It is also one of the best scuba diving destination in Mexico. You are likely to see turtles, barracuda, lobsters, stingrays and nursing sharks. (VIDEO) (Video not showing clearly? First, they relieve some of the pressure placed on the area’s other coral reefs by creating a secondary attraction for snorkelers and scuba divers. With less that 1% being above water, this atoll has been witness to almost 200 wrecks, which date back to the 16th century. Recommended Level: Beginner It is one of those dive sites where the sheer beauty can be intensely overwhelming for divers. If you have a stomach for the high seas, why not find a center going out to this deserted location and join them on this dive. Best diving in Mexico. South of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen is the Bustling town of Akumal, which is known for its European vibe. Do you do private snorkel/Dive trips? Recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Revillagigedo Islands are located 240 miles (390 kilometers) off the Baja Peninsula in the Pacific Ocean. Get a taste of the scuba diving Tulum experience by watching our introductory video to see the cenote dives for yourself. Learn how your comment data is processed. Recommended Level: No Scuba Experience Necessary Second, they act as catalysts for new coral growth. This dive site is located approximately 25 minutes by boat from the marina at Playa Del Carmen and consists of a wall, which extends between 20 and 30 meters deep. What dive operation is recommended in Cozumel that’s not affiliated with a resort? I also haven’t been to Banco Chinchorro yet, but I’ve dived with XTC Dive Center in Xcalak, Mexico locally, and they run tours to Banco Chinchorro. When to Go: December to May, Recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site, the largest reef atoll in the northern hemisphere. When to Go: November to May. If you are diving, don’t forget to pack a snorkel as many winter time tours also boast whale shark sightings. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Dolphins, Galapagos sharks silvertips and humpback whales are not uncommon here, but this is also a good place to spot tiger sharks, and to keep your eye on them lest they get too close! Some scientists believe that this region annually boasts the largest congregations of whale sharks at any one time. 10 Reasons You Should Go Scuba Diving in Baja California. These are the five best regions for scuba diving in Mexico. Best Sites For Cenote Diving Tulum Mexico. Due to the high water temperature, diving in Mexico is possible all year round: With 21 to 28 degrees, it is thoroughly pleasant under water. As a unique site, this part of Cancun is perfect for fun underwater photography. The port of Veracruz itself is polluted and crowded, not suited for scuba diving. Punta Tosca on the island's west coast is another dive site which delivers much of what makes Socorro the best diving in Mexico. Sloping rivers of sand divide sections of the wall and you will frequently see larger pelagic species, given that the reef is located in the middle of a sandy plain. Every year dozens of these large sharks arrive to the sandy shallows just offshore. The 8 Best Places to Dive in Mexico Socorro (of the Revillagigedo Islands) The Revillagigedo Islands consists of few volcanic peaks that poke up from an underwater mountain range. Cliff Diving in Mexico. The article should have been called “Top 10 dive sites of Yucatan”. This unbelievable coral atoll is found off the coast of Costa Maya, not far from the border between Mexico and Belize. Here, you can enjoy world-class diving destinations such as Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. From the spectacular corals, sponges, sea fans and a myriad of macro-invertebrates that cover this wall, you will certainly not be disappointed on this dive. When staying in the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll have your choice of several, but one cenote stands out as the best dive in the region. This large Cenote is one of the most popular diving and snorkeling sites in the Riviera Maya. Access to this impressive sinkhole could not be easier. DeeperBlue.com is the World’s Largest Community dedicated to Freediving, Scuba Diving, Ocean Advocacy, and Diving Travel. Californian sea lion swimming and playing in the reefs of Los … In contrast with the mainland resorts, Cozumel offers a more relaxed and laid back feel. Diving in underwater cenote at Yucatan Peninsula. Cozumel is more laid back with many smaller resorts and inns. While there are sites up and down the coast, the best sites can be found Los Cabos and nearby Cabos Pulmo. The original cave diving exploration of the whole cave system within the Riviera Maya began through these cenotes. Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya and Costa Maya. Scuba divers and snorkelers find this breathtaking coral garden and all of the colorful tropical fish that call it home one of the best beaches in Mexico to explore. Off the coast of Tulum and Akumal are beautiful dive sites, which not only have excellent visibility but also are only a short 5 minutes boat ride off the coast. Yucatan Peninsula. Mexico is perhaps the best destination in the world for an introduction to cave diving. Dive Type: Cave The journey to the island is an arduous task, but worthwhile for nearly guaranteed sightings. You have entered an incorrect email address! The Underwater Museum or MUSA is one of the major attractions for scuba divers traveling to Mexico from all over the world, due to its incredible life-sized sculptures. RECOMMENDED DIVE SITE: Palancar Reef - named by Jacques Cousteau as one of the best scuba diving spots in the world. In Tulum diving is possible 300 days of the year - even more for sheltered cenotes which are always warm and calm with 100m visibility. La Quebrada of Acapulco, the famous beach town, is one of the best places for cliff diving in Mexico that is reckoned for its 100 feet cliff. Dive Type: Pinnacle Also I highly recommend the town of Xcalak, which is more remote than Mahahual (no cruise ship crowds). This gorgeous island is not far from Cancun, but the shallow site known as “Afuera” is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Isla Mujeres. Get up close and personal with bull sharks in Playa del Carmen and cage dive with great white sharks in Guadalupe. For ease, the country can be broken down into three zones: Yucatan, Baja and Pacific. Not only is it hard to get to, it benefits from its remote location as well as requires special permits from the Mexican Federal Government in order to access this beautiful location. The beach club didn't disappoint. I’m flying into Cancun and taking the ferry into Cozumel from Playa del Carmen in June. Diving in Belize is one of the best in the Americas with famous diving spots such as Ambergris Caye and famous dives such as the Great Blue Hole and the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Dive Type: Reef When to Go: December to April. Sea of Cortez. Recommended Level: Advanced Dive Type: Reef/Wall/Drift Cenote Dos Ojos, Yucatan. The combination of beauty laid back environments, warm, crystal clear waters and phenomenal marine life makes this place a divers haven. This is when the most gorgeous light streams into the cenotes, so underwater photographers dive then for striking images. Dos Ojos is one of the most famous and most often visited cavern dive sites out of the Rivera Maya’s Cenotes. Coral pinnacles rise from a sandy bottom which slopes slowly down to a drop-off. You might get a glimpse of mackerels, jacks, snapper, eagle rays, mobula rays, cownose rays and, with any luck, scalloped hammerhead sharks or silky sharks. This dive site opens up to many other dive sites or can be enjoyed on its own. The name of the cenote really sums this place up, as it is quite simply a deep pit carved into the ground. Along with South Africa, California and Australia, Isla Guadalupe in Mexico is one of the four best places to dive with great white sharks. A large Peninsula dividing the Pacific Ocean from the Sea of Cortez, the Baja Peninsula offers some fantastic sites for those interested in scuba diving in Mexico. These two cenotes appear like two eyes peering into the underworld below. The crystal clear, blue waters of the Caribbean are certainly hard to beat and offer idyllic conditions for both advanced and beginner scuba divers. The barrier reef in Belize is one of the largest in the world. Once you reach this magical site, you will find a huge parking area and a staircase leading to this large, crescent-shaped Cenote. For uncrowded sites and top visibility book your Tulum dive vacation between May-November. As one of the most popular dives in Mexico, don’t expect to be the only diver underwater. Mexico Diving Resorts Iberostar Selection Playa Mita. The one-tank dive on Cancun's local reefs does not require full certification, and all equipment is provided for you. 2. Cancún is mostly inclusive resorts and high rise condos. We’ve been dedicated to bringing you the freshest news, features, and discussions from around the underwater world since 1996. That’s Cenote Dos Ojos (or Cenote Two Eyes). Top 5 Dive Sites Of The US Virgin Islands, Top 6 Dive Sites In New South Wales, Australia, Activists Want The Maldives To Keep Its Prohibition On Shark Killing, Private Charters Now