The majestic Chinchorro Bank reef rises out of 1000-meter-deep waters, and is located thirty kilometers from the coast of southern Quintana Roo. Located near the Mexican border with Belize, the massive reef is many things at once: commercial fishing zone, ships' graveyard, divers' paradise, wildlife refuge, underwater garden, sand factory, haunt for migratory birds, scientific work station and fishermen's camp.

A trip to the Chinchorro takes planning as it is 20 miles to Majahual and 30 miles off shore, and permission must be granted in advance from Port Captain in Majahual. When the weather is good and the cruise ships are in town, there are occasionally opportunities to arrange trips to the Chinchorro without advance planning.