Mexico, and especially the Riviera Maya, is a top destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. It offers a wide variety of dive sites suitable for all skill levels.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the Mexican waters are full of underwater treasures waiting to be explored.
In this article, we’ll review the prices associated with scuba diving in the Riviera Maya.
What is the price of an dive in Mexico?
The price of an dive in Mexico typically ranges from 2,200 to 3,800 MXN (around 115 US to 245 US dollars), depending on the destination, number of dives, included equipment, and the reputation of the dive center.
Here’s a city-by-city breakdown of scuba diving costs:
How much does an dive cost in Playa del Carmen?
For two dives in one day in Playa del Carmen, expect to pay around 2,400 MXN (approximately 125 US dollars) for 40 to 60-minute dives each, at popular sites like Tortugas, Sábalo, or Barracuda, with equipment included.
The reefs are very easy to reach: just 5 to 15 minutes by boat, with generally calm seas and excellent visibility.
The environment is perfect for spotting tropical fish, turtles, barracudas, and, with a bit of luck, a few eagle rays gliding by peacefully.
How much does a bull shark dive cost?
Diving with bull sharks in Playa del Carmen costs around 3,200 MXN (approximately 165 US dollars) for two dives lasting 40 to 60 minutes each. One dive takes place at the “Shark Point” site and the other at a local Playa del Carmen dive site, with all scuba equipment included.
Despite their reputation, the bull sharks observed here are calm, sometimes curious, and swim slowly around you.
No bait is used during these responsible dives, making the encounter even more authentic and respectful of marine life.
This dive is only available from November to March, during the season when these impressive sharks naturally come closer to the shore.
How much does an dive cost in Cozumel?
For two dives in one day in Cozumel, expect to pay between 3 300 MXN and 3 800 MXN (approximately 170 to 195 US dollars), depending on whether you are departing from Playa del Carmen or already on the island. Each dive lasts 40 to 60 minutes, depending on your air consumption.
In Cozumel you have the unique opportunity to explore the C‑53 Felipe Xicoténcatl wreck, a former Mexican navy warship deliberately sunk in 2000 to create an artificial reef.
This iconic dive site rests at around 25 meters deep and is for PADI Advanced Open Water certified divers.
The underwater beauty of Cozumel makes it a true paradise for divers, with its vibrant ecosystems and the exceptional clarity of its waters offering up to 40 to 50 meters of visibility.
Here, every dive is a drift dive carried by currents that vary in strength depending on conditions, adding a unique dimension to each immersion.
PS : Did you know that scuba diving in Cozumel was recognized by Jacques‑Yves Cousteau as one of the top ten dive sites in the world?
How much does a cenote dive cost?
The cost of a cenote dive in the Riviera Maya region depends on several factors: the number of dives, which cenote you choose, whether equipment is included, and additional services such as transport or guide supervision.
You can expect to pay around 3 200 MXN for an introductory dive and up to 3 800 MXN for a two‑dive cenote package (approximately 165 to 195 US dollars).
Diving in a cenote means immersing yourself in crystal‑clear waters and exploring a world shaped by time, where stalagmites, stalactites, and prehistoric remnants offer a true dive into the heart of a natural history museum.
How much does it cost to get PADI certified in Mexico?
The price of obtaining a PADI certification varies depending on several factors: the chosen course, the region, the dive center, and the services included.
Among the various options, the PADI Open Water Diver course is the most popular and widely recognized diving certification worldwide.
Here is a table presenting the main courses available, including the Open Water Diver, as well as other complementary certifications :
| Course | Price (MXN) | Price (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| PADI Open Water | 9 500 MXN | $488 | 2 days with 4 open‑water dives |
| PADI Advanced Open Water | 9 000 MXN | $459 | 3 days with 6 open‑water dives |
| PADI Rescue / EFR | 8 000 MXN | $408 | 2 days with 4 open‑water dives |
| PADI Specialty Deep Diver | On request | On request | Schedule set by the dive center |
| PADI Specialty Wreck Diver | On request | On request | Schedule set by the dive center |
| PADI Specialty Nitrox (Enriched Air) | On request | On request | Schedule set by the dive center |
Do you know ADIP?