Available with Nautilus Dive Adventures, Volivoli Beach Resort Unveils New Dive Sites, The Wayne Hasson Legacy Scholarship Has Been Launched. This is certainly not a spot to be missed by any diver. The diving in Mexico is rich and diverse – from dramatic pinnacles surrounded by large pelagics in the Revillagigedos to gentle drifts dives over the coral gardens of Cozumel, from cage diving with great white sharks to exploring mysterious and beautiful freshwater caves hidden in dense jungle Here are our choice of the top sites… 1) COZUMEL Suunto is the world’s leading dive computer designer and manufacturer providing diving instruments for recreational, technical and freediving. Also known as MUSA, this dive site features more than 60 underwater installations from the famed sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. Click on settings in the Youtube box and change the quality to HD 720p – easy peasy) Ready to go diving? This majestic pool can be enjoyed by divers and non-divers alike and is a great place to take the family to cool down and explore in the hot summer months. One of the best cenotes to dive in Mexico is El Pit Cenote, which is found just 3 kilometers down the road from the entrance to Cenote Dos Ojos. Recommended Level: Intermediate to Advanced The best diving in Mexico is dotted around the country so your arrival airport depends largely on where you want to dive. Here you’ll spot bulls jockeying for position, feeding adults and playful babies. Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort. With gentle current, you’ll wind your way through tunnels and swim-throughs then along the dramatic wall, spotting a variety of tropical fish along the way. They offer new adventures and the possibility to see wonders that very few people will ever admire in their lives. This is it! Five Best Places to Scuba Dive in Mexico. Mexico is an easy-to-reach paradise that ranks high on many scuba diver’s wish lists. This perfect for watching the variety of species attracted to the high current area at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. There are so many whale sharks that many tour operators offer a “money-back guarantee.” However, the whale shark tourism industry in Mexico is highly regulated so be sure to do your research before booking a tour. Scuba dive or swim with nurse sharks, dolphins, sea turtles and many other reef fish, amongst the art that was created to provide a medium for coral growth as well as hiding homes for moray eels and damselfish. The Top 10 Best Dive Sites in Mexico 1. People from all over the world have second homes along this bay because of the tranquility it offers. There are two types of diving here. This is due to its system of flooded freshwater caves, locally called cenotes. Where the salt water and fresh water meet, it’s like diving through a stained glass snow globe, which is disorienting and beautiful. Use of this site is governed by the User Agreement, Privacy Policy(function(w,d){var loader=function(){var s=d.createElement("script"),tag=d.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];s.src="https://cdn.iubenda.com/iubenda.js";tag.parentNode.insertBefore(s,tag);};if(w.addEventListener){w.addEventListener("load",loader,false);}else if(w.attachEvent){w.attachEvent("onload",loader);}else{w.onload=loader;}})(window,document); and Disclosure Policy. Everyone is so nice. Mexico is actually renowned all around the world for the diving opportunities that are offered. Our Mexican dive resorts offer the opportunity to explore the MUSA, an underwater contemporary museum of art consisting of over 500 life-size sculptures. They have wonderful local dive masters who speak perfect english, and have been diving there for ever. ISSN 1469-865X | Copyright © 1996 - 2021 deeperblue.net limited. Most of the scuba diving in Mexico takes place off the Caribbean coast from Cancun and playa Del Carmen as well as the nearby islands of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. If you’re looking for a real adventure, consider the bull shark dive in Playa del Carmen. However, adventurous divers can take advantage of the annual migration by getting in the water with these predators. I haven’t had the pleasure of diving in Dos Ojos, but opted for the less-busy cenote La Calavera. When to Go: December to May. Off the far southeastern shore of Mexico, Banco Chinchorro represents the largest reef atoll in the northern hemisphere. Best way to know everything we can offer is to contact us and we can call you whenever you’re available. