Diving in the Sea

The amazing scenery and diversity in underwater species that inhabit the cool, clear waters of the Great Maya Reef-- the second largest coralline system in the planet, which stretches almost 1200 kilometers (750 m.) from the northeastern point of the Peninsula of Yucatan, in México, and ends at the Gulf of Honduras --afford some of the best diving spots in the world.

The area offers year-round diving with temperatures fluctuating between 25 and 28ºC (77 and 82ºF), and its waters offer a visibility of up to 50 meters (165 ft.) where you can discover the great diversity in coral, plant and animal species; some are protected and others are in danger of extinction. Between the months of February and August, when the tide is high and the currents are strong, the safest, yet amazing, options you can dive in are the areas nestled between both Cozumel and Isla Mujeres and the continental strip, which protects them.

Specialized dive shops with professional instructors and guides offer a great variety of daytime and nighttime tours in the ocean at diving spots that are found close to the coast; the boat ride takes between 15 and 90 minutes. Many shops are affiliated to diving schools such as PADI, NAUI, CEMAS, BSAC and others, and offer diving certification courses that are valid worldwide: basic diving, shipwreck diving, in caverns, etc.

Some of the best diving spots in the Mexican Caribbean include:

Riviera Maya: the Puerto Morelos Reef Park , the Marina Municipal Solidaridad Norte y Sur Ecological Reserve in Playa del Carmen, Xcaret, Akumal and Tulum.

Cozumel : Paraíso, Chankanaab, Yucab, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Palancar and Maracaibo reefs.

Cancun and Isla Mujeres : the Punta Nizuc National Marine Park, Punta Cancun, Garrafón, the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks, The Arch and The Bridge, Manchones, The Flag, The Tunnel, The Little Lighthouse, The Underwater Cross and The Virgin of the Bay.