Mexico

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.

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

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.

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