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the sea, and Isla Mujeres is perhaps the best place in the world to get in the water with these creatures. here . WHERE: Cozumel is Mexico's largest island, located 10 miles off the Yucatan Peninsula, and easily accessible by ferry or air. These are two very different cave systems, which start and end in the same place. THE WORLD\'S LARGEST COMMUNITY DEDICATED TO FREEDIVING, SCUBA DIVING AND SPEARFISHING. The best way to dive Mexico is from land based resorts. Besides being home to the second-largest barrier... 2. Recommended Level: Beginner There, I had the opportunity to dive through a halocline. It is located east of Cancun’s hotel zone and is home to beautifully colored coral as well as a diverse array of marine life, which include, barracuda, sharks, and rays. It is located on the highway to the Mayan ruins in Coba just outside the city of Tulum. If you are planning a trip to Mexico in the near or distant future, then here are some of the top dive sites that should not be missed…. While liveaboard diving is popular in Mexico pacific coast, Baja California, resort and dive center based diving is what you will find in Cancún, Cozumel, and the Mayan Rivera. When to Go: July to November. When is the best time for diving in Mexico? In Akumal visit the akumal dive shop, they have been there since the 70s and provide an excelent service. Cancun Airport is the most connected internationally welcoming direct flights from Paris, Frankfurt and Miami. I have side trips planned for renting a jeep on two different days to Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza, and stopping at several cenotes on the way. I’ve just done some dives – reef, Cozumel and Dos Ojos – with MexicoBlueDream.com in Playa – they were excellent, especially a US instructor called Steve who was brilliant at helping one of my party through her Open Water certification. The exception for that is if you are diving Guadalupe island or the Socorro Islands. However, if you boat just 20 minutes out into the port, the Gulf of Mexico's clear blue-green waters shine through and offer some of the best scuba diving in Mexico. Cave Diving in Mexico is the best option for all of those scuba divers who are attracted to the bowels of the Earth. ... Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa. Located on the Riviera Maya in Playa Del Carmen, Phocea Mexico is the ideal dive centre to try Cenote diving (cave), hover along Cozumel's drop-offs or go snorkelling with whale-sharks. Your options for exploring them range from standard half-day fun dives to epic … We have done both all over and want to avoid the head boat booze cruse reefs that are run over…..Mac Dalton When to Go: December to April. Recommended Level: Advanced In general, divers say that the best diving in Mexico is found along the... Banco Chinchorro. Both of these destinations are worth the long trip out to these isolated islands. Recommended Level: Intermediate to Advanced Show Prices . Eagle rays and nurse sharks make the occasional appearance. Inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2016, the protected (and largely uninhabited) islands lie roughly 250 miles (400km) south of the Baja Peninsula. Great post! When planning your dive vacation in Mexico keep in mind that there’s a little something for everyone, but all together these are the top ten dive sites and dive experiences in Mexico. I love their personalized service! Mexico is perhaps the best destination in the world for an introduction to cave diving. By Jeremy Foster posted May 30th, 2020. Suunto is the world’s leading dive computer designer and manufacturer providing diving instruments for recreational, technical and freediving. The atoll covers 300 square miles (800 square kilometers), is protected by a Biosphere Reserve and is home to wrecks, drift dives and colorful reefs. These four sites are located to the southeast of the island. Recommended Level: No Scuba Experience Required Recommended Level: Beginner Because of its generally good visibility and shallow nature, this makes a good wall dive for beginners. 2. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There really are no words to describe what it feels like to explore Banco Chinchorro and to know that you are most likely one of the only dive boats diving this atoll that stretches for over 600 square miles. Dive Type: Shark This incredible exhibition is home to a number of marine species and is an incredible artificial ecosystem. Along with South Africa, California and Australia, Isla Guadalupe in Mexico is one of... 3. If you haven’t had that experience yet, OH MY GOSH DO IT! The wall is also home to many reef fish moray eels, turtles, and stingrays. Other operators lower their cages and allow divers to float half-way outside the cage for a no barred