Marine Life

Discover the diverse marine life of Mahahual, including sea turtles, tropical fish, reef predators and the unique creatures that call the Mesoamerican Reef home.

Lionfish on a deep coral reef near Mahahual, Mexico, photographed during a technical diving exploration.

Are Lionfish Moving Deeper Around Mahahual in the Mexican Caribbean?

Are lionfish becoming more common on Mahahual's deeper reefs? During recent technical dives, I've observed significantly higher numbers below 40 metres, raising important questions about the future of lionfish management in Costa Maya.

Andy Stewart

Jun 292 min read

Sea turtle identification poster showing Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles commonly found in the Mexican Caribbean.

Sea Turtle Identification in the Mexican Caribbean: A Guide from Mahahual

Learn how to identify the four sea turtle species found in the Mexican Caribbean. This guide includes a free ID poster, key identification features, and tips to help divers and snorkellers recognise turtles around Mahahual.

Andy Stewart

Jun 254 min read

A Green Turtle Laid Eggs Underwater Near Mahahual – A Rare Observation

A female green turtle releasing eggs underwater on a coral reef near Mahahual. Sea turtles normally nest on beaches, making this an exceptionally rare observation. After hundreds of dives in Mahahual, I thought I had seen almost everything the reef had to offer. Then, during a dive close to Mahahual in August, we witnessed something completely unexpected: a green turtle releasing eggs underwater. A Rare Underwater Encounter While diving a little south of Mahahual, we encounte

Andy Stewart

Jun 222 min read