Reefs of Veracruz

Facing the fame and fortune the Mexican Caribbean reefs have, Veracruz ones might not be as known. However, for many marine biology, oceanography and navy students the Veracruz Reef System is the first submarine experience. The reason? Maybe it is only because its easy access from big cities in central Mexico, but these reefs are as beautiful and offer the same challenge as those near Cozumel Island.

These facts have contributed to maintain a modest, accessible-to-all-budgets diving industry, and to create a preservation oasis in the middle of development, indirectly. This area was declared National Marine Park in 1992, becoming Mexico’s first totally marine park, with the basic objective of keeping it off portuary growth and traffic.

Two islands are visible looking from Veracruz Port to the South East: Sacrificios and Verde, and they are the only surfacing evidence of V.R.S, as it is known in the academy. Under the surface there is a well developed reef system consisting of 23 structures, home to a great deal of corals, mollusks and fish, not typical of the Gulf of Mexico.

Besides, there are many shipwrecks remains of the intense marine traffic Veracruz has had throughout history. These ships act as artificial reefs where thousands of species live and attract intrepid and expert divers to explore.

The natural and artificial structures lie at a distance between 1.2 and 12 miles from the shore, and at depths between 65 and 130 feet under the sea level, between the ports of Veracruz and Alvarado. The shallow ones are closer to shore and are ideal for beginners, while the ones farther are recommendable only for experimented dive masters.

If you are planning to visit the V.R.S. we highly recommend you to check on the weather constantly. In summer this shore is often hit by tropical storms and occasionally by hurricanes. In winter the north wind can be very strong.