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Scuba Diving in Mexico
19 September 2024
The diversity of Mexico's diving can not be beaten. From the Cenote flooded cave systems, to the wild Pacific coast, the popular Caribbean island of Cozumel, the white sharks of Guadalupe, the marvellous marine life of Baja California including the large pelagics at Socorro Island.
Cenotes
The Cenotes along the Yucatan Peninsula's Caribbean coast are a series of sinkholes connecting with flooded cave systems like Sistema dos Ojos. Fresh water floats above salt water. The visibility can be fabulous with the sunlight shining down through the water.
Diving the Cenontes. Photo credit: Jhovani Serralta/Pixabay
Cozumel
The island of Cozumel is just 12 miles away. It is noted for its drift diving and the Felipe Xicotenantl wreck but can get very busy with many dive boats in the same area. Cozumel offers year-round diving with water temperatures between 26oC to 29oC (78oF to 84oF) year-round. Visibility is typically excellent. December to April is the peak diving season, characterised by calm seas, warm water, and prime visibility. However, this also coincides with the busiest tourist season. Hurricane season runs from June to November, but Cozumel remains a relatively quiet destination during this period
Caribbean
One of the best places to dive in Mexico's Caribbean is Banco Chinchorro. This coral atoll is 25 miles long and 10 miles wide. The whole area is a marine reserve. You can get there by day trips from either Xcalak or Majahual near the border with Belize.
You can dive the Caribbean coast all year round.
Pacific
Mexico Liveaboards - Compare prices online. Book now & pay later.
Mexico also has diving on its Pacific coast to the west of the country. This is wilder, with fewer tourists and much marine life including whale sharks and manta rays. You will often be the only divers in the water.
Whale shark. Photo credit: Simone Saponetto/Pixabay
The best time to dive the Pacific coast? November to May has the calmest weather: the big pelagics swim in during these months. June to October has warmer sea temperatures and the best visibility. It is also cheaper at this time as it is the low season. Weather above the water is hot and muggy though.
Pacific diving areas include Huatulco in the south west and Puerto Vallarta further north.
Guadalupe
The Guadalupe Island Biosphere Reserve is some 260 km off the mainland coast, reached by liveaboard. Guadalupe Island is approximately 35 km in length. It is famous for its great white sharks. Shark cage diving is strictly regulated. All use of chum is banned and cage diving operations are restricted to a 6 km stretch of coast on the northeast side of the island to minimise impacts on the sharks and provide areas where sharks reside without being exposed to operations, and for ease of compliance monitoring. Many divers have reservations about cage diving, but research suggests that "the effect of cage diving is positive for the sharks, the environment and the local people - provided the dive operators conform to codes of behaviour".
All divers have to pay a 16% national tax on their dives, wherever in Mexico you are.
Mexico Diving • Liveaboards • Mexico Dive Shops • Accommodation • Further Reading • Your Comments
The Diving in Mexico
- Dive Sites ▶
- The Cenotes •
- Playa Del Carmen •
- Cozumel •
- Puerto Morelos •
- Banco Chinchorro •
- Pacific •
- Guadalupe •
- Baja California • Revillagigedo Islands & Socorro
The Cenotes
The Cenotes of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula feature fresh water above salt water: a fresh and salt-water dive in one. The cenotes (or sinkholes) along the Caribbean coast connect with flooded cave systems like Sistema dos Ojos. The visibility can be fabulous with the sunlight shining down through the water.
The cenotes (and reefs) of the Mayan Riviera can be reached by flying into Cancun airport. Tulum is just under a 90 minute drive from the airport.
The underwater cave system to which Dos Ojos is connected runs about 200 km long making it of the top 5 longest cave systems in the world. To dive this cenote you are required to pay a small fee and have a dive master guide you. The dive master is allowed no more than 4 divers with him and he must wear two tanks at all times.
Reviews:
(2)
"One of the most amazing dives I have ever done was in the Mayan Riviera near Tulum called Dos Ojos. Dos Ojos (two eyes in Spanish) is a cenote or cavern dive that, to me, comes as close to a cave dive as one can get without the training and the redundancy systems required for that type of technical diving. Read more on Dos Ojos..."
Tab Hauser
"Dos Ojos underwater cavern in Playa del Carmen Mexico. They call it The Cenotes. In the last ice age the Yucatan Jungle flooded due to mass rain fall. The sulphuric minerals in the earth together with the rain created underwater caves and caverns that span 200km. You can now explore them with cave guides and an open water certificate. The caves create a wonderful show of natural light beams bouncing off the endless realms of forever. Good Diving "
Jason Rabbow
"Fresh water caves. Clear, clear water. Little life but the light is enough to take your breath away."
