to the reef matters less than being near your dive operator's dock. For the shortest trip, Oonas Dive Club is closest to a dive site: Near Garden, 1.4 km away.", "diveSites": [ { "name": "Temple", "depthM": "10-20", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Easy local Sharm mooring dive around massive coral pinnacles in Ras Um Sid bay, with swim-throughs at 18 m and a crack in the main pinnacle from the 1995 earthquake. Currents are normally mild.", "base": "Sharm el Sheikh", "baseKm": 2.31, "nearestStay": { "name": "Marina Sharm Hotel", "km": 6.86, "distance": "6.9 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "local dive operator", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Shaab El Erg (Dolphin House)", "depthM": "0-25", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Huge horseshoe-shaped reef north of Hurghada known for resident Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. Suits all levels and non-divers.", "base": "Hurghada", "baseKm": 18.64, "nearestStay": { "name": "Hilton Hurghada Plaza", "km": 18.2, "distance": "18.2 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "South Abu Ramada", "depthM": "5-35", "level": "beginner", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Terraced plateau and shallow wall at the south tip of Abu Ramada island, about 80 minutes from Hurghada, with a small wreck. Always sheltered, so it gets busy on windy days.", "base": "Hurghada", "baseKm": 19.89, "nearestStay": { "name": "Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort", "km": 13.98, "distance": "14.0 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "local dive operator", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Near Garden", "depthM": "8-25", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "About 15 minutes by boat north of the Naama Bay jetty, a semi-drift along pinnacles and a steep slope with a big red anemone and a glassfish pinnacle. Current is strongest on the corner; mantas are possible in summer.", "base": "Sharm el Sheikh", "baseKm": 7.08, "nearestStay": { "name": "Oonas Dive Club", "km": 1.4, "distance": "1.4 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "local dive operator", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Jackfish Alley", "depthM": "5-20", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Gentle drift in Ras Mohammed that starts with a small cave swim-through in the wall, then a sandy alley between the reef and a plateau where white tip reef sharks rest. Rays are common on the sand.", "base": "Sharm el Sheikh", "baseKm": 12.85, "nearestStay": { "name": "Marina Sharm Hotel", "km": 18.38, "distance": "18.4 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Carless Reef", "depthM": "12-25", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "About an hour northeast of Hurghada, two pinnacles on a 12-17 m coral plateau famous for large, approachable moray eels. Exposed with no good mooring, so it is only dived in calm weather; currents are strong and variable.", "base": "Hurghada", "baseKm": 14.17, "nearestStay": null, "coordConfidence": "medium", "source": "local dive operator", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Shark and Yolanda Reef", "depthM": "5-40", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Twin reef peaks at the tip of Ras Mohammed, dived as a drift from Shark Reef's vertical wall to Yolanda, where the cargo of the Yolanda wreck (toilets included) lies at 15-18 m. Currents turn every which way; snappers, batfish and barracuda mass here, especially in July and August.", "base": "Sharm el Sheikh", "baseKm": 15.89, "nearestStay": { "name": "Marina Sharm Hotel", "km": 21.28, "distance": "21.3 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ras_Muhammad_National_Park" }, { "name": "Gordon Reef", "depthM": "0-30", "level": "intermediate", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Southern Tiran reef marked by the rusting Loullia wreck, with scattered oil barrels that hide octopus and stonefish. A sandy bowl called the Amphitheatre or Shark Pool at 22-25 m draws sharks, barracuda and jacks; current can pick up there.", "base": "Sharm el Sheikh", "baseKm": 20.46, "nearestStay": { "name": "Sharks Bay Umbi Diving Village", "km": 7.63, "distance": "7.6 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "local dive operator", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "El Mina Wreck", "depthM": "25-32", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Egyptian minesweeper sunk in 1970, lying on her port side just off Hurghada harbour with anti-aircraft guns and winches on the aft deck. Usually calm and the standard bad-weather backup; Advanced Open Water needed for the depth.", "base": "Hurghada", "baseKm": 5.04, "nearestStay": { "name": "Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort", "km": 3.13, "distance": "3.1 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurghada" }, { "name": "Erg Somaya", "depthM": "5-60", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Giftun area site where a vertical wall gives way to a shelf carrying a coral erg, about 75 minutes from Hurghada. Best for experienced divers.", "base": "Hurghada", "baseKm": 18.14, "nearestStay": { "name": "Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort", "km": 13.68, "distance": "13.7 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "local dive operator", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Small Giftun", "depthM": "15-30", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Wall south of the Giftun police station covered in huge gorgonian fans, with a 15-25 m plateau and a drop past 100 m. Current can be strong and often sets the plan; Napoleon wrasse, morays and turtles.", "base": "Hurghada", "baseKm": 18.65, "nearestStay": { "name": "Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort", "km": 13.68, "distance": "13.7 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "local dive operator", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "North Abu Ramada", "depthM": "20-35", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Plateau sloping from 20 to 35 m into a wall, best as a drift when current runs from the north. Schools of