Are you planning to try scuba diving in Mexico and wondering how much it will cost?
An introductory scuba dive in Mexico typically costs between 2500 and 3500 pesos (about 130 to 185 USD). However, the price can vary depending on the location, the provider, and what is included.
In this article, you’ll find out the average cost of a discovery dive in the four most popular regions of Mexico.
7 things to consider in the price of an introductory scuba dive
efore choosing where to do your introductory scuba dive, it’s important to understand why prices can vary so much from one dive center to another.
The cost of a beginner dive doesn’t depend solely on the duration or location. Several factors come into play. Here are the main elements that influence the price of an introductory scuba dive:
- The dive site
- The season
- The duration of the session
- The equipment
- The supervision
- The transportation
- Additional services or consumables
Now that you know what can affect the cost of a first dive, it will be easier for you to estimate the price of your first underwater experience in your chosen region of Mexico.
How much does it cost to try Scuba Diving in Playa del Carmen ?
An introductory scuba dive in Playa del Carmen costs between 2600 and 3000 MXN (around 135 to 160 USD).
In my opinion, Playa del Carmen is the perfect place for a first dive experience, the conditions are usually calm, visibility is excellent, and there are plenty of dive sites nearby.
Still not sure if you should try scuba diving in Playa del Carmen?
I invite you to read my article Why Try Scuba Diving for the First Time in Playa del Carmen to learn more.
How much does an introductory scuba dive in a cenote (in Tulum) cost ?
Many people don’t know this, but you can actually try scuba diving in a cenote!
A cenote baptism costs between 3000 and 3500 MXN (about 160 to 185 euros), as the activity often includes transportation from Playa del Carmen, entrance fees to the site, and personalized guidance.
Cenotes offer a truly unique experience in crystal-clear freshwater caverns. For introductory dives, you stay in open, shallow areas that are perfectly suitable for beginners.
How much does it cost to try Scuba Diving in Cozumel ?
An introductory scuba dive in Cozumel costs between 3000 and 3500 MXN (about 160 to 185 USD), depending on the dive center, the season, and the services included, such as photos or transportation.
Cozumel is known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and impressive marine life, but keep in mind that currents can sometimes be stronger than in other locations.
PS: If you’re arriving by cruise ship, I recommend booking your introductory dive in advance.
How much does it cost to try Scuba Diving in Cancun ?
An introductory scuba dive in Cancún generally costs between 2500 and 3000 MXN (about 130 to 160 USD) per person, depending on the provider and the options included.
Some dive centers offer famous sites like the underwater museum MUSA or the Manchones reefs as part of the experience.
My opinion
To give you a clearer idea, here’s a quick comparison of the average prices for an introductory scuba dive in Mexico:
| Location 📍 | What you can see | Price (MXN & EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Intro dive in Cancun | 🐠 🐢 🪸🦀 and rays | 2500 – 3000 MXN (130 – 160 USD) |
| Intro dive in Cozumel | 🐠 🐢 🪸🦀 and rays | 3000 – 3500 MXN (160 – 185 USD) |
| Intro dive in Playa del Carmen | 🐠 🐢 🪸🦀 and rays | 2600 – 3000 MXN (135 – 160 USD) |
| Intro dive in a cenote | 💧🪨 ☀️ | 3000 – 3400 MXN (160 – 190 USD) |
⚠️ Prices depend on the dive shops and centers. Also, encounters with marine life are never guaranteed.
Personally, if I had to do my first dive again, I would choose Playa del Carmen without hesitation.
Cozumel is stunning, but for a first-timer, the current can be a bit intense.
And cenotes ? They’re magical, but I’d recommend them more as a second experience, once you feel more comfortable underwater. Some people may feel slightly enclosed, which makes cenote diving better suited for a second dive rather than a very first one.
