best places to dive in mexico

Cage diving in Guadalupe is suitable for shark-diving enthusiasts and beginners alike, and it is possible to experience the great whites with no diving qualifications at all! And if you're looking to swim next to humpbacks, then venture to El Chimo between April and October. Dermody. Further out at the dramatic offshore walls and plateaus of Gordo Banks, oceanic pelagics regularly pass through on migration further into the Sea of Cortez. Discovery Bay, Isla Guadalupe Along with South Africa, California and Australia, Isla Guadalupe in Mexicois one of the four best places to dive with great white sharks. There are so many whale sharks that snorkeling tours almost guarantee a sighting, and despite a large number of tourist boats, there are generally more than enough sharks for everyone to have an individual encounter. Trips depart from San Diego in the US, or Ensenada in the north of Mexico, and normally provide 3 days of diving. Socorro’s reputation as a world-class shark destination really comes into its own at Roca Partida, where dive after dive showcases the islands’ huge marine diversity. Cozumel has always ranked high in the list of best places to snorkel in Mexico, but that doesn’t mean you’ll only find great diving spots around Cozumel. It can also be an expensive one, with the average entry-level dive course in Florida, United States costing around $525. The underground rivers and caves in Tulum, Mexico form a unique underground system which you are possible to navigate underwater. Please note, La Paz Bay is closed for swimming with whale sharks from May until early-October each year. Besides all these above mentioned amazing diving spots, Mexico offers so much more. Learn more about diving the La Paz and read all about our last trip there from our La Paz Trip Report. A five-hour drive south of Cancun, protected within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, the Chinchorro Banks are a hidden gem on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Riviera Maya Cenotes - Surreal Subterranean Encounters, 4. Read our full guide to Puerto Vallarta diving. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the sea, and Isla Mujeres is perhaps the best place in the world to get in the water with these creatures. #7 Best Value of 16 Diving Resorts Mexico “on site scuba diving rep ernesto and twin dolphines dive company with their dedicated dive boat w/ washroom, and dive masters julio and diego are very good … The warm, clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, and shallow wreck sites such as Forty Canons are just as intriguing explored from the surface as they are underwater. When to Go: May to September. Diving in Mexico is some of the best diving in the world. “ The sites were breathtaking and full of all types of sea life; however, I must say that the BEST part was that we lucked out and the same master diver, “ Scuba Steve”, accompanied us on each dive. Between the Atlantic, the Pacific, the Caribbean and a freshwater cave system, it holds thousands of dive sites to explore, including everything from shark encounters to pristine reefs and manta cleaning stations. The dive site is not far from the beach of Playa del Carmen. Divers flock here to enjoy easy drift dives along Cozumel’s steep but vibrant walls, with a bonanza of colorful hard corals, sponges, and gorgonians creating an aquarium backdrop for all manner of fish life, turtles, rays, and the occasional reef shark. 5. Light and shadow flicker in competition against the ethereal limestone formations, where sunbeams pierce straggling vegetation hanging through collapsed rock. Among the more popular dive destinations in the Gulf of Mexico are the many oil rigs scattered from the Louisiana coast along into Mexican territory. So, with that being said, here's our answer to "Where is the best place to scuba dive?" Situated 40 miles apart on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas and Cabo Pulmo catch a diverse range of tropical reef and pelagic species where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. Recommended Level: No Scuba Experience Required Join our next Socorro Big Animal Photo Workshop in February 2021 and get $200 OFF for Black Friday! Roca O'Neal is among the very best places to dive with hammerheads in all of Mexico diving, hence the alternative name "Hammerhead Central". With two coasts teeming with life, Thailand is a veritable playground for scuba enthusiasts. Mexico offers all manner of scuba diving, from entry-level dives off sandy beaches, the awe-inspiring caves of the Cenotes, ... Roca O'Neal is among the very best places