Mahahual (Costa Maya) · Mexico · Reef
Punta Tan
Nurse sharks and big stingrays in deep cracks in the reef
Area photo: Juan Ortega · CC BY 3.0
Punta Tan lies south of Mahahual, out beyond the village surroundings. Large coral mountains run parallel to each other with intricate formations, and nurse sharks and very large stingrays can be found inside the deep cracks in the reef.
Also known as Punta Tam.
Where it is and how deep
No published position for this site — the map shows Mahahual (Costa Maya) and its other sites; operators know the mooring.
The dive
The boat heads south, away from the village surroundings, to reach the site. Below, large mountains of coral run parallel to each other, with intricate formations between them. The formations of this group of sites, which also takes in Connie's Office and Balam Kuh, range from 12 m down to 30 m in their deepest parts.
The reef is split by deep cracks, and these are the places to look into: nurse sharks and very large stingrays can be found inside them. Lobsters and lionfish also live in the caves and holes of the reef.
Marine life and season
- Reef sharks
- Stingrays
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Good | Good | Good |
Season follows Mahahual (Costa Maya): Diving runs all year. The sea is calmest from June to early September; on rough days the port closes and boats stay in.
Dive videos
Costa Maya Punta Tam 1 · alan stephenson on YouTube
Questions divers ask
How deep is Punta Tan in Mahahual?+
The coral formations of this group of sites run from 12 m down to 30 m in their deepest parts.
Are there sharks at Punta Tan?+
Yes. Nurse sharks can be found inside the deep cracks in the reef, along with very large stingrays.
Sources
- Diving in Mahahual — Pepe Dive Mahahual
- Scuba Diving in Costa Maya — Doctor Dive
More dive sites in Mahahual (Costa Maya)
Wall
Canyons through the reef, five minutes from the fishermen's dock
Reef
Coral bommies from 15 to 24 m, with eagle rays and garden eels
Reef
Reef passages to 17 m with parrotfish, angelfish and the Caguama turtle
Reef
Reef fish crowd a shallow reef to 13 m, and manatees pass a few times a year
Wall
Reef walls and sandbanks at 14–23 m, known for visibility
Reef
Coral islands on flat sand between 9 and 15 m
Similar dives elsewhere
A shallow shoal off Torrens Point, capped at 25 m
Sheltered canyons and ridges off the tip of Norman Island
A cave under the overhangs, and reef sharks out in the blue
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The reserve's signature reef shark dive, at 25 to 30 m