Huatulco · Mexico · Reef · Cave & cavern
El Violin
A winter carpet of rays in the cove, small caves on the rock.
Area photo: ProtoplasmaKid · CC BY-SA 4.0
El Violin is two dives in one off Huatulco. The cove, where rock and coral formations sprawl out from the beach, suits beginners and in the winter months typically has a carpet of rays. The rock is the advanced side, where divers have to navigate well and two small caves need a torch. The site reaches 36 m at its deepest.
Also known as El Violín.
Where it is and how deep
15.7674° N, 96.0980° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The site has two areas. The first is the cove, named for the rock and coral formations that sprawl out from the beach, and it is well suited to beginner divers. During the winter months a carpet of rays is typical, and brown and yellow stingrays, southern Pacific rays, butterfly rays, manta rays and electric rays are chances to see. Left undisturbed, the rays do not come after divers.
The second area is the rock, which is better suited to advanced divers, who need to know how to navigate the underwater terrain. There are two small caves with holes in them, and a torch is needed to see inside. The rock carries plenty of coral, and turtles, nurse sharks and lobsters are likely sightings. The site reaches a maximum of 36 m.
Marine life and season
- Stingrays
- Manta rays
- Sea turtles
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good |
Season follows Huatulco: No month stands out as a diving peak. December to May is the dry season and June to November the rainy one; mantas and whale sharks are occasional from May to November.
Know before you go
- Two small caves with holes on the rock need a flashlight; divers there need to know how to navigate the terrain.
- The 36 m maximum belongs to the rock; the cove is the beginner area.
Dive videos
Mexico El Violin Dive 11.19 · Gary Lyon on YouTube
Questions divers ask
How deep is El Violin in Huatulco?+
El Violin reaches 36 m at its deepest. The rock is the advanced side of the site, and the cove suits beginners.
When are the rays at El Violin?+
During the winter months the cove at El Violin is typically covered by a carpet of rays.
Sources
- Huatulco Scuba Diving Guide — My Huatulco Vacation
- El Violin Dive Site — Oceanatik
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