Head off on a vacation under the Mexican sun, with paradise turquoise waters and tropical warmth. Dive alongside turtles, rays, and sharks in unique dive sites, then let yourself be captivated by the cultural richness of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Famous sites such as the Cozumel coral reef or the crystal clear cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula guarantee a perfect diving trip for those who want to combine underwater adventure with discoveries of the Mayan world.
Why Choose Playa del Carmen as the Starting Point for Your Diving Trip ?
Playa del Carmen is one of the top bases for a diving trip in Mexico. Set in the heart of the Riviera Maya, it provides easy access to world class sites such as Cozumel, the cenotes, and bull shark diving right off Playa del Carmen.
Here you can enjoy a wide variety of restaurants, ranging from traditional Mexican cuisine to fresh seafood and even Italian dishes.
And if you are wondering what to do in Playa del Carmen after diving, the options are endless!
Les meilleures destinations pour son voyage de plongée au Mexique
Mexico is among the best diving destinations in the world. Whether you want to explore spectacular cenotes, swim with sharks, admire incredible coral reefs, or visit wrecks full of history, you will find what you are looking for.
1. Cenote Diving
Including at least two cenote dives in your trip to Mexico guarantees you moments you will not find anywhere else, as cenote diving is a truly unique experience in the world.
Each cenote has its own personality: The Pit, where the light pierces the water like a laser beam; Dos Ojos, famous for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites; Angelita, with its mysterious layer of hydrogen sulfide; and Kukulkan, offering a unique combination of light, rock formations, and atmosphere.
Diving in just one cenote will only give you a glimpse of this fascinating world. By exploring at least 2, you can truly compare the different atmospheres and experience the full richness and magic these submerged caves have to offer.
2. Diving in Cozumel
For experienced divers, Cozumel is a must visit destination, offering excellent visibility that can reach up to 40 meters depending on conditions.
According to Commander Cousteau, “Cozumel is one of the best places in the world to dive, thanks to its fantastic visibility and wonderful marine life.” He also described the Palancar Reef as an underwater paradise.
The currents allow you to drift effortlessly while exploring spectacular reefs such as Palancar and Colombia. Natural arches, canyons, and dramatic drop offs provide unique sensations.
In addition, Cozumel is home to the C53 Felipe Xicoténcatl wreck, a former World War II minesweeper deliberately sunk to become a dive site accessible to all.
The wreck rests on a sandy bottom at about 20 to 24m deep, measuring 56m long and 10m wide. The site is known for its rich marine biodiversity: corals, tropical fish, rays, moray eels, barracudas, crabs, and sponges make it a thriving ecosystem.
You may also catch sight of a tourist submarine that explores the area without requiring a diving certification.
Bonus: Diving with Bull Sharks in Playa del Carmen
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If you plan to visit between mid November and mid February, I recommend experiencing the unique thrill of diving with bull sharks, in open water and complete safety, without a cage.
Every year from November to March, pregnant females gather in the warm, shallow waters, offering divers a unique close up observation experience.
The dive is considered safe, with no recorded attacks on divers, as during this period the sharks are in a “resting mode,” not hunting. To ensure safety, divers must remain calm, often kneeling or lying down, and follow strict guidelines. The approach is always initiated by the sharks themselves.
What Is the Best Time to Go Diving in Mexico ?
The best time to dive in Mexico varies by region, but in the Riviera Maya (Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and the cenotes), the ideal season runs from November to May.
This is the dry season: both water and air have pleasant temperatures (26 to 29 °C), visibility is excellent, and rainfall is rare. You also avoid hurricane season, which lasts from June to October.
The best time to dive in the cenotes is in winter and spring (November to March): crystal clear water, spectacular light effects, and fewer divers at the sites.
For thrill seekers, this is also the period from mid November to March when bull sharks come to Playa del Carmen, offering unforgettable encounters.
What Budget Should You Plan for Your Diving Trip in Mexico ?
For a comfortable diving trip including 5 to 8 varied dives, transfers, equipment, and guidance, plan a budget ranging from 665 to 1600 USD per person.
The price mainly depends on the season, the level of comfort chosen, and the added options.
💡 Here is a summary table of prices per person:
| Destination 📍 | Price (Pesos) | Price (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playa del Carmen | 2,400 | $120 | 2 ocean dives in one day |
| Bull Shark Diving | 3,200 | $165 | 2 ocean dives in one day |
| Cozumel (Departure from Playa del Carmen) | 3,800 | $185 | 2 ocean dives in one day (Possibility of C53 wreck) |
| Cozumel (Departure from Cozumel) | 3,300 | $165 | 2 ocean dives in one day (Possibility of C53 wreck) |
| Cenotes | 3,200 – 3,800 | $150 – $185 | 2 cenote dives (most of the time) |
⚠️ The price depends on the dive shops and centers, and marine life varies depending on the day’s conditions. Encounters with certain species are not guaranteed.
If you want to dive in a small group with instructors who have over 10 years of experience in the Riviera Maya, choose the Triton Diving experience.