Marnee
"Bull sharks about 800metres from the shoreline - but don't tell the tourists - lol"
Nik Wills
"Amazing fresh water in land cavern / cave in Yucatan Peninsula."
Connie
"Fresh water cavern dive. Cool crystal clear water. Two dive loops, Barbie line and Bat cave both approximately 45 minutes. Challenging technical dive requiring perfect buoyancy as you ascend and descend through channels and chutes. Great Dive! "
Dave Bakker (Canada), 2013
The Gran Cenote is one of the most famous cenotes in Mexico. Located just a few kilometres from Tulum on the way to Coba, this is one of the top diving spots in Riviera Maya. The word "Cenote" is derived from the Mayan word, "Dzonot" which means sacred well. A combination of various geological events and climate changes created an incredible and unique ecosystem in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. These caves and underground rivers were created naturally over 6,500 years ago. Over the past 20 years, experienced scuba divers have explored these caves discovering more than 300 miles of interconnected passageways and caves that make up this amazing one of a kind ecosystem. These cenotes, only found in this part of the world, offer certified divers the opportunity to explore something different! Discover the tranquil beauty of these pristine windows to the underwater world and experience the dive of your life floating through caverns full of crystal clear water, stalagmites and stalactites.
Video of diving the Grand Cenote & description by Travel Beat
"Nothing more than go straight down 60m descending through clear fresh water you will sink right into hydrogen sulfate layer (30m), branches reaching through it, underneath the cloud the salt water begins.
It is like being in a forest at night!"
Iguana
" 40m dive....once in life time"
Andreas, 2008
"To enter this special cenote dive you need to jump through a hole in the ground, through the surface water which goes 3.5m down , salt water and fresh water make a amazing efect called halocline, the interface between 2 different densities.
There are many fossils, very interesting dive! Unique!."
Iguana
Wooden steps lead down to the Pit where a small platform gives divers easy access to the water. The best time to dive is on a sunny day from late morning to early afternoon. The top 10 metres are fresh water then for the next couple of metres the vis lowers as fresh and salt water mix in a halocline.
Reviews:
(1)
"It's the most awesome dive in the world. "
Dominic, 2019
"42m cenote dive - not many people dive this one, perhaps 200 a year, your bouyancy and skills have to be very good or the instructor won't let you go. Has everything fresh, brackish and salt water + Mayan remains."
Nik Wills
"One of the most interesting cenotes with a spectacular dive, Points of light room, a halocline, Bat cave, stalactites etc."
Robert Mostard, 2007
"Deep water entrance at 100+ feet, 100+ visibility descends through darkened cavern to 130+ exit on the Eastern part of the reef. Near Southern point"
Lloyd
Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel
Playa del Carmen is on the Caribbean side of the Yukatán peninsula, directly opposite Cozumel.
"Beautiful reef dive with a multitude of fish and eels, drift dive depth around 17 metres"
Sally-Ann Etheridge, 2008
Cozumel is famous for its drift diving. Currents are usually gentle (1-2 knots). Temperatures are high throughout the year, between 25 and 32 oC. Summer water temperatures are around 29 oC and winter water temperatures around 25 oC. Hurricanes may arrive in September and October. From November to February winds lasting 2-3 days may blow in causing large waves on the West of the island.
Cozumel's Splendid Toadfish, Sanopus splendidus, Photo credit: Anita Floyd.
Toadfish are found on the sand and mud bottoms of coastal
waters worldwide. They usually have broad heads and drab
colours, and look something like toads. With its purple stripes and yellow mouth the Splendid
Toadfish, though, is different.
This Toadfish was thought to be only found in
Cozumel but sightings have also been reported
in Belize. However, it is not widespread and is
classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species
The National Marine Park Cozumel Reefs was created in July 1996. Divers are asked to pay a voluntary fee per day's diving. Different parts of the south of the marine reserve are sometime closed to divers for two months, a rotating system to protect the reefs from being over-dived.
There are two decompression chambers on Cozumel.
Cozumel Hyperbarics Chamber, San Miguel Clinic, Calle 6. Tel: 8723070.
Hyperbaric Medical Center, Calle 5 Sur # 21 entre REM y 5a Ave. Tel: 8722387.
Cozumel is a limestone island which is 34 miles long and 8 miles wide. It is just 12 miles from the mainland of Playa del Carmen. Mexico's largest inhabited island. The name Cozumel comes from Ah-Cuzamil-Peten which means Land of Swallows. Most of Cozumel's dive sites are along the west coast.
