-
Recreational
-
Cave
-
Technical
Recreational Diving
Although Playa del Carmen is the hot spot for cave divers, the open ocean never disappoints. Starting with the big, beautiful bull sharks that come here every year or the warm, shallow reefs that are ideal for a relaxed and easy dive on a sunny day. Whatever you choose, you are sure to enjoy spectacular dives.
The Mexican Caribbean offers part of the second longest barrier reef in the world and as such we have a great diversity of dive sites that are very close to shore and therefore very accessible.
We have two departure times available in our regular dive schedule for you to choose from: 8:30 am and/or 12:30 pm.
Mama Viña Wreck
This former shrimp boat was internationally sunk in 1995 for divers. Since then the coral growth has proceeded rapidly on this artificial reef.
- Conditions: mild to strong current.
- Min. depth: 18 m / 60ft.
- Max. depth: 30 m / 100ft.
- Avr. visibility: 20 m / 70ft.
Tortugas
The Turtle Garden is one of Playa del Carmen’s most popular reefs due to the large quantities of sea turtles. The reef is relatively flat and is covered with corals and barrel sponges.
- Conditions: medium to strong current.
- Min. depth: 16 m / 60ft.
- Max. depth: 30 m / 100ft.
- Avr. visibility: 20 m / 70ft.
Barracuda
Barracuda is traditionally the second dive after the Turtle Garden. Picture the reed as a hand with five finger-like outcroppings.
- Conditions: current is to be expected.
- Min. depth: 6m / 20ft.
- Max. depth: 14 m / 50ft.
- Avr. visibility: 20 m / 70ft.
Jardines
Jardines is so named for it’s garden-like vegetation. In addition to a variety of sponges and coral, the reef is covered with sea whips and other tree-like plants that give home to an abundance of marine life.
- Conditions: little to no current.
- Min. depth: 6m / 20ft.
- Max. depth: 13m / 45ft.
- Avr. visibility: 20m / 70ft.
Chun-Zambul
Chun-Zambul is one of the longest and shallowest dives in the area, and it is best on days with little current.
- Conditions: little to no current.
- Min. depth: 6m / 20ft.
- Max. depth: 13m / 45ft.
- Avr. visibility: 18m / 60ft.
Sabalos
Originally named after the schools of Sabalos/Tarpons that still can occasionally be seen here, Sabalos is one of the most demanding of the shallow reef dives due to the frequent strong currents.
- Conditions: Current is to be expected.
- Min. depth: 6 m / 20ft.
- Max. depth: 14 m / 50ft.
- Avr. visibility: 20 m / 70ft.
Moc-Che
Moc-Che, the shortest of the shallow dive sites, has an abundance or small coral formations growing in front of the reef. This gives divers ample space to spread out.
- Conditions: little to no current.
- Min. depth: 7m / 20ft.
- Max. depth: 14m / 50ft.
- Avr. visibility: 18m / 60ft.
Moc-Che Deep
Moc-Che Deep is a sheer wall stretching 100ft/30m with changeable but ever present current.Throughout the year you may be joined by sea turtles and in winter this dive site is frequented by bull sharks and eagle ways.
- Conditions: current is to be expected.
- Min. depth: 20m / 70ft.
- Max. depth: 30m / 100ft.
- Avr. visibility: 20m / 70ft.
Pared Verde
This famous wall is very different in formation from the classical endless drop off reef. Pared Verde has sections of walls which are split by sloping hills of sand. Be alert for spiny lobsters, king crabs, string rays and sharks.
- Conditions: medium to strong current.
- Min. depth: 21m / 70ft.
- Max. depth: 30m / 100ft.
- Avr. visibility: 30m / 100ft.
Los Arcos
Named after its two arches, Los Arcos is a relatively deep dive. The wall sections are 5m / 15ft high and covered with hard corals, sponges and fan corals. The arches shelter schools of fish, moray eels and many crustaceans.
- Conditions: strong current can be expected.
- Min. depth: 21m / 70ft.
- Max. depth: 30m / 100ft.
- Avr. visibility: 30m / 100ft.
Cerebros
Cerebros, which means brains, is the furthest reef north. Due to its distance by boat, it is the least dived of the reefs in Playa del Carmen. The coral formations at the edge of the reef create a scenic landscape to wander around.
- Conditions: little to no current.
- Min. depth: 6m / 20ft.
- Max. depth: 13m / 45ft.
- Avr. visibility: 20m / 70ft.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOOKING FOR A CUSTOMIZED TRIP OR TRAINING?
We design customized packages for you
We want you to have the best experience diving here and as such we only work with exclusive, small groups of up to a maximum of 3 people per guide.
If one day is not enough, we have organized trips with lodging and transportation included for 5, 7 or even 9 days depending on your level of diving and preferences.
Help us to protect and conserve nature for future generations.
Join us and let's make the planet a better place.