Location: Chinchorro Banks, Quintana Roo, Mexico
American Crocodile Expedition
Diving with crocodiles, manatees and reef diving at Chinchorro
Spend some quality time with the lizard king!
Chinchorro Atoll (Banco Chinchorro) is the largest atoll in the western hemisphere. It is also the best place in the world to get close to American crocodiles. The spectacular viewing and photographic opportunities at Chinchorro are the result of years of careful planning and experimentation to make this the best and safest encounter that it can be. Join us in Mexico for an expedition you will never forget!
Enjoy the pristine reefs of Xcalak and Chinchorro!
In addition to three days of crocodile encounters, we will also have an opportunity to enjoy some of the best diving in the Mexican Caribbean. The coral reefs around Xcalak are in excellent condition and range from shallow patch reefs (where we sometimes see manatees) to deep walls covered in healthy sponges and large stands of black coral.
THE ENCOUNTER
Diving with crocodiles, manatees and reef diving at Chinchorro
2024
DATE
CANCELLED UNTIL PERMIT ISSUES HAVE BEEN RESOLVED NO SPOTS AVAILABLE
PRICE (USD)
$TBD per person double occupancy
$TBD single occupancy (while in Xcalak)
LEADER
TBD
2025
DATE
CANCELLED UNTIL PERMIT ISSUES HAVE BEEN RESOLVED NO SPOTS AVAILABLE
PRICE (USD)
$TBD per person double occupancy
$TBD single occupancy (while in Xcalak)
LEADER
TBD
2026
DATE
CANCELLED UNTIL PERMIT ISSUES HAVE BEEN RESOLVED NO SPOTS AVAILABLE
PRICE (USD)
$TBD per person double occupancy
$TBD single occupancy (while in Xcalak)
LEADER
TBD
DETAILS
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel in Xcalak & fisherman’s cottage in Chinchorro
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
Only snorkeling experience for crocodile encounters
Open Water certification required for optional scuba dives
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 5 nights accommodation in Chinchorro and Xcalak
- 1 day scuba diving in Xcalak
- 3 morning reef dives in Chinchorro Atoll (to collect invasive lionfish to use as bait)
- 3 days of snorkeling with crocodiles in Chinchorro
- Tanks, weights and an experienced dive master for all scuba dives
- All meals while at Chinchorro Atoll
- Breakfast and lunch while in Xcalak
- Transfers to/from Cancun Airport
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights
- Personal dive gear rental
- Crew gratuities
Photo © Andy Murch
Photo © Andy Murch
Pro Shooter and Big Fish Expeditions Trip Leader Terry Steeley
Photo © Andy Murch
Photo © Andy Murch
Photo © Andy Murch
Photo © Andy Murch
Photo © Andy Murch
Photo © Andy Murch
Photo © Andy Murch
INTO THE WILD!
This crocodile diving adventure is an expedition in the true sense of the word. We are heading far off the tourist track where you won’t find luxuries like wifi and lattes.
We will be sleeping in a simple fishermen’s cottage near the island. If you fancy the notion of kicking back in a hammock where all you can hear is the sound of the ocean then this is the trip for you.
If you’ve been there and done that and like the idea of roughing it a little in order to get in the water with an animal that few people will ever encounter, this will be an adventure you’ll never forget!
ITINERARY
| Day 1 | Meet in Cancun at 12 noon and drive to Xcalak. Overnight hotel in Xcalak included. |
| Day 2 | Morning two tank dive in Xcalak looking for West Indian manatees and diving with schools of tarpon. Afternoon free to relax and explore the area. |
| Day 3 | Early departure for Chinchorro. Single tank dive on the reefs of Chinchorro. Then snorkel with crocs all afternoon. |
| Day 4 | After breakfast we will head out on another dive and then go to the Island to look for the giant iguanas and walk around the fishermen´s camps. Then back to snorkel with the crocodiles until dark. |
| Day 5 | Same as above except that we will depart around 3pm for Xcalak. |
| Day 6 | Depart for Cancun |
Ready to sign up or have a question about this trip?
Contact Big Fish about this Expedition
TRIP REPORTS
2022 Crocodiles of Chinchorro Trip Report
2021 Crocodiles of Chinchorro Trip Report
2019 Crocodiles of Chinchorro Trip Report
2018 Crocodiles of Chinchorro Trip Report
2017 Crocodiles of Chinchorro Trip Report
2016 Crocodiles of Chinchorro Trip Report
Big Fish Expeditions
Big Fish Expeditions Founder Andy Murch has spent the last two decades chasing big animals all over the world. Few people have Andy’s knowledge and organizational skills necessary to put together a professional expedition. Have a look through some of the comments from our guests: testimonials.
Guest Feedback
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING TIME WITH BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
Andy is one of the best in the business. I would highly, highly recommend anyone interested in an animal focused trip to go with big fish expeditions.
The quality of experience and knowledge of the trip leader really sets them apart. Expect to get your fill of animals no matter what the trip is. Andy is also great at finding other animals to incorporate within the trips.
If you’re looking for a shark trip or big animal experience, this is your place. Period.
Enjoy!
Jesse B.
Ontario, Canada
AMAZING TRIPS
Amazing trips, just finish my 7th with Big Fish Expeditions, many more to come! 
Sene M.
Canada
ANOTHER GREAT ADVENTURE WITH BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
Just returned from my second trip with BFE and it went off perfectly. The true adventure of these trips always present challenging logistics but they pulled it off flawlessly. I would highly recommend BFE to anyone looking to get “off the grid” and experience a wildlife trip of a lifetime. I am looking forward to my next adventure with them. Thanks again!!
Scott O.
Detroit, Michigan
BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
I have been on a couple of Big Fish Photography Expeditions trips now. They are always well organized, and exceed my expectations! Andy puts together unique and action-packed trips. I’m looking forward to my next dive experience with him.
Trisha S.
Vancouver, BC
ABOUT BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
5 stars!
I’ve been on three trips with Big Fish Expeditions. Each one was well organized and jam packed with unique wildlife encounters. I am booked for another trip next year and for many more to come. Highly recommended!!
GO. YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT!
I have been on 3 Big Fish Expeditions trips by now and have more trips to look forward to in the near future. First of all I share a big passion for sharks, whale and other big marine life and Big Fish Expedition is all about that. As an amateur photographer is great to be among equals and even better to get new tips and ideas from professionals.
Andy is very helpful showing new tricks and talk about UW photography in between dives. Sure the destinations offers world class diving but it’s also about the people and the relation to people and Andy surely gives everyone the feeling of being very welcome and try to give everyone a lifetime experience.
Another good thing is that Andy is maybe the only pro shooters who offers trips to very reasonable prices. I won’t go into details about all the good dives I’ve done with Big Fish but instead say GO, you will never regret it!
Br, Rasmus Raahauge
Denmark
