Night diving; dark, cold and full of the unexpected. But that’s why we love it! However when you add CROCODILES to the mix things start to get interesting!Mexicohas been full of critters and creatures for us, and we recently wentswimming with saltwater crocodilesin Banco Chinchorro, so it’s not like we are afraid to get in the water with crocodiles (as mad as that sounds).
So whenKoox Divingchallenged us to a new kind of croc diving in Tulum, Mexico, you better believe we jumped right in!
Is it safe to go diving with crocodiles?
Yes. These are little baby crocodiles who pose no threat to humans. And as long as humans don’t go to close to them or try and touch them we pose no threat to them either.Koox Divingtake no more than 6 people at a time and you will be in the good company of a crocodile guide.
If you are thinking ofdiving with American Saltwater crocodiles in Banco Chinchorrothis is the article you are looking for.
How close do the crocodiles come?
They are very small and stay by the mangroves, they do not purposely come close to us – in fact they are so much more scared of us as we are of them. However you will still be able to come within a meter of them and get to see them up close, if they feel comfortable with your presence.
Is it scary to dive with crocodiles?
These cuties? No way! It’s super cool, and really they aren’t any bigger than some of the fish you swim with in the ocean! It’s such an amazing experience! The crocodiles stay on the surface hunting for small prey like flies and frogs.
How does the dive go?
The dive is inan open cenote under the stars, at the entrance of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. Here you will kit up into your dive gear (you may want to layer up – it can get cold in the cenotes at night) and walk to the cenote. We climbed in slowly so as not to disturb any of the animals near by and started swimming along the surface with a fully inflated BCD until we found some teeny crocodiles to dive with.
Only once you find the crocodiles will you actually descend into the cenote to observe them from above. You may spend a lot of the time on the surface and not a lot actually diving – so again make sure you bring enough layers to keep warm.
The dive can last a few hours if you want, you wont be using much air, so if you are having a good time and seeing a lot of crocs you can spend a good few hours under the stars.
Once you are ready to go Koox will take you back to where you are staying.
What will you need
As we mentioned before it can get cold so we recommend some warm layers and a full wetsuit you will also need ascuba dive flashlight although you can hire one from the dive centre along with any other scuba gear you need.
Check out the best female scuba equipment here.
How much does it cost?
ContactKoox Divingin Tulum for the latest prices
Is it worth it?
Absolutely ! Where else in the world can you dive with crocodiles at night? Tulum is famous for it’s cavern and cave diving so this gives you the opportunity to do a new kind of diving – croc diving. Other than that it is simply stunning to float in a cenote at dark where all you can see is the stars above you, it is a very calming and awe-inspiring experience!
FAQs
Diving with saltwater crocodiles is performed by diving beneath them using a torch for light. The crocodiles simply float on the water surface. Make your time in Tulum a lifetime memory with the team of Koox Diving. Book any of our diving tours and take a look over underwater life around Tulum.
Where can I see crocodiles in Mexico? ›
You can easily observe crocodiles in Mexico throughout the year in the Yucatán Peninsula. Crocodiles are mainly found in mangroves or near them. This dinosaur-like animal can be found in mangroves, swamps, lagoons, and can even be spotted in cenotes and in the sea!
How safe is night diving? ›
Is night diving dangerous? Overall, night diving is very safe! Like all types of diving, though, night diving comes with inherent risks.
Are crocodiles a problem in Puerto Vallarta? ›
Very few incidents have been reported in Puerto Vallarta over the decades, but each and every one gets a major amount of attention, even if it's only a crocodile crossing the road or cruising between yachts in the marina. The common species seen in the Puerto Vallarta area is the American Crocodile.
Are there crocodiles in Zihuatanejo, Mexico? ›
Crocodiles are known to roam the area of Zihuatanejo, and other popular beaches in Mexico. There are three types including the Morelet crocodile, the American crocodile, and the Spectacled Caiman crocodile.
Are there crocodiles in Cancun hotel zone? ›
Another species that may be encountered in the Cancun hotel zone is the Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii).
Where are the three 3 places where the American crocodile can be found? ›
American crocodiles occur in South Florida and also can be found in Hispaniola, Cuba, Jamaica, along the Caribbean coast from southern Mexico to Venezuela, and along the Pacific coast from Mexico to Peru. The northern end of the crocodile's range is in South Florida.
Is it safe to swim in the ocean at Puerto Vallarta? ›
Puerto Vallarta is located on beautiful Banderas Bay where the waters are calmer than the Pacific Ocean. The bay and beaches are perfect for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. Summers have less wave action and the water is clearer.
Are there sharks in the water in Puerto Vallarta? ›
As far down as Zihuatanejo, you will find sharks in the waters but there simply are none in the vicinity of Puerto Vallarta. Climate change has warmed the waters south of us in places like Ixtapa, which attracts sharks due to the new temperatures and currents that are attractive to typical shark prey.
Are there cartels in Zihuatanejo? ›
A view of the Bay of Ixtapa in Zihuatanejo on Mexico's west coast. The area markets itself as a tropical paradise. But it also has a dark side: It sits on one of Mexico's primary cocaine-trafficking corridors. Learn about the territories of Mexico's major drug cartels.
Two American tourists were injured by a crocodile at a resort in Mexico while swimming at night. The two men from Colorado were staying at a Puerto Vallarta resort when one decided to go swimming in the ocean at night on July 18.
Is there danger in Zihuatanejo? ›
Zihuatanejo is generally considered safe to travel for tourists. Like any travel destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take general travel precautions. Walking around late at night isn't recommended and it's best to be cautious when out after dark.
Where are the most crocodiles in Mexico? ›
Crocodiles in Mexico enjoy a wide range of habitats, including the lush mangroves of the Yucatan Peninsula, the freshwater environments of Chiapas, and along the Pacific coast. These areas provide ideal conditions for crocodiles to thrive.
Are there crocodiles in the Cabo Ocean? ›
Thrill seekers will be happy to know that their marine adventures aren't limited to snorkeling the waters of Cabo Pulmo, fishing for marlin, or enjoying a leisurely drink at sunset. There's a more exciting option – swimming with the crocodiles.
Where is the best place to see crocodiles in the world? ›
If you've ever wanted to see a crocodile in the wild, the NT is the best place in the world to do it. The impressive Nitmiluk National Park and World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park provided backdrops for filming Rogue and Crocodile Dundee.
Are there saltwater crocodiles in the Riviera Maya? ›
Yes, there are saltwater crocodiles along the Caribbean coast of Mexico. However, to our knowledge there has never been a sighting or an incident of crocodile/man contact on any of the beaches in the Cancun to Tulum corridor.
