SNORKELING
Diving / snorkeling is not as popular here as say in Cozumel, or some other tourist destinations, but there are still plenty of people who enjoy this tpe of activity and several boats available for most of the yr. especially during the warmer months.. April thru Nov.... (best time of yr in my opinion)
If you want to do some snorkeling in Veracruz you must take a boat to some reefs a little way off the shore.. Its a popular activity .. Most of the smaller boats offering cheap transportation, arrive and depart from the beach beside the acuario, you can't miss them. There is also a larger boat with more creature comforts that docks behind the aquario.
Boats near Isla Sacraficio http://community.webshots.com/album/557695975dqhprY
from web.. a great map / pic of the coral reefs http://www.veracruzspanish.com/default%20photo5.htm
A web site with good article.... http://www.gulfbase.org/reef/view.php?rid=aids
The following are some post I have run across on the net..
I spent a week in Veracruz mid March this year. On my last day (Sunday) I went snorkelling with Tridente a dive shop right in front of the yacht club on the main drag. It cost $250MX for the boat ride (about 20 minutes) and gear (I only used the mask and snorkel, I hate fins for snorkelling unless you want to get down more than a few feet) and we were in the open water on the reef for about an hour and 15 minutes. It was near the Isla Sacraficios. It was FANTASTIC!!! Amazing reef loaded with fish and fauna.
I go diving in veracruz every time we visit, every 3 years or so, i have never once been disappointed, the reef is wonderful, there is wreck diving there (a sunken military vessel) nothing huge, but still cool. I usualy go through Dorado Divers it is at Blvd. Avila Camacho 865. A couple of doors north of the Howard Johnson. They treat you well, and are reasonable priced. Always a good time with great memories.
April 06, 2007 07:30PM....... Thanks to this site for the advice on snorkeling in Veracruz. I've lived in Mexico for ten years and never knew about the VC reef system. It's a very different kind of snorkeling experience, I found...much more abundant brain coral than some other parts of Mexico known for coral, and more diverse flora, though noticably fewer fish. The water was crystal clear and I saw tons of moray eels, which was the highlight for me. If you come with your own gear, you can save money by making a deal with local fisherman to take you out, since they all know where the reefs are and are fun to hang out with. (We returned early the next morning to go fishing with one.) But obviously, the great dive shops in town and the well known Capt. Serrano are an excellent choice for scuba lessons and excursions.
April 09, 2007 09:42PM........ I am delighted someone else has discovered the coral jungles of Veracruz! Not only are there a number of reef systems in the Veracruz/Anton Lizardo area, but Tuxpan and Tamiahua also offer three large reef systems each. The reefs off Roca Partida are a bit deep for snorkeling, but I have heard some rumors of shallow reefs further down the coast in the Las Tuxtlas. I plan to invesigate next month.
The advice about bringing your own snorkeling gear is spot-on for a number of reasons. Most importantly, there is no such thing as a rental mask that fits well. Take care of your mask and it will be a lasting investment. Visit some good dive shops and find a model that fits well. Snorkel and fins are far less critical, but diving is a visual sport. The mask is the most important piece of diving equipment you can own.
DIVING
The following is from an article written by Ron Mader, who is the Latin America correspondent for Transitions Abroad and host of the award-winning Planeta.com.
DIVING AND SNORKELING are accessible outside of Veracruz City's' harbor. This is Mexico's first national marine park with decent snorkeling, given the murky waters. An added bonus are the sunken vessels that are submerged in the harbor. Local experts say that the best time to dive is from May to September.
NATURAL WORLD: The first action to protect the reefs took place in 1975 when La Blanquilla reef was given the status as a wildlife refuge. In 1992, President Carlos Salinas declared the entire system of reefs a national marine park now 52,238 hectares in size. There are two main reef areas. The first lies in front of the Port of Veracruz and includes the following reefs: Gallega, Galleguilla, Anegada de Adentro, La Blanquilla, Pájaros, Hornos, and Ingeniero. These reefs skirt the small islands -- Isla Verde, Isla de Sacrificios -- outside the harbor. Wildlife includes brown pelicans, frigate birds and green turtles. The depth of the reefs is about 37 meters (120 feet) and the trip from Veracruz Harbor takes about a half hour.
THE SECOND AREA is in front of Punta Antón Lizardo, 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Veracruz and includes the following reefs: Giote, Polo, Blanca, Punta Coyol, Chopas, Enmedio, Cabezo, el Rizo, Santiaguillo, Anegada de Afuera, Anegadilla and Topetillo. Average depth is deeper here, about 48 meters (157 feet).
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Advertising from one of the local dive shops below
http://www.veracruzadventures.com/
Blvd. Manuel Ávila Camacho 681-A
Junto al Hotel "NOVOMAR"
C.P. 91900 Veracruz, Ver.
Tel. 229 931 5358
