Scorpion Reef
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Gulf of Mexico
Arrecife Alacranes — Scorpion Reef — is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve 70 nautical miles off the Yucatán coast. One of the most intact coral reef systems in the Gulf of Mexico, the reef supports dense populations of sea turtles, sharks, rays, and seabirds. Reachable in a day from Mérida, it remains largely unknown and rarely visited beyond the researchers and military personnel stationed at Isla Pérez.
Sea Shepherd's Operation Scorpion Reef runs active patrol and conservation science here aboard two expedition vessels — Sharkwater and Roger Payne — in coordination with SEMAR and CONANP. Expedition berths put guests inside that operation: the patrol rhythm, daily science briefings, island landings, and sustained time on a reef that almost no one reaches.
Gulf of Mexico
4 Days / 3 Nights
Vessel
Experience
8 Cabins
What You'll Experience
- Offshore access to Scorpion Reef Biosphere Reserve — 70 nm from shore, closed to commercial traffic
- Daily RHIB patrol operations alongside crew, monitoring illegal fishing vessels
- Science briefings with CONANP researchers stationed at Isla Pérez
- Island landings on Isla Pérez and surrounding cays — wildlife-dense, rarely visited
- Reef diving and snorkeling on one of the Gulf's most intact coral systems
- SUP boards, kayaks, and open-water swimming in protected anchorages
- Campaign presentations and evening mission debriefs in the salon
- Full live-aboard experience: all meals, shared crew atmosphere, daily operational rhythm
Expedition Itinerary
All operations depart from Yucalpetén SEMAR Navy Base, Mérida. Transit to the reef takes 4–6 hours. Timings are approximate and subject to weather, safety, and SEMAR authority requirements.
Depart Mérida by Sea Shepherd transport, board at Yucalpetén, and spend the day at sea transiting 70 nm offshore to the reef. By late afternoon you're anchored at Isla Pérez.
The operational core of the expedition. Morning patrol with crew, followed by science and CONANP briefings in the afternoon, and diving at last light.
A second morning of patrol operations gives way to an open afternoon on the reef and islands — the most unstructured time of the expedition.
Final breakfast at anchor, then the transport vessel arrives to begin the return crossing. Expedition concludes in Mérida by mid-afternoon.
Life Aboard Sharkwater
Sharkwater is configured for extended offshore patrol operations. Cabins are compact and functional. The salon is a briefing space and gathering room. Working decks keep you close to the water and the mission. This is not a charter yacht — and that's precisely why the access is real.
Meals, campaign presentations, and evening debriefs all happen here.
Eight cabins across two decks. Compact and clean — built for rest between operations.
Single and double-bunk options depending on your booking.
Guests join crew on daily sorties monitoring reef access and illegal vessel activity.
Transit and navigation briefings led by the captain. Access available at crew discretion.
Sea turtles, reef sharks, seabirds. A functioning, undisturbed ecosystem.
Decks & Cabins
Select a vessel, then a deck to explore. Deck diagrams are working placeholders — final drawings will replace them when available.
Expedition Packages
One itinerary. Two ways to book. Expeditions run seasonally — exact departure windows confirmed at booking. Greyed months are outside the operational season.
Single Guest Booking
One berth aboard Sharkwater for the full 4-day expedition. Ideal for solo travelers, researchers, or photographers joining an active patrol sailing.
- 3 nights aboard Sharkwater
- All meals, snacks & non-alcoholic beverages
- RHIB patrol participation
- Reef diving & snorkeling excursions
- Island landings at Isla Pérez
- Campaign briefings & science presentations
- Hotel transport (Mérida ↔ Yucalpetén)
Multi-Berth Charter
Book multiple berths at a group rate with dedicated cabin allocation. Same itinerary, same reef, same operations — your group travels and bunks together.
- 4–16 berths for your group
- All meals, snacks & non-alcoholic beverages
- RHIB patrol participation
- Reef diving & snorkeling excursions
- Island landings at Isla Pérez
- Private campaign briefing & expedition documentation
- Hotel transport (Mérida ↔ Yucalpetén)
The Reef Needs You Out There
Scorpion Reef is one of Mexico's most significant marine protected areas — and one of the most under-defended. Every expedition berth directly funds active patrol operations. Your presence here matters.
Learn About the Campaign
