Crocodiles & Xcalak Marine Park Scuba Trip
Trip Dates:
September 25-30th, 2023
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
Join us as we head south of Cancun to Xcalak Marine Park, for two days of scuba diving or snorkelling through pristine reefs, huge schools of tarpon, and many manatees cruising by.
We will then spend 3 days/2 nights in Banco Chinchorro, a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of a collection of small islands and the Northern Hemisphere's largest atoll. This site is famous for it's American crocodiles, who we will have the chance to snorkel with up close!
Not to be confused with the saltwater crocodile, the American crocodile is generally less aggressive towards humans. These crocodiles have had a symbiotic relationship with the local fishermen in the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve.
We will spend the mornings scuba diving for lion fish to feed the crocodiles, and spend the afternoons in the shallow atolls photographing these incredible creatures.
XTC Dive Center, who we will be partnered with, is the only dive centre allowed to run these expeditions! These encounters are only permitted by the weather for a small window every year, and this trip will be the very last of the 2023 season. Prices are set to go up next year as the experience is gaining in popularity, so now is your time to book this adventure!
Xcalak Marine Park is located on the mainland, just west of Banco Chinchorro. Xcalak (ish-kalak) is known for it's incredible natural beauty above and below the water. Here, we will have a chance to dive their pristine reefs, through schools of tarpon and alongside manatees.
We will be spending three nights in Xcalak, two before and one after the crocodile experience, which also gives us some flexibility to accommodate the weather.
Currently, this trip is open to certified scuba divers only. We can arrange open water scuba certifications prior to the trip in Playa del Carmen if necessary. We may have space for snorkelers as well- we need at least 2 snorkelers interested to book a second boat on the days the rest of the group will scuba. Please reach out to us if you are interested in the snorkel option so we can get an idea of numbers.
Accommodation
Prior to arrival in Xcalak, WyldVentures can help arrange accommodation in Playa del Carmen if you need to spend one night there (due to flight arrival times, etc) before heading to Xcalak in the afternoon.
We will spend 3 nights total in Xcalak at the Flying Cloud Hotel, with double occupancy rooms.
We will spend 2 nights on the Banco Chinchorro atoll, with primitive accommodation in the fishermen's huts, pictured below. Hammocks are provided for sleeping.
Bring your sense of adventure as we embark to one of the world's most pristine and remote environments!
Conservation & Education
On this trip, you will have the chance to learn about this unique marine protected area and support local marine conservation efforts. Your money will be directly supporting sustainable tourism and conservation-compatible economies in the Xcalak Marine Park and Banco Chinchorro biosphere. In an area that marine life was once dwindling in due to overfishing, a sustainable tourism economy is now flourishing. The only food used to feed the crocodiles are lion fish, an invasive species, which we will personally have the chance to spear in the mornings before spending hours with the crocodiles.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1:
Fly into Cancun the day before and spend 1 night in Playa del Carmen before departure to Xcalak. Transportation to Xcalak around lunchtime is included.
Group dinner & spend the night at the Flying Cloud Hotel.
Day 2:
Local diving in Xcalak. In the evening, there will be a briefing on what to expect in Banco Chinchorro.
Day 3:
Depart to Banco Chinchorro at 8am. Dive or snorkel in the morning, hunt for lion fish. The afternoon will be spent snorkelling with the crocodiles. Lunch and dinner included.
Day 4:
Dive/snorkel and crocs day 2. All meals included.
Day 5:
Dive/snorkel and crocs day 3. Return to Xcalak afterwards. Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 6:
Local diving in Xcalak. La Poza- large schools of tarpon and manatees. Depart for Playa Del Carmen in the afternoon. Transport back to Playa is included.
Meet your Guides:
Shawn and Elise are a professional diving couple based in Playa del Carmen. Shawn is a dive instructor, professional chef, and underwater photographer. Elise has a Masters Degree in sustainable tourism and she has worked hard to ensure your money is supporting the local community and conservation efforts. She is also a dive master, boat captain, and underwater photographer. Both Shawn and Elise will be providing you with photos from the trip.
Cost of Trip:
$4,200 per person
Only 3 spaces left!
Included in price:
Transportation between Playa and Xcalak both ways, 3 nights accommodation in Xcalak, 2 nights accommodation in Banco Chinchorro, all meals in Banco Chinchorro, transfer by boat to and from Banco Chinchorro, 1 scuba dive per day in Banco Chinchorro + 3-4 hrs snorkel with crocodiles per day, 2 days diving in Xcalak, Tank rentals, Weights/weight belts, Marine Park Entrance Fees, professional underwater photos and video of your trip!
Not included in price:
Meals in Xcalak, accommodation in Playa del Carmen before and after trip, dive equipment rentals, mandatory travel insurance, DAN insurance, any tips for local crew & guides.