Cave of the Sleeping Sharks

The basics

The cave sits roughly 60 feet (20 meters) underwater and can be reached on dive tours from Isla Mujeres. If you’re coming from Cancun, hop on the ferry to reach the island; they run roughly every 30 minutes. Once on the island, you can get around on foot, golf cart, or scooter; the island is just 5 miles (8 kilometers) long.

Things to know before you go

• Cave of the Sleeping Sharks is ideal for scuba divers looking for something different to impress their dive buddies.
• The cave is not recommended for beginner divers due to its depth.
• National parks and many other natural attractions in Mexico require that visitors use biodegradable sunscreen, which can be found at local pharmacies and tourist shops.

How to get there

The ferry to Isla Mujeres departs from Puerto Juarez, just outside Cancun, and arrives on the northern end of the island, within walking distance of local dive operators.

When to get there

Peak season to visit the Cancun area is winter, when the weather is warm and dry. The Caribbean’s hurricane season runs from May through September, which is unpredictable but can mean rain and cloudy skies.

Underwater Museum of Art

One of the most popular dive sites off Isla Mujeres is the Underwater Museum of Art (Museo Subacuático de Arte). Opened in 2010, the sculpture park is the work of artist Jason deCaires Taylor and was designed as a counterpoint to the effects of climate change on coral reefs. The sculptures will evolve as coral grows and the native marine life make the museum its home.

Ways to explore

Several dive shops, located on both Isla Mujeres and Cozumel, offer trips to the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks, which is located at a depth of roughly 60 feet (20 meters). To visit the site, travelers must have a scuba diving certification—if you don’t have one, you can get certified with three- or four-day classes at many dive centers in the Riviera Maya. Dive trips to the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks generally include round-trip boat transport, and may also include extras such as scuba equipment and the fee to enter Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park.

Accessibility

Some local dive shops offer adaptive scuba diving trips, with equipment such as wheelchair-accessible boats.

Age limits

Children aged 10 and older can get junior dive certifications; full certification courses are generally not available to youth under 15.

What to pack

Dive certification card, underwater camera

What to wear

Not all dive boats are shaded, and the sun can be intense; plan to cover up after the dive with long sleeves, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat.

Not allowed

To protect the reef, all sunscreen is banned in Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park.

Amenities

Some Isla Mujeres dive boats have toilets on board, but not all; ask before booking.

Address

Cave of the Sleeping Sharks is located about 30 minutes by boat from Isla Mujeres, within Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park. To get there, you’ll need to coordinate a boat ride with a tour operator.

Driving

Many travelers prefer to get around Isla Mujeres without a car—it’s small, and taxis are plentiful. If you are driving, you can catch a car ferry from the mainland at Punta Sam, then coordinate a boat ride to the cave.

Public transportation

Two companies offer ferries from Cancun to Isla Mujeres (Gran Puerto and Puerto Juarez). Alternatively, you could book one of the leisurely boat tours that make the trip each day, which often come with perks like open bars and snorkeling stops.

Best times to visit

Some Isla Mujeres divers prefer morning outings, as afternoon weather can bring rain and higher winds.

Best days to visit

Isla Mujeres is generally busier on the weekends—for a quieter visit, choose a weekday.

Best months to visit

The bustling December through April dry season is a great time to dive Isla Mujeres, with good visibility and mild temperatures. If you’re hoping to see giant and gentle whale sharks, come between June and mid-September.

Special events

Isla Mujeres celebrates marine wildlife at a Whale Shark Festival, typically held each year in July.