Dive Mexico
La Paz, located on the coast of the Sea of Cortez, is known as one of the best diving destinations in Mexico and the world. This region, nicknamed “The Aquarium of the World” by Jacques Cousteau, is home to an impressive marine biodiversity, including whale sharks, sea lions, giant manta rays and schools of tropical fish.
Diving in La Paz offers a mix of unique marine ecosystems including reefs, shipwrecks and submarine canyons. Crystal clear waters and great visibility throughout most of the year make La Paz a must-see destination for both beginners and experienced divers looking for more challenging adventures.
| Dive Site | Description | Outstanding Marine Life | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Bajo | Famous is an underwater mountain with strong currents, ideal for advanced divers. | Hammerhead sharks, rays, moray eels. | Advanced |
| Los Islotes | A resident sea lion colony that allows you to dive with them in their natural habitat. | Sea lions, turtles, tropical fish | All levels |
| La Reina | A dive site near Cerralvo Island, known for its abundance of marine life and clear waters | Giant mantas, schools of jacks, turtles. | Intermediate |
| Salvatierra Wreck | A ferry wreck that sank in the 1970’s, covered with coral and home to a variety of marine life. | Cat sharks, puffer fish, groupers. | Intermediate |
| La Paz Bay | Calm and protected waters, perfect for recreational diving and snorkeling with whale sharks. | Whale sharks (seasonal), dolphins, reef fish. | Beginners |
| Fang Ming Wreck | Dive on a wreck wreck to create an artificial reef in 1999, very well preserved. | Barracudas, groupers, moray eels | Intermediate |
| Swanee Reef | Colorful reef with a great variety of marine life, ideal for divers who prefer calmer waters | Tropical fish, rays, turtles. | All levels |
| El Espíritu Santo | Heritage Site, famous for its natural beauty and marine diversity. | Sharks, turtles, large schools of fish. | All levels |
Tips for Diving in La Paz
Best Season to Dive: The best time to dive in La Paz is between July and November, when water temperatures are warmer (24°C to 30°C), which attracts a greater diversity of marine life, including whale sharks. In winter, temperatures can drop to around 18°C-22°C.
Visibility and Currents: In general, visibility is excellent, being able to reach over 30 meters on the best days. However, some sites, such as El Bajo, can have strong currents, so it is recommended for advanced divers.
Recommended Equipment: During the summer, a 3 mm wetsuit is sufficient. In winter, it is advisable to use a 5 mm wetsuit or more, as the water temperature can be colder, especially in deep dives.
Seasonal Fauna: If you want to dive with whale sharks, the best season is between October and February. Meanwhile, sea lions can be seen almost all year round in Los Islotes.
Riviera Maya (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel): Between 24°C and 29°C all year round. In winter, it ranges between 24°C and 26°C, while in summer it reaches 27°C to 29°C.
Playa del Carmen Diving
Playa del Carmen, located in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, is a world-class diving destination that appeals to beginners and experienced divers alike. With crystal clear waters, rich marine life and easy access to a variety of dive sites, Playa del Carmen is an ideal starting point to explore the incredible underwater world of the Mexican Caribbean.
Why Dive in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is known for its vibrant reefs, its proximity to cenotes and the possibility of diving with bull sharks in the winter months. This destination offers dives for all levels, from beginners to advanced divers looking for more challenging adventures.
Main Underwater Attractions in Playa del Carmen:
Coral Reefs: Playa del Carmen is right next to the second largest coral reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.
Bull Sharks: From November to March, divers can experience bull shark dives, one of the most exciting experiences in the region.
Cenotes: Just a few minutes inland, you can dive some of the most famous cenotes in the world, such as Cenote Dos Ojos and Cenote Angelita.
The Best Seasons to Dive in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen Scuba Diving
Weather: Warm and dry temperatures, with less rainfall.
Visibility: Excellent, with visibility that can exceed 30 meters.
Sea conditions: Calm, with less chance of storms and strong currents.
Water Temperature: Range of 24°C to 27°C.
Diving Tulum
Tulum is an unparalleled diving destination in the Riviera Maya, known worldwide for its cenotes and its proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest reef in the world. Diving in Tulum offers a unique experience that combines the mysticism of the subway caverns with the vibrant beauty of the Caribbean reefs.
Tulum is famous for its system of cenotes, natural sinkholes formed by the erosion of limestone rock, exposing subway pools filled with fresh water. These cenotes offer a unique cavern diving experience that cannot be found in many other parts of the world.
| Dive Site | Description | Depth | Marine Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulum Reef | Close to shore, this reef is perfect for beginners and intermediate divers. | 10 – 15 meter | Turtles, rays, tropical fish. |
| La Piscina | A site with gentle currents and impressive coral formations. | 10 – 12 meters | Angelfish, turtles, moray eels. |
| Los Coquitos | A lesser known reef but with crystal clear waters and abundant marine life. | 8 – 10 meters | Octopus, lobsters, tropical fish. |
Tulum Best Diving Places
Cancun Mexico Scuba Diving
Cancun, located in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean, is one of the most recognized diving destinations in the world. Its proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest on the planet, makes it an ideal place for divers of all levels. In addition to its beautiful reefs, Cancun offers one of the most exclusive experiences: the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA), which blends art and marine conservation in a stunning underwater environment.