to dive with hammerheads in all of Mexico diving, hence the alternative name "Hammerhead Central". Diving the banks is only possible from the mainland, and a 30 to 60-minute speedboat ride from Xcalak, Majahual, or Costa Maya will take you out to one of the best scuba diving destinations in the Northern Hemisphere. There are seven species of … The Mayan ruins are fascinating to visit for a day-trip. Located in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, The Riviera Maya is Mexico’s top holiday resort destination and very highly regarded by divers. The water here is as warm as a bathtub in the summer but can get cooler in winter and at depth. However, adventurous divers can take advantage of the annual migration by getting in the water with these predators. Isla Guadalupe is, without doubt, the best place in the world to dive with great white sharks. Difficulty: All levels of diving, although the offshore seamounts can experience rough swell so are suited to more experienced divers. During other times during the year, you might also spot a humpback or gray whale on your way to the island. Tulum is often used as a base. DIVE magazine asked its readers where they think the best diving in the world is to be found, and why! Easy to get to and with a superb range of diving to suit all tastes, Mexico offers one of the most accessible and exciting scuba diving trips in the world. When to Go: December to May. Best places to snorkel & dive in Mexico Cozumel has always ranked high in the list of best places to snorkel in Mexico, but that doesn’t mean you’ll only find great diving spots around Cozumel. Recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Revillagigedo Islands are located 240 miles (390 kilometers) off the Baja Peninsula in the Pacific Ocean. Difficulty: Best suited to experienced divers due to choppy seas and often strong currents. Ready to Go Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta? Cozumel - A Colorful Aquarium of Marine Life, 3. Vital to the region’s success is the plankton-rich water supporting a thriving food chain of more than 800 types of vertebrate. As one of the most popular dives in Mexico, don’t expect to be the only diver underwater. Here you’ll spot bulls jockeying for position, feeding adults and playful babies. This gorgeous island is not far from Cancun, but the shallow site known as “Afuera” is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Isla Mujeres. The crystal clear water is filtered to such an extent that little marine life can survive, however diving here is all about the underwater topography. However, when you do these two things on separate occasions in Mexico, you will have the best time there! It was very close to Dive Paradise and had a pool, hot water, huge kitchen and plenty of space to hang up your wet clothes. Learn more on Cozumel diving and see the selection of best dive resorts in Cozumel. September 2020. However, you can only go cage diving with these sharks from July to November. WHERE: 240km off the Baja Peninsula RECOMMENDED DIVE SITE: Discovery Bay WHY: Guadalupe Island is one of the four best places to dive with Great White Sharks in the world, along with South Africa, California and Australia. Dive after dive will proffer extraordinary encounters with some true superstars of the underwater world. Best dive sites in Mexico View all dive sites in Mexico. Dive courses. I love all types of Sharks and I always seek out places I can dive with them! ISLA GUADALUPE. While thousands of divers flock to the northern resorts of Cozumel and Cancun, very few are aware of the unique biodiversity and pristine habitats found along this isolated atoll. First, they relieve some of the pressure placed on the area’s other coral reefs by creating a secondary attraction for snorkelers and scuba divers. Frailes Rock in the south of the park is home to yet another sea lion rookery, and these youngsters really know how to entertain! In general, divers say that the best diving in Mexico is found along the Riviera Maya and Costa Maya areas, where the Yucatan Peninsula meets the calm, warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. The shark population here is said to be one of the most prolific on earth. 