barracuda and bigeye trevally, tuna and eagle rays, sometimes in groups of up to 12.", "base": "Hurghada", "baseKm": 19.49, "nearestStay": { "name": "Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort", "km": 14.1, "distance": "14.1 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "local dive operator", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "Jackson Reef", "depthM": "5-40", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "Northernmost of the four Straits of Tiran reefs, with a sheltered southwest slope and a fast drift along the east wall in 1 to 4 knots of current. Scalloped hammerheads show up in summer, most reliably August to October.", "base": "Sharm el Sheikh", "baseKm": 23.41, "nearestStay": { "name": "Sharks Bay Umbi Diving Village", "km": 10.44, "distance": "10.4 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "dive directory", "sourceUrl": null }, { "name": "SS Thistlegorm", "depthM": "18-32", "level": "advanced", "entry": "boat", "highlights": "British WWII freighter sunk in October 1941 in the Strait of Gubal, with trucks, motorbikes, rifles and Wellington boots still in the holds and a steam locomotive off each side. Advanced Open Water is the minimum; current can reach 2 knots.", "base": "Sharm el Sheikh", "baseKm": 37.3, "nearestStay": { "name": "Camel Dive Club & Hotel", "km": 41.15, "distance": "41.2 km" }, "coordConfidence": "high", "source": "Wikipedia", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Thistlegorm" } ], "stays": [ { "name": "Camel Dive Club & Hotel", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "Sharm el Sheikh · 5.8 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "nitrox", "pool" ], "note": "Divers' hotel in the middle of Naama Bay with a PADI 5 Star dive centre; free nitrox for certified divers on pre-booked diving, and 38 rooms around a pool.", "officialUrl": "https://www.cameldive.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Camel+Dive+Club+%26+Hotel&address=Sharm+El+Sheikh%2C+Egypt&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/185274621" }, { "name": "Oonas Dive Club", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "Sharm el Sheikh · 6.9 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "house-reef", "nitrox", "gear-rinse", "gear-storage", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Small hotel at the quiet north end of Naama Bay with its own PADI 5 Star dive centre, nitrox, gear rinse and storage, and a house reef off the beach.", "officialUrl": "https://oonasdiveclub.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Oonas+Dive+Club&address=Sharm+El+Sheikh%2C+Egypt&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/155465012" }, { "name": "Marina Sharm Hotel", "type": "hotel", "town": "Sharm el Sheikh · 5.6 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "house-reef", "nitrox" ], "note": "A dive center is based here, on the south corner of Naama Bay, two minutes' walk from the dive boat jetty.", "officialUrl": "https://marinasharm.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Marina+Sharm+Hotel&address=Sharm+El+Sheikh%2C+Egypt&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/99362734" }, { "name": "Sharks Bay Umbi Diving Village", "type": "dive-resort", "town": "Sharm el Sheikh · 13.1 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "house-reef", "boat-dock", "nitrox", "ocean-view" ], "note": "Bedouin-owned dive village in Shark's Bay, closest of these to the Tiran reefs, with a PADI 5 Star centre, house reef, its own jetty and free nitrox on pre-booked packages.", "officialUrl": "https://sharksbay.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Sharks+Bay+Umbi+Diving+Village&address=Sharm+El+Sheikh%2C+Egypt&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/14688250" }, { "name": "Hilton Hurghada Plaza", "type": "hotel", "town": "Hurghada · 1.9 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "pool", "boat-dock", "family-friendly" ], "note": "A dive center's Hurghada base is here, with a heated training pool and boats on the adjacent jetty; close to downtown El Dahar.", "officialUrl": "https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/hrghitw-hilton-hurghada-plaza/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Hilton+Hurghada+Plaza&address=Sharm+El+Sheikh%2C+Egypt&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/99870854" }, { "name": "Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort", "type": "hotel", "town": "Hurghada · 7.5 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "boat-dock", "nitrox", "pool", "parking" ], "note": "A PADI 5 Star dive club runs from the resort's own marina, about 7 minutes from the airport.", "officialUrl": "https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hrgeg-hurghada-marriott-beach-resort/overview/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Hurghada+Marriott+Beach+Resort&address=Sharm+El+Sheikh%2C+Egypt&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/99771307" }, { "name": "Hilton Hurghada Resort", "type": "hotel", "town": "Hurghada · 11.1 km from center", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site", "nitrox", "pool", "boat-dock", "family-friendly" ], "note": "All-inclusive resort with Divers' Lodge on its marina; nitrox, technical diving and a heated pool for training.", "officialUrl": "https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/egypt/hilton-hurghada-resort-HRGHRHI/index.html", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Hilton+Hurghada+Resort&address=Sharm+El+Sheikh%2C+Egypt&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/99756112" }, { "name": "Jasmine Palace Resort & Spa", "type": "hotel", "town": "19.6 km from Hurghada", "amenities": [ "dive-shop-on-site" ], "note": "Large beach resort south of Hurghada on the Sahl Hasheesh road with its own dive centre on the private beach, running courses through to wreck dives.", "officialUrl": "https://www.jasminepalaceresort.com/", "stay22Url": "https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=reefhop&hotelname=Jasmine+Palace+Resort+%26+Spa&address=Sharm+El+Sheikh%2C+Egypt&campaign=facts", "coordConfidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/171497288" } ] } ] }