Cancun’s Main Underwater Attractions:
Vibrant Reefs: Part of the Mesoamerican Reef System, Cancun offers a variety of dive sites with reefs teeming with marine life.
Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA): A unique underwater museum with more than 500 submerged sculptures, turning diving into an artistic experience.
Diving with Bull Sharks: During the winter months, Cancun offers exciting dives with bull sharks in the nearby waters.
Shipwrecks: Some sunken ships have been converted into artificial reefs, providing a habitat for a wide variety of marine species.
Puerto Morelos Diving
Puerto Morelos, located halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, is a picturesque fishing village that has become one of the most fascinating dive destinations in the Riviera Maya. With direct access to one of the most vibrant parts of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest in the world, Puerto Morelos is an ideal destination for divers looking for a quieter and less crowded experience than other dive spots in the region.
The best season for diving in Puerto Morelos is between November and May, when the weather is more stable and the water conditions are ideal for diving. During these months, the waters are calmer, visibility can exceed 20 meters, and the water temperature ranges between 26°C and 28°C, making it perfect for prolonged dives.
November to May: During this period, rainfall is less frequent and diving conditions are excellent. Visibility is high, and the water is at its optimum temperature.
June to October: Although it is possible to dive during the summer, this is hurricane and rainy season, which can affect visibility and navigation conditions.
Puerto Morelos Mexico Diving
Cabo Pulmo Diving
located on the east coast of the Baja California Sur peninsula, is one of the most important and pristine diving destinations in Mexico. This protected area, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Marine National Park, is home to one of the oldest coral reefs in the North Pacific and offers a unique marine biodiversity. Diving in Cabo Pulmo is like entering a natural aquarium, with an abundance of marine species ranging from large schools of fish to sharks and manta rays.
Why Dive Cabo Pulmo?
Cabo Pulmo is one of the few living coral reefs that exist in the Sea of Cortez. During the last decades, the area has experienced an impressive recovery, thanks to conservation efforts that have transformed this area into one of the best examples of marine restoration in the world.
Cabo Pulmo Scuba Diving
Dive Center Mahahual
Mahahual, a small coastal town in the Riviera Maya, is known for its crystal clear waters and rich marine biodiversity. This destination has become a paradise for scuba diving lovers, offering a unique experience that combines adventure, nature and relaxation. In this article, we will explore the best options for diving in Mahahual, the most outstanding sites, and useful tips for divers of all levels.
Diving in Mahahual is an unparalleled experience that offers a glimpse into the fascinating underwater world of the Mexican Caribbean. With crystal clear waters, rich biodiversity and a variety of dive sites, this destination is perfect for divers of all levels. So pack your gear and get ready to explore the wonders of the ocean in Mahahual.
Mahahual Diving
The best time to dive in Mahahual is from December to April, when conditions are most favorable. However, diving is possible all year round thanks to the warm weather, always remember to follow responsible diving practices. Don’t touch the corals, don’t feed the fish and make sure you don’t leave trash in the water.
Yucatan Diving
Yucatan is a privileged destination for diving lovers, known for its impressive cenotes, coral reefs and exceptional marine biodiversity. This article details the best options for diving in Yucatan, the most outstanding sites, and practical tips to enjoy an unforgettable underwater experience.
Yucatan enjoys a tropical climate, which allows you to enjoy warm waters and exceptional visibility, which can reach up to 30 meters in some places. Water temperatures range between 24°C and 28°C, creating ideal conditions for diving all year round.
Yucatan Peninsula Diving
Yucatan is home to some of the best dive sites in the world, which attracts both beginners and experienced divers. Although Yucatan is a year-round dive destination, the best time to visit is from December to April, when weather conditions are more stable and visibility is optimal.
Best places to dive in mexico
Mexico is one of the best diving destinations in the world due to its incredible marine diversity and variety of underwater ecosystems. From the Mexican Caribbean to the Sea of Cortez, the country offers a mix of vibrant coral reefs, mystical cenotes, historic shipwrecks and encounters with species such as sharks, sea turtles and manta rays.
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest in the world, borders Mexico’s east coast, providing world-class dive sites in places like Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos. To the west, in Baja California Sur, destinations like Cabo Pulmo offer one of the most successful marine conservation areas on the planet, where ancient reefs thrive alongside pelagic species like hammerhead sharks.
In addition, the cenotes of Tulum and Yucatan offer a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. To dive in these freshwater sinkholes is to explore a subway landscape full of stalactites, haloclines and breathtaking scenery.
