Cave of the Sleeping Sharks

A reef cave site off Isla Mujeres, made famous in the 1970s by reports of sharks lying motionless inside. Operators still sell it as a dive (max about 16 m, combined with a reef such as Pailas), but today mainly resting nurse sharks are reported.

Facts

• Region: Mexico – Cozumel & Caribbean Coast
• Area: Cancún & Isla Mujeres
• Depth: 16 m
• Level: intermediate
• Current: moderate
• Type: cave, reef
• Coordinates: 21.28742, -86.75598 (approximate)
• Highlights: reef caves and swim-throughs, resting nurse sharks (reported)
• Unverified: Current shark presence cannot be confirmed: only operator marketing and forum reports, no dated survey. The exact location is not published.
• Tips: Open Water with experience at ~20 m is typically required; do not expect to see sharks.

Sources

• https://squaloadventures.com/tours/isla-mujeres-scuba-diving/sleeping-shark-cave-dive-isla-mujeres-2-tank-reef-tour-squalo-adventures/
• https://www.tasteofisla.com/scuba-dive-sites
• https://scubaboard.com/community/goto/post?id=3433574
• https://www.wannadive.net/spot/Central_America/Mexico/Yucatan/Cancun/Sleeping_Sharks_Cave/