Palancar Caves

Famous drift dive through stunning coral caverns and tunnels.

Boat Access
18m Avg Depth
30m Max Depth

About this dive site

This dive site is located within the Palancar system, a renowned area for underwater exploration. The Palancar Caves are typically approached as a first dive, forming part of a multi-level drift dive that often begins at considerable depth and progresses towards the recreational limit. This allows divers to explore the deeper reef, characterized by extensive swimming caverns and tunnels. A subsequent ascent leads to shallower sections of the reef, offering diverse underwater landscapes. The area features prominent pinnacles that have grown into impressive tunnels and coral formations, creating a navigable environment with shafts of light enhancing visibility. Numerous caverns and canyons are scattered throughout the reef system, presenting an ongoing challenge to fully map its complexity. Regular dives consistently reveal new discoveries. Common sightings include turtles, eagle rays (particularly between December and April), and nurse sharks. The primary attractions here are the vibrant coral formations and sponges that adorn the reef.
DivingFreedivingSnorkeling

Site Ratings

Big Marine Life Good
Macro Marine Life Very Good
Landscape Quality Excellent
Water Visibility Very Good Viz

Plan Your Visit

drift divesharkturtlecoral reef

Marine Life

Parrot fishAngelfishTriggerfishGreen sea turtleHawksbill turtleNurse sharkSpotted eagle rayBarrel spongesGorgonian sea fans

Things to Note

Difficulty:

Advanced

Deep drift dive with overhead environments requiring excellent buoyancy control.

Hazards:
currentdepthboat traffic
Current Strength:

Moderate

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