10 Reasons You Should Go Scuba Diving in Baja California . MARINE LIFE: Great White Sharks! When planning your dive vacation in Mexico keep in mind that there’s a little something for everyone, but all together these are the top ten dive sites and dive experiences in Mexico. Visit Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast for some great diving, where you can also see humpback whales and maybe even spot some manta rays and whale sharks. For those with a love of the sea or an adventurous spirit, learning to scuba dive is an unforgettable experience. Banco Chinchorro . Deeper caves marked by a sign should only be explored with the relevant experience. Mexico is home to hundreds of dive sites. In the clear shallow waters of the southern and northern reefs, divers will often encounter hawksbill turtles, eagle rays, and schooling jack, with moray eels, lobsters, and frogfish found hiding amongst the coral heads. Divers can watch from enticingly close by as mantas glide and swoop overhead, seeming to play in their bubbles. Recommended Level: Advanced Inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2016, the protected (and largely uninhabited) islands lie roughly 250 miles (400km) south of the Baja Peninsula. 4. The whale sharks gather in July and August. As they’re connected by a system of underground flooded caverns, it is considered a single cenote. Isla Guadalupe - Thrilling Great White Shark Encounters at Guadalupe Island, 6. There are over 45 dive sites around Cozumel, with diving to suit all levels. The dive shop makes all the arrangements and you can lease a scuba tank and regulator, mask, flippers and anything else you want. The further South you stay the fewer dive sites that you can access. Click here to check the prices. Once underwater, follow narrow tunnels that curve and twist, before opening unexpectedly into huge cathedral-like caves. This cave reaches for more than 50 miles (80 kilometers) and offers several dive paths through its many passages and rooms. Get up close and personal with bull sharks in Playa del Carmen and cage dive with great white sharks in Guadalupe. Recommended Level: Advanced The southern end of the island has been a marine park for more than 20 years, and the reef here is in particularly good health with 105 different types of coral and over 260 species of fish. The 8 Best Places to Dive in Mexico Socorro (of the Revillagigedo Islands) The Revillagigedo Islands consists of few volcanic peaks that poke up from an underwater mountain range. Mexico, the place that goes hand in hand with tequila. The different civilizations that have settled on this land have rooted themselves deeply in the culture, the people and the landscape: the Olmecs, the Toltecs, the Aztecs or the Mayas...Some areas like the Yucatan, to the East, have kept a very rich heritage. These are the five best regions for scuba diving in Mexico. This is by far the most accessible liveaboard from the western US, simply fly to Phoenix and then catch a shuttle across the border to the boat. Whilst carefully managed for the safest experience, this is still an adrenaline-filled encounter and provides some great photo opportunities. When to Go: December to April. "Amazing experience to dive in Cenotes together with Panchito-the crocodile and amzing view underneath the ocean all thanks to one of best instructors I’ve dived with: Rodulfo RosBurg." Giant moray eels can be found in El Morro while massive rays swim freely around the Marietas Islands. Nearest Airport: Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). Approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) offshore of San Jose del Cabo, the top of this seamount encompasses two football fields in area, creating a giant platform for viewing marine life. Up that to $125 and you can add two ocean dives as well. Dive Type: Pinnacle/Blue Water Five Best Places to Scuba Dive in Mexico. Off the far southeastern shore of Mexico, Banco Chinchorro represents the largest reef atoll in the northern hemisphere. Recommended Level: Intermediate to Advanced For more in-depth training, you can take a 2-day scuba diver course for around $250. Nearly year round temperate climates of 75 – 82F degrees keep Canadians and […] However, the stars of the show are undoubtedly the whale sharks that feed in the shallow waters of the northernmost Bahia de Los Angeles during the summer months. If you’re looking for a real adventure, consider the bull shark dive in Playa del Carmen. Water Temperature: 78 to 82oF (25 to 28oC). Come scuba dive in Mexico with Pro Dive International and create memories that will last a lifetime. The sheer variety of dive sites in Mexico makes it one of the best diving destinations in the world. The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 400 types of coral, 1500 species of fish, and the endangered dugong (sea cow). As the capital of Baja California Sur, La Paz offers visitors access to a great range of diving in the southern Sea of Cortez. Your ability to dive and your marine life wishlist will determine your