"Went to north side of island. Saw a school of 30 spotted eagle rays . Amazing ..."
Martha Bayorgeon, 7 January 2020
"Definitely worth a trip but second/third to the likes of the Red Sea and Palau in Micronesia. Cozumel offers some good dive sites BUT...sea life is surprisingly lacking! However having done most of my dives in the Red Sea perhaps I'm spoilt. Did have a wonderful dive with some Nurse Sharks "
Scubaventures, 16 February 2018
"This November I dove all week in swim trunks with no wetsuit needed. If you do use a wetsuit a 3 mil would probably be more than enough to keep you warm. The high this week is 84 degrees with a low of 74. The reef is amazing as well as the water. "
Brendan Coote, September 2014
" Ok after 13 years without coming to Cozumel I decided to come back. For those that know me you know I never go back to the same spot with very few exceptions or only if my work takes me there. What did I see? Ok where do I start. 13 years ago diving in Cozumel was an adventure. Few boats, few divers and an amazing underwater environment. Now on June 30 after coming back from my first dive I counted 30+ dive boats at the famous Palancar Reef. With an average of 10 divers per boat (mine had 20) this is 300 divers diving a reef at the same time. This is what I call unsustainable tourism! What a shame. The boat captain told me that there are 200 dive boats in the water at any given day. The consequence: a reef that is not even closer to what it was and very few fish and life everywhere. If the authorities don't take care there may not be a Cozumel in 13 years for us to dive.?"
Arthur Borges, 7 July 2014
" Cozumel has probably one of most spectacular reef systems I have ever seen. Because of the limestone in the area there are ceonotes (under water caverns) which are unique to any dive experience most people will have. The water is so crystal clear it is almost as though you are not in water. the cave formations are pretty incredible. You don't need cave diving experience or certification (though certification is offered). There is one ceonote on Cozumel and many on the mainland just a ferry ride away."
Bill Mashek
" Very good reefs with lots of life. Better be comfortable with drift diving or interested in getting to know more about it. Lots of comfortable places to stay. Easy to get to from North America. Fun relaxed Mexican environment."
Jim Reilly
" I was in Cozumel at the end of May 2006, having been there at the same time last year and on three other occasions, and thought that the diving conditions hadn't changed too much after Wilma. Some of the shallow reefs have had sand blown over them but in the two weeks that I was there the reefs had already improved.
There are one or two areas where debris has been blown into the sea but this is minimal and doesn't affect the diving. Marine life appears totally unaffected.
Down south, Punta Sur and Marcaibo, are totally unaffected and continue to be totally awesome. There were lots of people diving, as per usual, and there weren't any unhappy faces. "
Marineboy
The reef is divided into two sections, linked by a sand bar. The North section is the deepest and has the better coral.
"This Wall goes 90° straight down. Most exciting "advanced diving" with no bottom!"
Robert Mostard, 2007
"Just Amazing!"
Erwin, 2008
Spotted moray eel, Gymnothorax moringas, Photo credit: Anita Floyd.
Taken in Cozumel. This moray was disturbed from its resting place under a coral head by a Splendid Toadfish.
Most common moray in the Caribbean. Grows to 3 m long and lives on rocky and coral reefs.
Reviews:
(2)
" One of my favorite dive sites in Cozumel. A maze of coral and often find turtles."
Adam, Owner of ScubaTony, 15 July 2019
" Huge protected area of reef. I have never seen bigger lobsters, friendly sea turtles, huge parrot fish, angles, sea horses, morays, shark, and top off your dive with flying fish over your head as you surface. Outstanding diving year after year."
Jason, 8 November 2017
"Touted as one of the "best dive locations in the world" I can believe it. A National Park, very protected, it is teaming with sea life, with beautiful corals and formations. Many locations for each the beginner and the experienced alike."
Ed and Dana Gilman
" Each site we dove was beautiful and we were dropped right in the right place every time (no finning to the reef). The current makes for a wonderful relaxed drift dive at many sites although som sites have almost no current for those who prefer not to drift."
Charlie, USA
There are four Palancar dives at the southeast end of the island. Palancar Bricks got its name from the bricks that were dropped here by a capsized barge in the 1950s. Coral pinnacles rise from a slope between a sandy area and a drop-off. Swim-throughs and tunnels. Generally good visibility and gentle currents.
"Drift dive amongst coral banks between 10 and 30 m. Nurse sharks, turtles, eagle rays, stingrays, lobsters and crabs can all be seen."