view of these giant sharks. The sheer variety of dive sites in Mexico makes it one of the best diving destinations in the world. It is located in the waters between Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Punta Nizuc and is home to over 500 life-sized pieces of art. Marival Emotions Resort & Suites. Dive vacations in Mexico are perfect for those looking for shark diving and cenote specialties. The Boiler is perhaps the most predictable site in the Socorro Islands for manta ray sightings with five or more regularly seen. In general, divers say that the best diving in Mexico is found along the Riviera Maya and Costa Maya areas, where the Yucatan Peninsula meets the calm, warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. It’s all in the name. Located 150 miles (240 kilometers) off the Baja Peninsula, this island is annually home to approximately 170 individuals. Some of the best diving in Mexico can be found in this area, including the amazing Banco Chincorro. From bottomless cenotes to protected reefs, Mexico has some of the top places to dive in the world. Dive Type: Snorkel Approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) offshore of San Jose del Cabo, the top of this seamount encompasses two football fields in area, creating a giant platform for viewing marine life. No matter who you dive with, it will be great. The Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos seem most favorited and great for snorkeling, swimming and just the adventure of it. I had a great experience with them, so I have no doubt their trip would be great. With epic dives in the Sea of Cortez and endless opportunities on land, Baja California is a top-tier dive destination. Huge stalagmites, stalactites, and columns pierce through the water providing endless wonder and adventure. From standard reef diving to intriguing Cenotes (subterranean sinkholes), there is something for every level of diver. Cave Diving in Mexico. Read our full guide to Puerto Vallarta diving. Then, they were placed underwater for two purposes. Usually, the best diving in Mexico is found in the most remote locations such as the protected Banco Chinchorro. This underwater museum was created in order to divert tourists away from other reef systems in order to protect them and to help them recover. Beneath the lily pads you will see an ethereal underwater ballroom, which then leads to endless cave systems, passageways, and chambers. However, over the past decade, many divers have chosen to stay in the Riviera Maya to explore Mexico’s hidden dive spots. Seeing as Cozumel is home to some of the best dive sites in the world, we have chosen to create a whole post dedicated to diving in this area, so stay tuned to read all about the amazing dive locations that this island and the surrounding reefs have to offer. These islands are famous for their pelagic encounters ranging from humpback whales to hammerheads and, most importantly, Giant Oceanic Manta Rays. Five Best Places to Scuba Dive in Mexico 1. The cenotes of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula have become a popular cliff diving destination. Sea of Cortez Beach Club. Find the best Dive Professionals, Dive Centers and Liveaboards in Mexico. When to Go: May to November. During other times during the year, you might also spot a humpback or gray whale on your way to the island. The first dive called ‘The Barbie Line’ on its 500m circuit, leads divers along the opening of the second eye, containing plenty of daylight and provides a lot of space for divers to explore the huge columns and stalactites. The owners, Didier and Martine,... Phocea Mexico - Cozumel ” Taking safety measures. These statues were originally sculpted using models from the local community. Cozumel & Riviera Maya, Mexico Excellent Drift Diving, Beautiful Corals & Diverse Marine Life! Diving Resorts in Mexico: Find 57562 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Diving Resorts in Mexico on Tripadvisor. The Yucatan Peninsula and Mexico's Caribbean coast offer some of the best diving experiences you could hope for. Anytime I’m in Cozumel I’m diving with Salty Endeavors ( https://cozumelscuba.com ). The normally clear water conditions add to its mystique, making it a perennial favorite among liveaboard guests. Recommended Level: Beginner You can find out more at Suunto.com. Dive Type: Pinnacle/Blue Water Dive Type: Cage Keep in mind that this dive should not be attempted by novice divers. In general, they say scuba diving in Mexico is “the best along the Riviera Maya and Costa Maya coastal areas”, where the Yucatan Peninsula meets the quiet, warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. And