Mexico offers a wealth of scuba diving opportunities, with destinations that offer the best diving and top dive sites. The Pacific coast is home to some of the most picturesque dive locations in the world, while the Gulf of Mexico offers excellent saltwater diving for all levels of experience. While the Yucatan peninsula is a mecca for divers, with its world-famous cenotes and coral reefs.
Where to find the best diving in Mexico?
There are plenty of places to dive in Mexico, each with its own unique charm and features, it can be difficult to choose where to dive first. Here is our pick of the best dive destinations in Mexico:
Cozumel (Yukatan)
Known as one of the most popular diving destinations in Mexico, and for good reason. With its clear blue waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life, Cozumel offers something for everyone. The best dive sites are found around the island's numerous reefs, where you can find an abundance of fish, turtles, and other sea creatures.
Isla Mujeres (Yukatan):
Just offshore from Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a popular spot for divers of all levels. The island's sheltered coves and reefs offer plenty of interesting dive sites to explore, including a sunken ship called the El Tiburon.
Socorro Island (Revillagigedo Islands):
Located in the Pacific Ocean, Socorro Island is known for its large population of sharks and dolphins. Divers can expect to see hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, and dolphins on almost every dive.
Guadalupe Island (Baja California):
This remote island is famous for its great white sharks, which can be seen circling below the boat on almost every dive. Divers can also expect to see other large sea creatures, such as whales and manta rays.
Cenotes (Yucatan):
The cenotes of the Yucatan peninsula are some of the most unique dive sites in the world. These flooded sinkholes offer a different kind of diving experience, with crystal-clear water and fascinating cave systems to explore.
Top 5 Best Dive Sites In Mexico
Mexico holds thousands of dive sites, making it known as one of the world's best dive destinations. However, here are the 5 dive site that we think is a must for any diver looking to explore Mexico.
Cenote Dos Ojos, Tulum
Cenote Dos Ojos (Two Eyes Cenote) is one of the most extravagant diving sites in the Yucatan peninsula. It is also one of the largest underwater cave systems. It is named like that because of the two sinkholes of 70 meters in diameter connected by a 400-meter long passageway. The caves are well-lit, making them perfect for diving even if you're not an experienced cave diver.
When to dive: Year-round
Diver Level: Novice to Expert
What You Will See see: Crystal-clear water, stalactites and stalagmites,
Punta Sur, Cozumel
This dramatic headland is located at the southern tip of Cozumel and offers some of the best diving in the area. With its steep walls and coral reefs, Punta Sur is home to a wide variety of marine life.
When to Dive: Year-round
What You'll Need: All levels of divers can enjoy Punta Sur dives
Dive Conditions: The water is typically calm with good visibility
What You Will See: Reefs, corals, fish, turtles, eels, shark
Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja California
This remote bay in the Gulf of California is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled areas in Mexico. With its dramatic underwater canyons and steep walls, Bahia de Los Angeles offers a diving experience unlike any other.
When to Dive: December to April
What You'll Need: Divers must be certified to dive in cold water
Dive Conditions: The water is cold with good visibility
What You Will See: Reefs, corals, fish, turtles, eels, sharks, whale sharks
Socorro Island, Pacific
This remote island in the Pacific Ocean is known for its large population of sharks and dolphins. Divers can expect to see hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, and dolphins on almost every dive.
When to Dive: The best time of the year to dive in Socorro is from November to June
What You'll Need: Divers must be certified to dive in cold water
Dive Conditions: The water temperature is usually colder than in the Caribbean, so you'll need to pack a wetsuit if you're diving during the winter months.
What You Will See: Reefs, corals, fish, turtles, eels, sharks, dolphins, whale sharks
El Tiburon, Baja California
This sunken ship is located in the La Paz area of the Gulf of California and offers divers a chance to explore its ruins. With its wide variety of marine life, El Tiburon is a popular dive site for both beginners and experienced divers.
When to Dive: May to November
What You'll Need: Divers must be certified to dive in cold water
Dive Conditions: The water is cold with good visibility
What You Will See: Reefs, corals, fish, turtles, eels, sharks, dolphins, whale sharks
When Should You Dive in Mexico?
The best time to dive in Mexico depends on the area you are visiting. The Pacific coast is best dived from December to April, while the Gulf of Mexico is best dived from May to November. The Yucatan peninsula can be dived year-round, but it is best avoided during the summer months when the water temperature can exceed 30 degrees Celsius.
What You'll Need for Diving in Mexico?
All divers need a valid passport and a driving license. Divers should also pack their own dive gear, as rental gear is often limited or unavailable. Most Mexican resorts offer dive packages that include accommodations, food, and diving equipment. However, it is always advisable to check with your resort beforehand to make sure they offer what you need.
Other Things to do in Mexico
In addition to diving, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Mexico. Here are a few of our favorites:
Visit the pyramids of Teotihuacan: The ancient city of Teotihuacan is home to some of the most impressive pyramids in Mexico. Visitors can explore the pyramids of the Sun and Moon, as well as the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
Take a day trip to Tulum: The ancient Mayan city of Tulum is a popular day trip from Cancun. Visitors can explore the ruins of the city, as well as the nearby beaches.
Visit Xcaret Park: Xcaret Park is an eco-archeological park in the Riviera Maya. Visitors can snorkel in underground rivers, swim with dolphins, and explore the park's many archaeological sites.