Andrew Fawbert
" Panlancar bricks is a paradise and a sight seeing dive you can enojoy, a lot of coral formations and see amazing colourful fish."
Miguel Lopez, 2008
" Wall and drift dive, slow to medium current, with nice caves, 100 ft visibility and beautiful reef."
Lorena Gris
"Ideal first wall dive for beginners. Also excellent for advanced divers with swim-throughs. 2nd dive. Dive starts on a sandy patch inside the drop off at 20ft. Make way through one of the canyons. Get to platform between 50-70ft. Cuts and channels to navigate through. small wonderland. Excellent, photographers paradise, relaxing dive."
Huub Moonen (Netherlands)
"Lots of swim-throughs - not much underwater life."
Jean Conklin (USA)
The Felipe Xicotenantl was sunk intentionally for divers off the coast of Cozumel in 1999. Sections of her hull have been removed and guidelines show the recommended path through the wreck. She lies at 30 m.
" In my opinion, the Felipe (Mexican Navy Vessel) is hands down better than the Hilma Hooker (Bonaire). It's a full penetration dive that goes down through several levels of this ship. A spooky corridor too if you go it in the dark. Great Dive! "
Jim Olinger, USA
"The best shipwreck I ever dived due to the insides. The best part is the pilot house is still intact."
Caleb, USA, 7 July 2015
Photo credit: tslane888 (CC BY 2.0)
Wall dive. Starts at 18 m on sand. Descend along slope to the edge of the wall. Watch sand descend in rivers into the deep. At 25-30 m go North with the current along wall and swim-throughs. At end of dive look out for Southern Stingrays in the sand.
"80 foot drift dive. Fantastic sealife, turtles and many coral swimthroughs."
Don
" Beautiful deep coral formations, pelagics and eagle rays!!"
Charlie, USA
The most southernly reef: expect large swells on entry and exit. 30 m free descent to the edge of a wall. Drift along the wall with the current to a coral arch, the base of which is at 36 m. Return to the top of the reef at 25 m then ascend through ridges covered in soft coral.
"Drift dive strong current, but very nice dive, a lot of fish also a nurse shark great!"
Erwin
"The most popular site shallow area 3 sections a lot of sealife, very nice night dive!"
Erwin
"A wonderful shallow dive, GREAT for a night dive! Beautiful deep coral formations, pelagics and eagle rays!!"
Charlie, USA
Shallow dive (60 to 70 ft, top of the reef 35 ft) medium to strong current.
" Some days you can do fly diving! sharks, tourttle lobsters walking on the reef green morays, and more to see.
There is a problem with the invasion of lion fish and now all dive masters are helping to take them out of the reef with help of the Marine Park."
Lorena Gris
" Akumal had very good diving. Motorcycle reef was at about 50ft and visibility was about 80ft. I saw turtles and a healthy reef. Not as good as Cozumel.
I was surprised because I wasn't expecting much because I hadn't heard much about it. "
Christian
" The Santa Rosa Wall is a great dive site for divers seeking a thrilling wall dive. This dive is fast-paced due to the current and the wall drops off into the abyss. Keep your eyes peeled for large pelagic species, as well as moray eels hiding within the crevices of the wall. Coral formations and colourful sponges cover the wall, providing a stunning backdrop. "
Kathryn Curzon, 2024
" This is a classic Cozumel wall, popular first tank dive. Columns of Coral and vertical drop-off. Drop on sandy plateau at 60ft. smaller corals to your left at edge of wall. Cruising at 80ft you discover the crevices, overhangs and tunnels. This makes the dive spectacular. Going North, coral grows taller, drop offs get steep, like flying over the abyss. Northern part a series of swim through tunnels. "
Huub Moonen (Netherlands)
"Very deep 40m dive through coral caverns and a winding complex structure of the dive. Breaks through to an amazing wall dive coasting upwards through the amazing clear waters with lots of green turtles"
Cherri Farren, UK
"Impressive deep wall far south in Marine park with exciting tunnels, red sponges and coral, occasional Eagle Ray. Explored in 2 dives it is popular because of the narrow swim-through (the Devil's throat). The dive starts on sandy area 60ft, enter cave that leads to smaller cavern and see the narrow tunnel. Takes you from 80ft, 45degree angle to 130ft. lasts only seconds but is unforgettable. Once outside, another entrance leads to a chamber known as little Cathedral, which is a large cave opening with giant sponges where light passes through. Labyrint of coral leads you up to 30ft (ascent).
Depth: 60 - 130 ftn, you need to be a very experienced diver. Need excellent buoyancy and air consumption."
