Scuba Diving

One of the biggest secrets in all of tourism is the diving in the Mexican Gulf. Veracruz may not match the incredible waters of the Carribean, but only Cozumel in all of Mexico can boast better diving. The reefs are not crowded; the coral is in good shape; sealife is varried and plentiful.

In May of 2007, I had the oportunity to return to the reefs of the Veracruz area for a few dives. Just before the trip, I purchased an Olympus D-575 camera and the corresponding PT-021 housing, allowing me to take a few photos to share. Please remember no external flash was used, and that your scribe is limited in both experience and talent!

My good friend Rogelio Rodriguez had invited me along with his dive certification class.

First, the cast of characters.

Then there's the matter of getting the class into the water.

Next, getting the students into position.
   

And of course, the reef.

The next two dives were with the grand old dean of Veracruz divers, Capitan Gabriel Serrano, out of his Aventuras Poseiden in Anton Lizardo.

Before being drug back onto the airplane home, kicking and screaming, I got in a couple more dives with Rogelio and his students.

Should you be masochistic enough to wish to see the photos from which I culled these shots, I'm egotistical enough to post them here.

Most of the diving in the Veracruz-Anton Lizardo area is done by panga. All of the reefs are within a few kilometers of shore, though many of the reef systems are huge, spreading over a number of square kilometers. The table below lists most of the major reef systems, and indicates whether the departure is likely to be from Veracruz Yacht Club or from the beach at Anton Lizardo.

Physical Characteristics of the Veracruz Reef System Veracruz Section
Name of Reef	Maximum Depth Feet/meters	Distance (km)	Area (km2)
Arrecife Pájaros	65/20	1.9	1.94
Isla Sacrificios	65/20	1.9	0.87
Isla Verde	100/30	6.3	2.25
Anegada de Adentro	130/40	8.3	2.4
La Gallega	35/10	0	2.65
La Galleguilla	65/20	1.9	1.21
La Blanquilla	100/30	3.5	1.34

Anton Lizardo Section
Name of Reef	Maximum Depth Feet/meters	Distance (km)	Area (km2)
Isla de Enmedio	65/20	6.8	6.47
El Rizo	65/20	5.7	4.28
Chopas	65/20	3.3	8.54
La Blanca	>65/20	3.0	1.83
El Cabezo	100/30	14.2	18.9
Anegada de Afuera	130/40	17.2	7.69
Santiaguillo	130/40	20	1.02
Anegadilla	130/40	21	0.74

Pictured below are actual satelite images of the reef system off Veracruz and Anton Lizardo. The "A." stands for "Arrecife", which means "reef".

1. A. El Giote. 2. A. Blanca. 3. A. Chopas. 4. Isla de Enmedio. 5. A. Rizo. 6. A. Anegado de Afuera. 7. A. Cabeza. 8. A. Santaguillo and A. Anegadilla.

For information on visiting the Anton Lizardo section of the Veracruz reef system, contact Capitan Gabriel Serrano.

1. A. de la Gallega. 2. A. Anegeda de Adentro. 3. Isla Verde. 4. A. Pájaros. 5. Isla se Sacrificios.

For information on visiting the northern section of the Veracruz Reef System, contact Rogelio Rodriguez.

link to more information on the reef system

There are three more large platform reef systems just off Tuxpan to the north; three additional large platform reef systems still a little further north near Tamiahua; and at least one deep reef and other shallow reefs to the south off the Costa Tuxtlas.

We have friends of the page who offer vacation packages including Scuba.

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When planning a vacation it is always a good thing to look into a money saving vacation package.  Make sure you pack the proper things for a beach vacation. Want some adventure? Try out a scuba vacation!!

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The Gulf Coast of Mexico www.johnzap.com John Williams:  john@johnzap.com