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> Homepage > Welcome > Destinations > Chetumal & the South > Costa Maya >   Banco Chinchorro
 Chinchorro is the largest atoll in Mexico and part of the second longest coral reef system in the world. It covers an area of approximately 500 sq. miles, most of it taken up by the lagoon of crystal-clear water at its center (created by the atoll’s characteristic ring shape). The water is from one to eight meters deep in the lagoon, dropping to 200 meters and more outside the atoll.
The reef and its lagoon provide sport for both divers and snorkelers and just about every variety of coral is present: elkhorn, staghorn, brain, star, fire and the soft corals, or gorgonians, popularly known as sea fans. Sponges come in all sizes, and along with tropical fish such as the angel, parrot, damsel, squirrel and pork fish, tangs, wrasses to name but a few, are the reef’s most colorful inhabitants. Sea turtles feed on beds of sea grass, and barracuda, snapper, bass and grouper are in constant attendance.
For many, the biggest draw is Chinchorro’s catalogue of sunken ships, the reason it’s known as ‘the ships graveyard’. Galleons, 19th-century merchantmen and modern cargo boats have all foundered on local reefs.
Chinchorro has three mangrove cays: Cayo Centro, Cayo Norte and Cayo Sur, Cayo Centro being the most important for tourists and the local fishermen.
Gear rental and boats to Chinchorro are available in Majahual and Xcalak.
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© 2004 Editorial Veras. La guía Oficial del Caribe Mexicano.