Huub Moonen, (Netherlands)
Reviews:
(2)
"Nice wreck, with nice rays. Pretty strong current close to the surface. (Dived with Diverspoint.) "
Johan Kalsweert, Netherlands, 11 December 2012
"Large gun boat wreck, safe, with many escape exits. Resting at 92 ft it has it's own guard Barracuda monitoring the situation. Best to dive earlier in the year when the water is cooler to see spotted eagle rays and other action. Bring a decent flashlight."
Dave Bakker (Canada), 2013
Reviews:
(1)
"Nice corals and fish, but a bit shallow. (Dived with Diverspoint.) "
Johan Kalsweert, Netherlands, 11 December 2012
Reviews:
(1)
"Shallow, but first time I ever saw so many Octopus. (Dived with Diverspoint.) "
Johan Kalsweert, Netherlands, 11 December 2012
One of the best places to dive in Mexico's Caribbean is Banco Chinchorro. This coral atoll is 25 miles long and 10 miles wide. The whole area is a marine reserve. You can get there by day trips from either Xcalak or Majahual near the border with Belize.
Reviews:
(1)
" Only few companies can make trips in this place and it is quite expensive day trip, but totally worth it. Lot of nurse sharks and one of the best dives ever."
Miia, 24 October 2018
"It is quite surprising to see what the lower Mexican Pacific coast has to offer. This remote area of Mexico abounds with quiet and remote private beaches, large marine life, and bigger fishes, easy going people and cheaper rates from Hurricane Divers."
Pierre Gauvin, Canada, 2006
Liveaboards and Dive Shops
Recommend a diving company or list your dive shop on this page.
Guadalupe •Midriff Islands • Playa Del Carmen • Puerto Morelos • Cancun • Cozumel • Puerto Vallarta • Huatulco • Cenotes • Liveaboards
Mexico Liveaboards - Compare prices online. Book now & pay later.
Rocio Del Mar Liveaboard
Tel: 602-558-9580
dsandoval@rociodelmarliveaboard.com
See prices and availability - book now, pay later
Visits the Midriff Islands, departing from Puerto Penasco, and Socorro.
"Crew's great, boat's great, diving is awesome. Where else can you swim with a dozen whale sharks? AND..see them all most everytime. Been twice in 2 months and going again in Oct 2011. $2295 a week, plus $100 for Nitrox, $25 Park fee, tips 10-15%.."
Bob Defoe 2010.
Southern Sport Liveaboard
See prices and availability - book now, pay later
For Guadalupe departs from Ensenada. Shuttle will pick you up from San Diego or Tijuana.
Quino El Guardian Liveaboard
See prices and availability - book now, pay later
The 25m Quino el Guardian was custom built for scuba diving and scientific research. Caters to up to 16 divers in 4 quad cabins, each with 4 beds with privacy curtains and a storage drawer for each guest. Visits the Sea of Cortez, including the beautiful Cabo Pulmo.
Valentina Liveaboard
See prices and availability - book now, pay later
Valentina was launched in 2013. She has space for 20 passengers. There are 10 cabins on board. All are ensuite. There are 2 cabins with double and single bed, 1 room with double bed and 7 staterooms that have bunk style beds.
Diverspoint
Puerto Morelos
Q. Roo
CP 77580
Mexico
Mobile: (00 52 1) 998 189 3628
E-mail: info@diverspoint.com
"Diverspoint is a small shop, and the owners came with me on the dives. Prices were good, especially after the prices on Cozumel. If I go back to the area I will go back them again."
Johan Kalsweert (Holland), 11 December 2012
Aquanauts Dive Adventures
Puerto Morelos
Mexico
E-mail: contactus@aquanautsdiveadventures.com
"William and Crescent run a great little dive shop in Puerto Morelos. They are very professional and tailor the dive to your abilities. I have dived with them on two separate occasions and will use them again when I I'm in the area. Good value for money and the best dive-op so far"
Dave Bakker (Canada), 2013
Wet Set Divers
Next to Ojo de Agua hotel in Puerto Morelos
Mexico
"Yes would absolutely dive with them again. Awesome experience. "
Deborah Kim (USA), 2013
Reef Quest Divers
Playa Del Carmen
Tel: 0052 1 984 117 3597
E-mail: stephenrf@hotmail.com
reefquestdiversmexico.com/
"Having been out of the water for 12 months I could not have asked for a better service with Reef Quest the owner/instructor put me at immediate ease calming my nerves and making the whole experience one to remember.
Excellent prices and superb service I would definitely dive with them again. I stayed in the dive house in Playa Del Carmen with stunnning views of the sea, roof terrace with hot tub and bbq area, rooms basic but excellent value.. yes would stay again definitely."
