Banco Chinchorro facts for kids

Stilt houses off the southwestern end of Cayo Centro on Banco Chinchorro

Banco Chinchorro is a large atoll reef located off the southeast coast of Mexico. It is part of the Quintana Roo state, close to Belize. This amazing natural area was even shown in the 2009 movie Alamar.

Where is Banco Chinchorro?

This reef is found in Mexican waters, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the shore in the Caribbean Sea. It's about 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of the city of Chetumal. Banco Chinchorro is quite big, stretching about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from north to south. At its widest point, it is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) across. The whole area covers about 800 square kilometers (309 square miles).

The atoll has three main islands. Their total land area is about 6.7 square kilometers (2.6 square miles). These islands are:

• Cayo Norte (which is actually two smaller islands)
• Cayo Centro
• Cayo Lobos (the island furthest south)

The islands are covered mostly by mangrove trees near the water. Further inland, you'll find open woodlands. There's also a special protected area for American crocodiles on the biggest island. These islands are home to many small, friendly crabs. Visitors need to be careful not to step on them!

Some fishermen live on these islands. They build their homes on stilts, usually about 60 to 100 meters (200 to 330 feet) offshore. This helps them follow local rules about building on the islands.

Sunken Treasures: Shipwrecks of Banco Chinchorro

Banco Chinchorro is known for its many shipwrecks. At least nine ships have sunk here over time. This includes two old Spanish Galleons, which were large sailing ships.

Some of the known ships that wrecked here are:

• SS Caldera
• SS Escasell
• SS Far Star
• SS Ginger Screw
• SS Glen View
• SS Penelopez
• SS San Andreas
• SS Tropic

There is also a large ferry from Cozumel that ended up on Chinchorro. It was pushed there during Hurricane Wilma. These shipwrecks make the reef a fascinating place to explore for divers.

See also

In Spanish: Banco Chinchorro para niños