Loreto Bay National Park · Mexico · Reef
Huarache Reef
An offshore reef with schools of surgeonfish and guitar rays
Huarache Reef is an elongated reef in the San Bruno area north of Loreto, roughly under one kilometre off the coast, at 9 m (30 ft) to 18 m (60 ft). The area is known for strong tidal currents and upwellings. Schools of surgeonfish, parrotfish and butterflyfish roam in great abundance, with guitar rays and queen triggerfish.
Where it is and how deep
26.2364° N, 111.3793° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
Huarache Reef lies roughly under one kilometre off the coast, in the middle of the sea, in the San Bruno area north of Loreto. The reef is elongated and sits between about 9 m (30 ft) and 18 m (60 ft). It consists of a main mound with a few long canyons along the sides, and its long shape, topped with coral, gave it the name of the Mexican dish.
The topside of the reef is fully covered with coral, in particular Muricea and Pacifigorgia corals. The area is well known for its strong tidal currents and upwellings. Schools of surgeonfish, parrotfish and butterflyfish roam over the reef in great abundance, and guitar rays and queen triggerfish have been seen. The sandy bottom holds hermit crabs, shrimps and garden eels.
Marine life and season
- Reef fish swarms
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair |
Season follows Loreto Bay National Park: Mobula schools peak May to August, and summer brings the warmest, clearest water; winter north winds can keep boats in harbour.
Know before you go
- Strong tidal currents and upwellings are known in this area; divers stay with the guide on this offshore reef.
Dive videos
Huarache Reef - Loreto BCS · Blue Nation Loreto BCS on YouTube
Questions divers ask
How deep is Huarache Reef near Loreto?+
Huarache Reef is an elongated reef between about 9 m (30 ft) and 18 m (60 ft), roughly under one kilometre off the coast.
Sources
- A new divesite! The Huarache Reef — Blue Nation Baja
- A new divesite! The Huarache Reef — Blue Nation Baja
More dive sites in Loreto Bay National Park
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A WWII minesweeper sunk for divers, with easy penetrations
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Pinnacle
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Wall
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Similar dives elsewhere
A King Neptune statue set down in the late 1970s marks the north end
Reef topography that mirrors the cliffs above, at 11 to 18 metres.
Cracked shallow reef where big-eye trevally school.
Rated advanced for swift current rather than for depth.