ADIP is an Association of Diving Instructors (a non‑profit organization).
It is an international body founded in 1997 by instructors from various diving federations, such as IDEA, PADI, NAUI, and CMAS.
How much does an ocean dive cost in Akumal?
For two dives in one day in Akumal, expect to pay 2 600 MXN (approximately 130 US dollars) for dives lasting 40 to 60 minutes each at two sites.
In Akumal, you have a great chance to dive alongside sea turtles in their natural environment rather than in an artificial enclosure.
The dives are shallow and very accessible. They are perfect if you are a beginner or if you want a peaceful outing without currents or pressure. It is a moment of relaxation and wonder underwater.
Fun fact: Akumal means “Land of the Turtles” in the Mayan language, and it is no coincidence.
How much does an dive cost in Puerto Morelos?
For two dives in one day in Puerto Morelos, expect to pay 2 800 MXN (around 145 US dollars) for dives of 40 to 60 minutes each at two sites.
In Puerto Morelos you have the chance to dive on the C56 Juan Escutia wreck, a former Mexican navy warship intentionally sunk in 2000 to create an artificial reef. Today this vessel rests at about 30 meters deep, just off the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park.
This dive is reserved for Advanced Open Water certified divers.
The small, quiet village of Puerto Morelos is located directly opposite one of the most accessible sections of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second‑largest coral reef after Australia’s.
The area is protected by the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park, which means the reefs are in excellent condition and the marine life is very active.
Less touristy than the popular towns of Playa del Carmen or Cancún, Puerto Morelos offers a calmer, more authentic experience.
How much does an dive cost in Cancun?
For two dives in one day in Cancún, expect to pay between 2 200 and 2 500 MXN (approximately 115 to 130 US dollars).
In Cancún you have the opportunity to visit the underwater museum MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte), a unique museum home to more than 500 submerged sculptures located in Cancún, Isla Mujeres and Punta Nizuc.
The sculptures, sometimes monumental, depict everyday scenes, human figures, or symbolic objects. They lie at accessible depths, making it possible to admire them both on scuba dives and when snorkeling.
Summary of average dive prices in Mexico :
| Destination | Price (MXN) | Price (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playa del Carmen | 2 400 | $125 | Two ocean dives in one day |
| Bull Shark Dive | 3 200 | $170 | Two ocean dives in one day |
| Cozumel (Departure from Playa del Carmen) | 3 800 | $193 | Two ocean dives in one day (C‑53 wreck option) |
| Cozumel (Departure from Cozumel) | 3 300 | $170 | Two ocean dives in one day (C‑53 wreck option) |
| Cenotes | 3 200–3 800 | $159–$193 | Two cenote dives (usually) |
| PADI Open Water | 9 500 | $488 | Two days with four open‑water dives |
| PADI Advanced Open Water | 9 000 | $460 | Three days with six open‑water dives |
| PADI Rescue Diver / EFR | 8 000 | $408 | Two days with four open‑water dives |
| Akumal | 2 600 | $130 | Two ocean dives in one day |
| Puerto Morelos | 2 800 | $142 | Two ocean dives in one day (C‑56 wreck option) |
| Cancún | 2 200–2 500 | $130–$147 | Two ocean dives in one day |
⚠️ Prices depend on the dive shops and centers, and marine life varies with daily conditions. Encounters with species are not guaranteed.
My opinion :
Riviera Maya is one of the most diverse and fascinating places to dive in Mexico and perhaps in all of the Americas.
Each site offers a completely different experience. I recommend that everyone try a cenote dive at least once: there are many around Playa del Carmen and it is a truly unique adventure.
If you prefer the open sea, Playa del Carmen is perfect for beginners. If you already have some experience, I strongly suggest diving in Cozumel or trying a bull shark dive, which is available between mid November and mid March.