destination. Non-diving Activities: Majahual on the mainland has a good number of resorts, restaurants, and attractions, including watersports and ATV hire. When to Go: May to November. From the largest to some of the smallest fish in the sea, the nearby Midriff Islands boast some fascinating macro, with huge numbers of nudibranchs, such as the vibrant but carnivorous sea tiger, playing out a multicolored slow-motion drama. Through the summer months, huge numbers of whale sharks gather to feed on plankton and krill around the shallow waters of Isla Holbox. Non-diving Activities: Snorkeling with whale sharks and sea lions is a great experience for non-divers, as well as wildlife and fishing excursions, and kayaking trips. Our top seven choices for the best places to see manta rays around the world. By Terry Ward posted Nov 28th, 2019. Just South of The United States, Mexico is the third South American country by size and second by population. That’s Cenote Dos Ojos (or Cenote Two Eyes). Mexico’s Southern Pacific Coast includes miles of sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and mountainous tropical forests that provide surfing, sailing, fishing, scuba diving, kite boarding, hiking, birding and more which make it one of the best places for expats to retire in Mexico! They gather here in phenomenal numbers and it is a great place to see them up close. Coral pinnacles rise from a sandy bottom which slopes slowly down to a drop-off. Water Temperature: 69 to 75oF (20 to 24oC), although the shallow waters of Bahia de Los Angeles are warmer in the summer. The remote island of Guadalupe in Mexicois famous for its Great White Sharks. Ask any local diver for their top dive site in Cozumel, and they’re bound to tell you to head for the Palancar Reef sites. There are submerged reefs out beyond the port and a bit to the south, and an island called Isla de Sacrificios. Scuba diving in Mexico. Five Best Places to Scuba Dive in Mexico. Isla Guadalupe, Mexico GREAT WHITE SHARKS. Diving Season: Year-round. Both snorkelers and scuba divers are welcome. Northern Sea of Cortez - Huge Diversity of Unique Marine Life, 8. Nearest Airport: Manuel Márquez de León International Airport (LAP). Check out our list of the best spots in Playa del Carmen to discover the Mayan underworld. Located 150 miles (240 kilometers) off the Baja Peninsula, this island is annually home to approximately 170 individuals. Nearest Airport: Cozumel International Airport (CZM). This makes it a great trip for non-diving friends and family keen for a taste of adventure. Diving Season: December to May is the best time to spot pelagics, however June to November offers better underwater conditions. During the dive you head stright down to about 24m depth and perch on the sandy bottom to just chill out and watch the Bull Sharks! However, each of these places have a number of outstanding destinations, and these each have a dozen dive sites worthy of mention.In fact, dive sites from these destinations show on many “best dive sites… Indonesia’s Komodo National Park is one of the best places in the world to see manta rays, ... Puerto Morelos is located halfway between the popular tourist destinations of Playa del Carmen and Cancun on Mexico’s east coast. Here, vast numbers of Galapagos, silky, and hammerhead sharks fin lazily into the strong current, while whitetip reef sharks pile up in the crevices along the rocky reef. Xcalak is much quieter, offering not much more than snorkeling and beaches. Puerto Vallarta is a popular vacation spot on the Pacific coast of Mexico. With gentle current, you’ll wind your way through tunnels and swim-throughs then along the dramatic wall, spotting a variety of tropical fish along the way. They also are home to one of my favorite restaurants, Alfredo di Roma. Some scientists believe that this region annually boasts the largest congregations of whale sharks at any one time. Arguably the best place in the world to dive with oceanic manta rays, The Boiler is a submerged pinnacle used as a cleaning station by these gentle giants year-round. Due to its strong currents, it’s only advisable for experienced divers, suitable for multi-level and deep diving. Along with South Africa, California and Australia, Isla Guadalupe in Mexico is one of the four best places to dive with great white sharks. Mexico – Drink & Dive. A 2018 poll listed Bonaire as the best dive spot for beginners, conservation, freediving, macro diving, shore diving, and snorkeling. WHY: Guadalupe Island is one of the four best places to dive with Great White Sharks in the world, along with South Africa, California and Australia. Beautiful