

Best for beginner divers, 8-13m, boat entry, mild current.
Zacatoso is a reef site located 500 metres off the Ixtapa Coast in Mexico. Suitable for beginner divers, the site features depths ranging from 8 to 13 metres with an average of 10 metres. Conditions are generally manageable with mild currents and visibility between 5 and 15 metres. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, fluctuating between 26 and 31 degrees Celsius. Access is by boat only, and divers should be aware of boat traffic when surfacing. Divers must exercise caution regarding sharp coral and rocks on the reef floor, as well as sea urchins, to avoid injury.
17.65465, -101.62336
Keep a close eye on boat traffic when you surface, as this is an active boat-access site with no dedicated swimmer lanes. Signal your dive boat clearly before ascending and always surface with a surface marker buoy.
Trips depart from the pier close to the big ZIHUA letters in color.
Recorded at this site
Depth
8-13m
Visibility
5-15m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
26-31°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Yes, this site is well-suited to newly certified divers due to its manageable depths and mild currents.
The site sits at depths between 8 and 13 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres.
Zacatoso is a boat-access site located 500 metres from the shore; a boat is required to reach the reef.
Divers should watch for boat traffic when surfacing, and be careful of sharp coral, rocks, and sea urchins on the reef floor.
Diving at Zacatoso in Zihuatanejo requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A rashguard or 2mm shorty is recommended for diving at Zacatoso in Zihuatanejo. Water temperatures range from 26°C to 31°C.
The best months to visit Zacatoso in Zihuatanejo are January, February, March, November, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Zacatoso in Zihuatanejo typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Zacatoso in Zihuatanejo typically ranges from 5 metres to 15 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.