Sally-Ann Etheridge, Spain, 2008
Quintas del Carmen
145 Playa del Carmen
Mexico
Tel: 984 876 2139
E-mail: infoenjoydiving@gmail.com
Ocean and cavern diving for recreational divers, and cave and technical diving for higher trained divers.
DiveMex
Playa del Carmen
Mexico
E-mail: divemex@divemex.com
"DiveMex is located just two blocks from the beautiful Caribbean Sea. We are a small operator specializing in personal service and small groups, always keeping a small ratio of divers to dive masters. We dive where you want to dive, and make our recommendations based on our knowledge of the area, just let us know what you are interested in! Big health reefs? Diving in Playa? Diving the cenotes? We do it all. We speak English, Spanish, German, Italian and French. Good day and good dives!!"
Santiago, (DiveMex), 2012
Pro Dive Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
carretera Chetumal-Pto.Juarez
Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, Q. Roo Solidaridad,
Mexico
CP 77750
"Many operations on the mainland and Cozumel. Package can be used at all 6 centers in Mexico.
I used them for many years and saw them grow very rapidly due to their outstanding services and professional staff. Great promotions all year long with Stay Dive packages!!September/October dive group specials.
Would definitely choose them among all others.They are in several resorts. But cheap and comfortable is Allegro Cozumel. The BEST dive resort on the island. Minutes away from the best reefs. For a little extra money you may choose the resort next door Occidental Grand, also operated by Pro Dive Mexico. Email them and get online discount :-)
Perfect big boats with shelter and tanks for camera and gear. Great value for money.
Better than Egypte which is TOOOOO Crowdy!! I did 3 years ago go over there after many many years being there and every year there were more and more boats and divers overthere. They also have the "early bird" but also that is over dived Now, as when i get there around 07:00am there were already 15 boats!!!
Yes, Mexico is GREAT!! Truly is because of following.
1) No permits given out for boats on Cozumel, so it stays not crowded!
2) mainland has over 3000 cenotes and 100 cenotes you can dive. Like Dos Ojos! Great and spectacular
3) Playa Maroma North of Playa del Carmen has also many undiscovered reefs!!
So there is so much to see, that I will dive with Pro Dive mexico for some time to come."
Huub Moonen (Netherlands)
Training and diving tours from the very beginners to technical courses. Diving Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and the Cenotes.
Mx Scuba
Privada Vadella 103-C1
Real Ibiza
Mexico
Tel: 005219841655868
info@mxscuba.com.mx
Beyond Diving
Corner of Avenida Chemuyil and 28 de Julio
next to OXXO "La Toscana"
Playa del Carmen
QROO Mexico
info@beyonddivingscuba.com
"I did a cave diving course (cavern to full cave) plus sidemount training with Eric who owns Beyond Diving and this was the best, yet hardest course I have ever taken. Extremely rewarding and I feel super proud to have done this course. I dont think I could have picked a better instructor to do my training with. The dive center is small, but great. Erik is a great instructor. While the courses are not cheap, they shouldn't be. I think I got exactly what I paid for, if not more. Don't think twice. give these guys a call for the best training of your life."
Tom Janesky, USA, 31 July 2019
Akumal Dive Shop
Playa Akumal, Q Roo
Mexico
E-mail: jesus@akumal.com
" Some of the best dives in the world, I have dived in Cuba, Maldives, Egypt red sea, Turkey, Mexico and the UK, if it was closer I would go every 6 months to go diving with Jesus.
Hoping to visit next year and take my local PADI club with me - it's that good. Top diving in the world....Jesus would arrange the diving for us and would guess correctly what we wanted just by general chit chat... "
Nik Wills
Eco-friendly dive shop in Tulum, close to Cenote Dos Ojos
Calle luna poniente mz 22
lt 1 loc 2 Centro
77780 Tulum
Quintana roo
Mexico
Tel: +52 1 984 169 1925
E-mail: aguaclaratulum@gmail.com
Calle 16 #201-H x Av Colon y 23
Col. Garcia Gineres
Merida
Yucatan
Mexico
Zip Code 97070
Email: info@yucatandive.com
PADI and TDI Dive Center located in the city of Merida and diving the cenotes of Yucatan. For all levels from Recreational to Tech, and Freediving too. Offer tours, courses, equipment rentals and maintenance, amongst other things.
