Barracuda Reef Dive Site

Dive Type: Barracuda Reef

Barracuda Reef

Depth: 20-50 feet (6-14m)
Visibilty: 70 feet (20m)
Access: by day boat

Barracuda is not as frequently dived as the other sites, mainly because of unpredictable currents that can sometimes turn strong at depth. These inconsistent currents can set the overall pace for the diver, and most dive shops are hesitant to dive Barracuda Reef as its quite possible to get swept away…. Next stop being Cuba!!! Some Divers risk it as it has a reputation for being a great site…..the risk adding to the excitement.

Barracuda Reef is a hand shaped reef with extended finger-like edges which you can explore and find lots of marine life in the hundreds of little holes. Usually, the dive is started  at the southern end of the reef. At a shallow depth, it’s a fairly easy and shallow dive, and is usually done as a second dive after visiting either the Mama Vina wreck or the Turtle Garden dive (Tortuga Reef).

Because of the risky current, its best to stay over the sand edges of the reef so that currents don’t carry you over the top.  The marine life is mainly found in the myriad holes and nooks and crannies. There are acres of multi-colored corals covering underwater valleys, mountains, and plains. The chance of encountering sea turtles - green, hawksbill, or loggerhead - approaches certainty, with a high probability of seeing other interesting pelagics, such as eagle rays and sharks.

Large schools of fish, jacks of all sizes, large black-and-silver margates, and squadrons of a dozen or more large amberjacks abound, even a good number of the large barracuda that give the reef its name. Not being disturbed as frequently by divers as at the more heavily dived sites, the turtles are much more approachable than most.

There’s a small cave towards the end of the reef which will lead you to an exit at the top of the reef. If you’ve enough air,  there’s always the option of drifting with the current onto Sabalos Reef.

See more about Playa Del Carmen in our Dive Travel Destinations Directory: go to Dive Guide, Dive Travel, Destinations Directory, Central america, Mexico.

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Site Map for Barracuda Reef (click all images to enlarge)