San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize

Mexico Rocks

Mexico Rocks is a cluster of large coral patch reefs about 8 kilometres north of San Pedro on the lagoon side of the Belize Barrier Reef. The site became a marine reserve extension of Hol Chan in 2015 to protect the unusually large boulder-shaped colonies of mountainous star and brain coral that give the place its name. Average depth is around 7 metres with the deepest sand patches at 12, making it accessible to open water divers and snorkellers. Each coral head is a self-contained micro-ecosystem hosting French and queen angelfish, stoplight and rainbow parrotfish, Caribbean reef squids, octopus, spotted moray eels, lobsters, banded coral shrimp and arrow crabs. Schools of grunts, schoolmasters, bar jacks and yellowtail snappers patrol the channels between the heads. Hawksbill turtles and southern stingrays are regular visitors. Currents are typically very mild and visibility 12 to 20 metres. A favourite for new divers, photographers and night dives.