if you time it right, the waters around Mexico present some of the best wildlife viewing anywhere. This is a country with a really extensive coastline that includes the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. That is Aquarium I and II on the west side of the atoll where you’ll find gorgeous examples of black coral, brain coral and huge barrel sponges. Discovery Bay, Isla Guadalupe. Los Islotes, just north of La Paz, is home to more than 400 sea lions. Magical shipwrecks, atmospheric caves, a vast network of freshwater cenotes, and the world’s second-largest barrier reef, diving along Mexico’s … For many years, Mexico’s Caribbean coast served as an amazing spot for divers flying into Cancun, traveling to Playa Del Carmen and then ferrying over to Cozumel. We recommend that you use a Suunto Dive Computer when diving one of these dive sites. To the majority of scuba divers, Mexico is known as a diving hub with beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and most importantly unparalleled dive sites. This guide is brought to you by Suunto. These destinations are the primary liveaboard destinations in Mexico. Take an introductory SCUBA course in Cancun and dive at one of Mexico's best diving spots. Without a doubt, these kind of specialities are capable of taking your diving experience to a new level. The second dive is called ‘The Bat Cave Line’ and feels like you are cave diving. Banco Chinchorro . When to Go: November to March. Dive Type: Shore/Snorkel They run small groups and fast boats. No one quite knows why they are here but some theorize it has to do with their birthing rituals and others believe it has to do with the freshwater waterflow from the cenotes. Both snorkelers and scuba divers are welcome. I will be in Cancun the 13th to th20th with a group of four. email…[email protected]. It is the darker of the two and leads to an air-filled bat cave where there is little light penetration. Dive Type: Reef When to Go: June to September. During this all-day adventure, learn the basics of scuba in a resort pool and then move to your first open-water dive. “ This property is on one of Mexico’s best beaches and situated just next to Miroma Adventures, meaning it’s only a short walk to scuba diving, fishing, jet skis, camel rides, catamaran and more. This is a popular dive site and provides access to some beautiful and healthy coral reef systems. The best sea lion scuba dive or snorkel in the world! El Pit Cenote reaches down to a staggering depth of 40 meters, which is a lot further than you’ll be able to actually dive. We have our own boats and also can offer accommodation if needed. Some operators place their cages on the surface and don’t require scuba experience. Meanwhile, over on the other coast, you’ll find the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. It is certainly a challenge from finding a dive center that has the permits to getting out there, but it is most certainly worth it. When to Go: May to September. You can try Grand Cozumel Diving (www.grandcozumeldiving.com). Best Diving Sites In Mexico. Those that are interested in scuba diving have access to so many options that are wonderful. Good post! Ask any local diver for their top dive site in Cozumel, and they’re bound to tell you to head for the Palancar Reef sites. https://www.simplyscuba.com/ Simply Scuba counts down five of some of the most unique diving destinations that Mexico has to offer. This amazing dive site is definitely one for your list. By Terry Ward posted Nov 28th, 2019. Gopro - Mexico - Diving in Cenotes of Yucatan (Best of) - YouTube. Top 10 Dive Sites In Mexico Location. Mexico Has It All. There are hundreds of different dive sites in Mexico. The blue, warm, clear waters of the Caribbean are truly hard to beat and offer paradise conditions for beginners and advanced scuba divers alike. This dive site is usually a drift dive, which allows you to see the wall in all its glory. Take a huge stride off the platform and you enter the cool world of the Cenote. It is the western hemisphere’s largest coral atoll and is on most seasoned diver’s bucket lists. Diving since I was 13 years old, I am currently a rescue diver working towards my Dive Master qualification. It is the gateway for diving in the Yucatan region (Tulum, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and the … So much to do during the day. Cabo Pulmo & Cabos San Lucas, Baja California; Cozumel Island; Cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula ♥ Belize. Oh dear… An article about the “best dive sites of Mexico” that does not even mention The Sea of Cortez, Soccoro, Guadalupe, Cabo Pulmo national park , La Paz sea lion colony etc..