Open Water Diving

Although Playa del Carmen is the hot spot for cave divers, the open sea never disappoints. Starting with the big, beautiful bull sharks that come here every year or the warm and shallow reefs that are ideal for a relaxed and easy dive on a sunny day. No matter what you choose, you will surely have some spectacular dives.

The Mexican Caribbean offers part of the second longest barrier reef in the world and as such we have a vast diversity of dive sites which are very close to shore and therefore, very accessible. We have two departure times available on our regular dive schedule for you to choose: 8:30 am and/or 12:30 pm.

Costs

  • Two regular dives: $2,200 MXN per diver.

  • Bull shark dive: $2,900 MXN per diver (no feeding).
  • Cenote dives: $3,650 MXN per diver.

  • Cozumel: $3,650 MXN per diver.

  • Whale shark tour: $4,400 MXN per person.

Included

  • Two dives.

  • Authorized guide for each group of divers.

  • Pickup truck transport from Dive Shop to the boat and Cenotes.

  • Water and snacks on board.

  • Weights and tanks.

Not included

  • Cenote entry fees.

Additional Services

  • Equipment rental.

  • Gear Sales.

  • Airport Transportation.

Local Dive Sites

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.
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: 6 m / 20ft.
  • Max. depth: 14 m / 50ft.
  • 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.
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.