Huatulco · Mexico · Reef
La Montosa
Eagle rays, once 70 together, over volcanic rock
Area photo: ProtoplasmaKid · CC BY-SA 4.0
La Montosa is a boat dive among volcanic rock off Huatulco, reaching 24 m at its deepest. It is well protected from currents, so beginners can explore the rocks while experienced divers go deeper and ride the surge through the holes. Eagle rays are the draw: 70 were once seen together, and nurse and whitetip sharks have also been seen here.
Also known as La Montosa Island.
Where it is and how deep
15.7629° N, 96.0852° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The site is reached by boat and is well protected from currents, which makes it an easy place to start. Beginners can work along the volcanic rocks without having to go into the holes, keeping to the shallower part of the site while experienced divers head deeper. Other divers are rarely seen here,
Experienced divers go deeper, to a maximum of 24 m, and play with the surge, letting the water carry them to and from the holes in the rock. Eagle rays are the reason to watch the blue here: 70 were once seen together, and nurse and whitetip sharks have also been seen on the site.
Marine life and season
- Eagle rays
- Reef sharks
| 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
- Surge runs through the holes in the rock; experienced divers play with it, and beginners can work the rocks without going into the holes.
Dive videos
Huatulco Mexico Diving January 3, 2019 · Arthur Nudge on YouTube
Questions divers ask
How deep is La Montosa in Huatulco?+
La Montosa reaches 24 m at its deepest. Beginners keep to the rocks outside the holes, while experienced divers go deeper.
Is La Montosa good for beginners?+
Yes. The site is well protected from currents and beginners can explore the volcanic rocks without going into the holes, where the surge runs.
Sources
- Huatulco Scuba Diving Guide — My Huatulco Vacation
- La Montosa Dive Site — Oceanatik
- La Montosa Island dive site — PADI
More dive sites in Huatulco
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A winter carpet of rays in the cove, small caves on the rock.
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Seahorses on the sand, canyons at 18 m, The Point at 40 m.
Similar dives elsewhere
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