beaches, jungles, and hidden waterfalls add to the attraction of this tropical holiday destination. Mexico is an easy-to-reach paradise that ranks high on many scuba diver’s wish lists. Bluewater's top 5 places to dive or swim with whale sharks. #7 Best Value of 17 Diving Resorts in Mexico “on site scuba diving rep ernesto and twin dolphines dive company with their dedicated dive boat w/ washroom, and … These islands are famous for their pelagic encounters ranging from humpback whales to hammerheads and, most importantly, Giant Oceanic Manta Rays. Difficulty: Inshore sites for all levels, some offshore sites are only suitable for experienced divers. Difficulty: Entrance caverns suitable for snorkelers and all levels of diver. Mexico City has a beautiful historical center and relaxed neighborhoods to stay... Visit the Colonial Villages of Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende. Dive Type: Reef/Wall/Drift Non-diving Activities: Cabo San Lucas is a lively resort that offers plenty of entertainment, cultural tours, and watersports. Because of its generally good visibility and shallow nature, this makes a good wall dive for beginners. Eagle rays and nurse sharks make the occasional appearance. Best time to dive in Mexico. Compare liveaboards to top 100 diving spots Non-diving Activities: Cozumel is a very popular tourist resort and a great family destination. The experience is truly breathtaking; a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. Cozumel is within easy reach of Playa del Carmen on the mainland, providing an excellent opportunity for day trips to dive and snorkel the famous cenotes. They gather here in phenomenal numbers and it is a great place to see them up close. Relax on easy drift dives over the colorful coral or explore some of the nine fascinating wrecks spread along the reef. This plethora of marine life also provides a fantastic experience for non-divers, with open ocean safaris offering whale-watching and guided snorkeling with sharks, mobula rays, whales, and many of the region’s other migratory species. Lying 150 miles off the Baja California Peninsula, this uninhabited volcanic island is only accessible via liveaboard, and a good number of boats offer cage diving experiences here. The small African nation of Djibouti is also at its best, offering the chance to snorkel with numerous whale sharks. Dive Type: Cave Recommended Level: Beginner DIVE LOCATIONS – THE YUKATAN & CARIBBEAN – CANCUN Known more for parties and nightclubs, and luxury beach resorts, the gateway to the Yukatan also has it’s own fair share of decent dive sites you might like to see. Best Places to Dive in January. Chinchorro Banks - Unexplored Reef in Pristine Condition. Advanced divers who love pelagics will want to head for Socorro Island or Guadalupe via liveaboard. Our Mexican dive resorts offer the opportunity to explore the MUSA, an underwater contemporary museum of art consisting of over 500 life-size sculptures. Located in the Riviera Maya on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, this freshwater system of limestone sinkholes, caverns, and caves draws visitors from all over the world to explore the vast network of subterranean channels. The blue, warm, clear waters of the Caribbean are truly hard to beat and offer paradise conditions for beginners and advanced scuba divers alike. It is also one of the best scuba diving destination in Mexico. Guadalupe Island One of the four best places in the world to cage dive with Great White Sharks, remote Guadalupe Island in Mexico attracts adrenaline-loving divers! The 5 best places to Dive in Mexico “Riviera Maya” The Dive in Mexico in The Riviera Maya has the best dives of the Mexican Caribbean and giving us many options to dive which can be combined very well if you are going to visit this place. Night Dive With Hawaii’s Mantas. Dive Type: Reef Then, they were placed underwater for two purposes. Sightings of whale sharks are less consistent here, but there is a good chance of spotting manta rays joining the feast. 8 Best Places to Snorkel in Mexico By K.C. All of which make Mexico scuba diving an experience not to be missed. November and December is whale shark season, February and March is humpback whale season, and May/June is baitball season. It’s also located in the North of the marine park so you can dive all of Cozumel’s sites. Humpback and gray whales can be spotted between December and May, and this is also the best time to catch a glimpse of scalloped hammerhead sharks. During these months, dozens of great whites arrive to the island in order to hunt. Recommended Level: No Scuba Experience Necessary