Mexico

Diving Information

With 5,800 miles of stunning coastline and two beautiful oceans bursting with exceptional marine diversity, Mexico’s waters are ripe for exploration and offer a wealth of varied, unique and world-acclaimed dive sites. Spectacular geological features, year-round tropical waters, a thriving eco-system and exquisite coral formations have all earned Mexico a top spot for bucket-list diving. The Yucatan Peninsula, which separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea, is home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest coral reef in the world. Featuring otherworldly landscapes, biosphere reserves and oceanic scenery like no other, the waters of the Mexican-Caribbean offer mesmerising diversity, unique appeal and exceptional beauty, attracting divers from across the globe.

Diving in Cozumel

Cozumel is Mexico's largest island and can be reached by ferry from Playa Del Carmen just a short ride away. Encircled by warm tropical waters and located on the northern edge of Earth's second largest barrier reef, it's no surprise that Cozumel has climbed the ranks as one of the greatest dive destinations in the world. Preserved since 1996, Cozumel National Park covers 29,000 acres of nutrient-rich waters and a complex ecosystem which hosts over 500 species of fish and 60 different species of coral. Acclaimed as a drift-driving hotspot with mild to moderate currents, divers of all levels can marvel the stunning coral mounds, rocks towers, breathtaking walls and spectacular swim-throughs with vast lush forests of gorgonians, fans and sponges. Palancar is the better known of all the reefs and is otherwise named "The Underwater Garden of Eden" for its endless beauty, considered to be one of the Top 5 dive sites in the world. Mingle with Cozumel's resident splendid toadfish in sites such as Paradise Reef, or explore any one of the 40 iconic sites of the National Marine Park for hours of underwater discovery in a coral wonderland teeming with life including green and spotted moray eels, hawksbill turtles, horse eyed jacks, butterfly fish, eagle rays, lobster, tropical mollusks and many, many more. With over 60m visibility, the clarity is exceptional and optimal for stunning underwater photography. The all-round dive conditions, consistently warm water termperatures and extraordinary beauty of the world's second largest coral reef makes Cozumel a truly unforgettable, must-dive destination with offerings for every level.

Diving in Playa Del Carmen

Located one hour south of Cancun, Playa Del Carmen is considered a beach-worshipper's paradise, but offers plenty of highlights on its ocean floor too. Gentle currents and year round tropical waters make this the ideal spot for divers of every level. Dive sites are minutes away from the shoreline by boat with depths ranging from 10m-40m providing a mixture of topographies from beautiful walls of sponges and sea fans, stunning coral formations, caves, arches, and for the more experienced divers, the Mama Vina Wreck, now home to schools of barracuda. Surround yourself with Caribbean reef fish, turtles, moray eels, lobster, stingrays, angelfish and may more; or visit during the months of December to March to experience the thrill of diving with bull sharks who migrate to the waters of Playa Del Carmen every winter to raise their offspring.

Diving the Cenotes

Nowhere else in the world can you experience the one-of-a-kind phenomenon of the Yucatan cenotes. Ancient freshwater sinkholes, part of the world's longest underwater cave system, were formed by collapsed porous limestone bedrock thousands of years ago to reveal a mystical underworld considered to be sacred by the Mayans. With jungle-clad surroundings, the pools of crystal-clear water are pierced with shards of sunlight for unrivalled visibility. Marvel the stalactites, stalagmites and stunning light effects for a serene and mesmerising experience. A delight for underwater photographers and a truly unique experience for every bucket list.