Aquaworld
Km 15.2 Boulevard Kukulcan
Cancun
Mexico
Tel: 0052 998 8488326
Fax: 0052 998 8488310
E-mail: jennye@aquaworld.com.mx
"Aquaworld is located in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Cozumel and offers a wide range of dive trips for all levels. Visit the beautiful reef areas that surround this Caribbean destination during our local morning dives, night dive, diving in cenotes, wreck diving or a visit to the famous Cancun Underwater Museum. Great prices, quality dive boats, dependable equipment and top notch service guaranteed."
Jenny Elliott, Aquaworld, 2015
Squalo Divers
P.O. box 1368
77516 Cancun
Q.Roo -Mexico
Tel: from USA 011+ 52-998-252-00-17
E-mail: info@squalodivers.com
"Located in the city of Cancun, one of the best diving destinations in the Caribbean, minutes away from the best caverns on earth and the beautiful island Of Cozumel. Cancun currents is great for drift diving, we have about 15 different reefs all them at a depth of about 60ft/18mts and two wrecks resting on the bottom in 80ft/25mts of warm blue water.
We are a SDI/TDI RESORT DIVE CENTER 1001954 We teach a full spectrum of SDI/TDI & PADI from a basic Discovery scuba diving course to a trimix instructor course. Enjoy the turquoise waters of Cancun, if you are learning or want to increase your diving knowledge and skills let us help on your diving career."
Squalo Divers, (2012)
Mundaca Divers
Francisco I. Madero 10
Centro
77400 Isla Mujeres
Tel: 998-121-2228
"We at Mundaca Divers in Isla Mujeres Mexico would love to share our diving waters with you and your group. If you are a dive master, dive shop owner or a dive instructor what we can can offer you is with a group of five divers or more you and your spouse/friend can dive for free."
Mundaca Divers, 2021
Reviews:
E-mail: betsywhite@prodigy.net.mx
"Scuba Betsy, an independent dive operator, was recommended to us by a dive shop in the US. Being not very confident divers, (a little worried about the currents) we wanted to find someone that would give us a little more than the "cattle barge" approach of many of the resort dive operators. Stationed in San Migel, Cozumel, she and her very apt crew will pick you up at your resort/motel dock if possible and take you to any of the great dive locations on the island. A two tank boat dive includes water or soft drinks, a deli lunch (don't expect to struggle with your gear, you are basically waited on hand and foot). A very competent and saftey conscientious dive instructor, Betsy helped us greatly on our breathing, enabling us to "stay down" for a full hour +! Betsy has been in Cozumel for over 15 years, not only does she know where to find those hidden creatures underwater, she also can steer you to the best above-water hidden spots. I cannot recommend Betsy enough, from beginners to experienced, she will make your diving experience unforgettable."
Ed and Dana Gilman
10th ave #198 between A.R.Salas and 1st st. Downtown
Cozumel
Quintana Roo
Mexico C.P: 77600
Tel: +52 1 987 8783201, +52 1 987 1270248
barefootdiving987@gmail.com
Reviews:
E-mail: betsywhite@prodigy.net.mx
"Can I add my recommendation? I was diving a week ago with a PADI dive center in Cozumel - Barefoot. Was fantastic experience. their instructors and DM are highly experienced, service is fantastic and the atomsphare is so cool! Did 2 dives from their boat and ejoyed every minute. The are just 6 min walk from the ferry port. Highly recommended!" Merom Harpaz
3rd. av. between Rafael E Melgar and 5th. ave.
Cozumel
Mexico
Tel 987-872-22915
Fax 987-872-3656
E-mail: info@dimiscubatours.com
" Dimi is a little operation very friendly and professional who provide a personalized service to all diving needs, expert in private charters they please divers and make your vacations unforgetable.
They have very comfortable dive boats, all equipped for diving with shade area platforms, stairs, radio, medic and first aid materials, bathrooms etc.
They are worth the price as you avoid crowds, have lunch on board, buffet style, and long dives."
Miguel Lopez, 2008
602 Avenue Rafael Melgar
P.O. Box 222
Cozumel
Q. Roo
Mexico 77600
Tel: 044-987-869-0503 or 872-1007
Fax: 987 872-1061
info:diveparadise.com
"Excellent Dive Centre with 4 locations on the Island (I stayed Barracuda Hotel where they had a shop and boat pick up pier). Arranged all dives last minute and to my requests. Good value for money and they arranged day trips for me to dive the Cenotes and Snorkle with Whale Sharks. "
Brendan Coote, UK, 2014
Calle 19 Sur X 25 Ave # 480 y 25 Bis
Col. Gonzalo Guerrero
Cozumel
Q. Roo
Mexico 77663
Tel: (987) 872-32-70
Fax: (987) 869 27 21
E-mail: eddscozumel@prodigy.net.mx
" Excellent and confident dive operation, safe trip, small groups, fast boats, friendly people, of course I will be back every year.
