Mexico Information
About Mexico diving
Blessed with two coastlines, Mexico is one of the most diverse and exciting dive destinations in the world. Regaldive's programme is concentrated on the Caribbean side , where warm tropical waters, miles of white sand beaches and a wealth of world class diving offers incredibly varied diving. From the world famous reefs of Cozumel to the once in a lifetime experience of diving the Cenotes, Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula offers tremendous diving, and an amazing array of topside attractions - it really has it all!
The Yucatan Peninsula sits at the very tip of the world's second largest barrier reef. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef stretches south for over 1000kms, and is considered unique in terms of both its vast length, and its stunning biodiversity. Fed by the nutrient rich currents, the reef is a teeming city of corals, sea fans, whips and sponges, inhabited by more than 500 species of fish.
Mexican liveaboard diving safaris are an absolute blast, offering unforgettable adventures for anyone eager to explore incredible pelagic life in the Pacific. These trips take you to some of the most awe-inspiring dive sites around Guadalupe Island and Baja California, where the underwater world comes alive with vibrant marine life. Top vessels like the Solmar V and the Nautilus Fleet provide a comfortable and safe base for your adventure, taking you out for adrenaline-pumping cage dives with great white sharks or extended expeditions to the Sea of Cortez. Here, you can witness spectacular sights like schools of mobula rays, playful sea lions, pods of orcas, and even migrating humpback whales.
Whether you're a seasoned diver looking for your next thrill or a beginner looking to experience the magic of the ocean for the first time, these safaris offer something for everyone. And the best part? If you have a friend or partner who's not a diver, they can still join in on the adventure, enjoying the stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and onboard luxuries. With expert guides, world-class amenities, and endless opportunities for excitement, a Mexican liveaboard safari is a bucket-list experience you’ll never forget!
Mexico's Caribbean coast is a true paradise, celebrated for its stunning white sandy beaches and exceptional resorts. It offers an array of diving opportunities suitable for everyone, whether you're a beginner, an experienced tech or a cave diver. You can embark on incredible adventures that include cave, shore, and boat diving, allowing you to explore the vibrant underwater world from the comfort of a hotel, resort or villa.
On the Pacific side, the experience shifts to exciting liveaboard adventures. Picture yourself diving alongside majestic giant manta rays in Socorro or engaging in the thrilling experience of cage diving with great white sharks near Guadalupe Island. How about enjoying a display of orca pods or hundreds of mobula rays congregating at the Sea of Cortez? This region of Mexico's Pacific coast delivers some of the best liveaboard diving experiences for scuba enthusiasts, making it a must-visit for anyone passionate about the underwater realm.
Which location should I visit?
Diving out of Cozumel
Cozumel is Mexico's largest island, located 10 miles off the Yucatan Peninsula, and easily accessible by ferry or air. In contrast with the mainland resorts, Cozumel offers a more relaxed and laidback feel and is in keeping with what one might expect from a true Caribbean island.
The southern end of the island is a protected national marine park and home to the famous Planacar Reef, named by Jacques Cousteau as one of the best scuba diving spots in the world. The island is separated from the mainland by a deep oceanic trench, creating a funnel for the consistently nutrient rich currents that guarantee exhilarating drifts and dramatic wall dives.
Diving out of Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras
About an hour's drive south out of Cancun's International Airport lies the tourist area of Playa del Carmen. Here you will find a lively blend of old Mexico and modern resort amenities. Topside activity in Playa del Carmen centres around Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), a pedestrian walkway located just inland from the beach that offers an extensive collection of designer shops, bars and restaurants.
Puerto Aventuras, a further 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen and just 30 minutes north of the famous ruins of Tulum, is a private gated community resort with an easy going yet sophisticated lifestyle. Built around a stunning marina, the resort also offers a good selection of restaurants, bars, shops and boutiques.
The beautiful white sandy beaches along this section of the ‘Riviera Maya' give way to large swathes of flat reef tops, buzzing with marine life. This is easy and relaxed diving - ideal for novices and snorkelers, or a great starting point for those who have been out of the water for a while. The strong currents add interest and excitement, attracting pelagic species, and making for great drift dives.
Diving the Cenotes
Head inland and south from Playa del Carmen and more experienced divers will relish the chance to explore one of the longest submerged cave and cavern systems in the world. The Cenotes are justifiably known as the jewel in the crown of Yucatan diving. Float in gin clear fresh water amongst stalagmites and stalactites, bathed in shafts of light filtering through the jungle canopy above.
Cenote diving is undoubtedly the highlight of any Mexico diving holiday and day trips are available to the Cenotes from Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. Find out more about Diving the Cenotes here.
Pacific Coast
Liveaboard diving safaris from Mexico’s western coast are hugely enjoyable, offering unforgettable adventures for anyone eager to explore incredible pelagic life in the Pacific. These trips take you to some of the most awe-inspiring dive sites around the Socorro Islands and Baja California, where the underwater world comes alive with vibrant marine life.
Top vessels like the Solmar V and the Nautilus Fleet provide a comfortable and safe base for your adventure, taking you out for adrenaline-pumping dives with oceanic manta rays and sharks around Socorro or expeditions to the Sea of Cortez. Here, you can witness spectacular sights like schools of mobula rays, playful sea lions, pods of orcas, and more.
More to do in Mexico
Mexico is both vast and fascinating with a rich tapestry of history and a well-established tourist infrastructure and superb natural resources that make it perfect for holidays of all kinds. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site and sacred Maya city of Chichen Itza, dine on fine Mexican cuisine in the historic colonial town of Valladolid, explore the ancient coastal walled city of Tulum, or simply relax on perfect white sand beaches lapped by enticingly warm, turquoise seas.
Twin centre options
Caribbean Mexico offers wide variety of contrasting diving experiences, making this part of Mexico well suited for a twin centre stay – please contact a member of the Regaldive team to explore the many options available.
