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MEXICO
-- Diving and snorkeling are accessible outside of Veracruz City's'
harbor. This is Mexico's first national marine park with decent
snorkeling, given the murky waters. An added bonus are the sunken
vessels that are submerged in the harbor. Local experts say that
the best time to dive is from May to September.
NATURAL WORLD
The first action to protect the reefs took place in 1975 when La
Blanquilla reef was given the status as a wildlife refuge. In 1992,
President Carlos
Salinas declared the entire system of reefs a national marine
park 52,238 hectares in size.
There are two main areas. The first lies in front of the Port of
Veracruz and includes the following reefs: Gallega, Galleguilla,
Anegada de Adentro, La Blanquilla, Pájaros, Hornos, and Ingeniero.
These reefs skirt the small islands -- Isla Verde, Isla de Sacrificios
-- outside the harbor. Wildlife includes brown pelicans, frigate
birds and green turtles. The depth of the reefs is about 37 meters
(120 feet) and the trip from Veracruz Harbor takes about a half
hour.
The second area is in front of Punta Antón Lizardo, 20
kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Veracruz City and includes the
following reefs: Giote, Polo, Blanca, Punta Coyol, Chopas, Enmedio,
Cabezo, el Rizo, Santiaguillo, Anegada de Afuera, Anegadilla and
Topetillo. Average depth is deeper here, about 48 meters (157 feet).
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