They have deals with the best hotels in town and offer special packages for divers who want to save money! Excellent, 100% value for money"
Erwin, 2008
Living Underwater
Cozumel
Mexico
" Easily the best operator I have ever used, far better than just about anywhere I have dived. The crew, dive masters and overall service were incredible. 10 out of 10. Living Underwater was simply the best dive operator I have ever used and I will be back as much as my wallet will allow me to go to Cozumel"
Charlie, USA, 2012
" Scuba Club Cozumel is a family run hotel and dive operation with incredibly abundant and tasty food and experienced dive operations and staff -- all included in a very affordable package. For North American divers, this is the best value and it's not too far to travel for fabulous diving.
I have been fortunate to dive the world's best locations: Palau, Papua New Guinea and Sulawesi, Indonesia. I have also made two trips to Cozumel, Mexico. I would highly recommend Scuba Club Cozumel."
Susan Swift
"We spent two weeks during April/May in Cozumel. I got certified through Dive with Martin. I recommend this dive company to everyone. They are very friendly and knowledgeable. They ask you what reef you'd like to dive or what you'd like to see and they take you to the best locations. They have really good deals and if you have to rent anything through them, their equipment is awesome. The visibility, marine life and reefs were excellent all 11 days we were there.
Overall this dive company was remarkable and you're guaranteed to see a lot of marine life if you stick with the dive masters!!"
Katlyn
Papa Hogs
Cozumel
Mexico
SCUBAdiving@papahogs.com
" Reasonable prices - home-style service - nice little boats, nice people. Good operators. Honors client requests. Go for it! "
Jean Conklin (USA)
ScubaTony
Cozumel
Mexico
info@scubatony.com
"A boutique dive operation in Cozumel offering small groups a personalized dive trip. Avoid the big groups and see more animals. Fast boats to and from the dive sites. Aqualung Pro hd integrated weight bcds. "
Adam, owner of ScubaTony, 2019
Playa Santa Cruz
Huatulco
Mexico
Tel: (+52) 958-587-1107
E-mail: email@hurricanedivers.com
"Just want to touch base to report a very pleasant and enjoyable experience with the folks of Hurricane Divers in Huatulco, Mexico. Great service and accommodation from the Hurricane Divers team (in three languages, English, French and Spanish). Ask for Roberto."
Pierre Gauvin, Canada, 2006
Puerto Vallarta
Jalisco
Mexico
Puerto Vallarta
Jalisco
Mexico
Nomad Divers
Costa Maya
Mexico
E-mail: info@nomaddivers.com
"Nomad Divers is the smallest, and definitely the best dive operation in Costa Maya! I've been diving the Costa Maya area for years, and have used different operators, but now that I found them, I will never switch again...for me, diving in Costa Maya is Diving Nomad Divers! Best value, best dives, best everything!"
Shawn Miller, USA
Dream Diving
Avenida Tulum entre jupiter sur y orion sur
(in front of ADO bus station)
77780 Tulum
Quintana roo
Mexico
Tel: +5219841659555
E-mail: info@dream-diving.com
"We offer daily snorkeling and dive tours to the ocean and the world famous cenotes and also recreational diving courses, from your first underwater breath up to dive master. As for those that would like to try a more advanced style of diving,we have our technical diver training department with all the open water tech courses up to the full cave diving level, and for the technical divers out there we can provide you guiding in the local environment. We also are the only Aqualung - apeks partner / service center with licenced technicians in the Tulum area."
Neils, (Dream Diving), 2012
See also: Our Baja California and Revillagigedo (Socorro) Islands sections
Accommodation
"Basic hotel that is excellent for a Diver not concerned too much with Hotel additions. Nice swimming pool and bar. Boat pick ups from its own pier. Boats were 2 types - speed boat like a wooden RIB and large boats that were basic with overhead shelter. "
Brendan Coote, September 2014
For hotels see the Agoda site...
Further Reading
- Cozumel Dive Guide & Log Book
- Detailed guide to 25 dive sites around Cozumel. Each dive is in the same format: a one page description of the dive with photos of the life and coral, a high level map and a guide to the difficulty, current and marine life. There is also a dive profile for planning purposes.
Read our review...
- Diving Cozumel
- by Steve Rosenberg, Aqua Quest Publications, 2004
- Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas
- by Paul Humann, New World Publications, 2014
The second is a series of three identification guides for the Caribbean.
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