There are few better places on the planet for exploring the underwater world than Mexico. With its vast Pacific and Caribbean coasts, the sheer diversity of underwater environments is astonishing. Dive huge lagoons, coastal rivers, stunning blue seas and there are a few extra surprises too – all found on amazing scuba diving holidays in Mexico.
Mexico is home to the world’s second largest coral reef at Cozumel. The legendary Jacques Cousteau even called Mexico’s waters the ‘aquarium of the world’. Plus, there are plenty of other reef and wreck sites scattered along the Pacific coast and Gulf of Mexico to explore. All that’s left is to pick the right scuba diving holidays in Mexico for you.
Cozumel
This small island in the Gulf of Mexico has been described as ‘Heaven on Earth’ and with such incredible blessings of marine life it’s easy to see why. Teaming mangroves, impossibly blue lagoons and one of the world’s largest reef systems make this a must visit destination for any serious scuba diver. And as far as places go to learn the ropes, it’s pretty hard to beat.
Blue Magic Scuba will show you the spectacular coral formations, sponges and incredible marine life that make Cozumel one of the world’s best dive spots.
Puerto Vallarta
Located on the Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is within striking distance of some of western Mexico’s best dive locations. The Marietas Islands, El Morro and Corbetana offer you the chance to dive with bottlenose dolphins, manta rays, humpback whales, marlin, tuna and plenty more.
The water here is as warm as a bathtub in the summer but can get cooler in winter and at depth. Visibility is also better in the summer, at around 100 to 130 feet. Puerto Vallarta Tours offer great introductory courses and tours for more experienced divers too.
Riviera Maya
Mexico’s magical Yucatan Peninsula was home to ancient civilisations, including the Maya. Jutting out into the Caribbean sea, the Riviera Maya is a coastline that’s home to some incredible dive spots. Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc offer great reef diving opportunities, and the light-filled caves along the coast offer more adventurous divers the chance to explore.
The Playa del Carmen, just opposite Cozumel island, is another world-renowned dive spot blessed with stunning marine life. Find out more by visiting Phantom Divers.
Isla Mujeres
Found a little way up the coast from Cozumel and Playa del Carmen is Isla Mujeres. The crystal clear waters here are perfect for beginners, and the reef and wreck dives offer something for more experienced divers. The much-visited Manchones reef is spectacular but Jason de Caires Taylor’s underwater sculpture park is a great place for an alternative dive. Learn more about Isla Mujeres dive options at Carey Dive Center.
The cenotes of Tulum
We promised you dive surprises in Mexico and they don’t come much better than this. Mexico’s Yucatan is riddled with a network of inland sink holes, caves and underwater rivers that are formed due to the dissolution of limestone by water. This vast network of passages and caves (known as cenotes) offers an other-worldly dive experience.
With hundreds of dive sites around Tulum to explore (and even discover, as much remains unmapped) this is probably more suited to experienced divers. Although there are some courses for beginners too. Lear more about what’s on offer at Diving Cenotes Tulum.
As you can see, there’s a wealth of scuba diving holidays in Mexico from which to choose. Whether you love reefs, wrecks, exotic marine life, or mysterious caves – it’s all here in Mexico’s enigmatic waters.
