In this text, I’m going to stroll you what it’s like diving in Mexico. You see, scuba diving is one among my favourite actions to do whereas I’m touring. It will not be solely enjoyable and thrilling, however jam filled with adrenaline.
In addition to that, each dive is all the time totally different and by no means presents the identical expertise, even when diving in the identical spot. Diving is a good way to see a unique aspect of the nation you’re visiting. One that most individuals don’t get to see as a result of they’re both uncertified or afraid to go.
Because of Mexico’s huge shoreline and big ocean protection means there’s way more to be found than in different international locations.
You are capable of dive with whale sharks, the world’s second largest coral reef, underwater museums in addition to having the distinctive and uncommon alternative to dive freshwater cenotes.
With its huge vary of diving choices, Mexico really is a bucket listing dive vacation spot for any superior or newbie diver.
So prepare, pack your baggage for Mexico and let’s dive into the place to scuba in Mexico.
Best Time to Scuba Dive in Mexico
The finest time to go scuba diving within the waters of Mexico can fluctuate relying on the particular location and the kind of diving you have an interest in. In basic, the very best time to go discover the underwater life in Mexico is in the course of the dry season, which runs from November to May.
During this time, the waters are normally calm and clear, making for best diving circumstances. The temperature of the water will also be extra snug throughout this time, as it’s normally hotter than in the course of the moist season.
It’s price noting that the busiest instances for diving listed below are usually in the course of the winter months, when many vacationers flock to the nation to flee the chilly climate in their very own international locations.
If you’re planning to dive alongside the Pacific, the best months to go diving is from November to May.
Whale shark sightings are widespread in the course of the months of November and December whereas winter brings about Humpback whales. This can also be a good time to do the bull shark dives in Playa del Carmen.
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Best Places to go Scuba Diving in Mexico
1. Afuera, Isla Mujeres
Have you ever needed to swim with whale sharks? Then Afuera is the place you need to come. Located within the Mexican state of Quintana Roo within the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Mujeres is an island the place the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean sea meet.
It is dwelling to among the finest whale shark diving on the planet as whale sharks collect right here each summer time. They are so prevalent, that the majority dive retailers assure you will note them.
From early June to late September, whale sharks collect round to feed on the planktons within the Yucatan Peninsula.
This does have a tendency to draw various vacationers, not creating essentially the most peaceable expertise with the whale sharks. However, you will note them.
Isla Mujeres is straightforward to entry by flying into Cancun and taking a ferry. You can even keep in Cancun as some dive retailers will function from there, however I extremely advocate skipping the crowds and staying in a single day as diving with whale sharks is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Isla Mujeres in addition to our information on methods to get from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.
Plan on coming in the summertime months in case you are desirous to dive with whale sharks (May-August)
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2. Cancun Underwater Museum
If regular museums bore you, you may need to take a look at the underwater museum in Cancun. It is a museum like no different as it’s all underwater.
The Cancun underwater museum is dwelling to over 500 sculptors all beneath water, with many of the paintings coming from the British Sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor.
The concept of an underwater museum took place in efforts to guard the coral reefs. This means divers would have a possibility to have different websites to dive giving the coral reefs a break and permitting them to heal.
It is a good and distinctive diving alternative that you just received’t discover many different locations, and a fantastic spot to take pleasure in 12 months spherical.
3. Palancar Reef, Cozumel
The Palancar Reef is a part of the MesoAmerican Reef, which is the most important reef within the Western Hemisphere. It stretches over 625 miles and over 4 international locations Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and naturally Mexico. Scuba diving right here is without doubt one of the finest within the nation!
The Palancar Reef is a particular part of the MesoAmerican Reef. It is a nationwide park and a particular protected part of the reef. Here you can find over 600 various kinds of species of fish and 65 various kinds of coral.
Making it not solely a fantastic place to see vibrant and vibrant coral, but additionally wildlife. Here you’re liking to see sea turtles, eagle rays, nurse sharks, big manta rays, in addition to different sea life. Another good spot that may be loved 12 months spherical.
The spotlight of diving in Cozumel are the coral pinnacles rising from the bottoms! If you’re focused on diving in Cozumel, ensure you take a look at our full information!
4. Cenotes, Yucatan Peninsula
One factor that makes scubadiving in Mexico distinctive and particular will not be solely the abundance and number of ocean diving throughout this adventurous nation but additionally the uncommon cenotes diving which you can partake in.
Cenotes are historic freshwater sinkholes which might be everywhere in the Yucatan Peninsula. They are standard with the vacationers for swimming, enjoyable, taking Instagram worthy pictures, however most significantly diving.
Because cenotes fluctuate per sinkhole on their freshwater to saltwater ratio, their marine life additionally varies. However, what makes the cenotes distinctive and totally different will not be their marine life, however really their geological formations.
Generally talking, you’re cave diving while you discover these cenotes so ensure you are protected and comfy by researching your scuba diving firm forward of time.
During these cave dives, you can find stalagmites and stalactites and big pillars deep inside the cenotes as you swim by these massive underwater caves. You may also be blown away from the clearness within the water since it’s primarily freshwater. This makes the visibility amazingly good.
Diving within the cenotes is a novel and bucket listing dive expertise that each diver wants so as to add to their listing. While the Merida cenotes achieve plenty of reputation, the cenotes by Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya Cenotes and Tulum Cenotes are those which might be frequented for diving.
5. Bull Shark Diving, Playa Del Carmen
Shark diving is one among my favourite dives I’ve executed. Sharks are superb and innocent creatures. It is heartbreaking how our society views and treats them.
However, when you dive with them and really get to see sharks of their true habitat, you can begin to raised perceive them and admire them extra.
Bull sharks like many different sharks usually are not aggressive in the direction of people. So don’t have any concern. Playa del Carmen is a sizzling spot for Bull shark diving as a result of yearly Female Bull sharks return to their shallow waters for breeding. This is principally attributable to the truth that they’re drawn to the nice and cozy waters that they discover right here.
You received’t be capable of discover Bull sharks in Playa del Carmen all 12 months spherical, so if it’s a dive that you’re desirous to do remember to go to between November – March if you find yourself extra more likely to see them.
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6. La Paz, Sea of Cortez
Let’s now leap over to the opposite aspect of Mexico, in Baja California. It’s not all the time as standard with the divers, as its waters are higher identified with the surfers, however that doesn’t make it any much less epic.
The water is far colder on the Pacific aspect, though the Sea of Cortez is the warmest half, primarily as a result of it’s extra protected. Since the water is cooler, the marine life that you will note will fluctuate from the Caribbean aspect.
Divers faulk right here for the pelagic sea life, which is totally different from the intense colourful fish and freshwater cenotes we now have been speaking about.
La Paz is dwelling to 850 totally different marine life species. Here you’ll find every thing from hammerhead sharks, manta rays, humpback whales, sea lions and even seahorses. There is one thing for everybody right here.
Due to its migrant location the ocean life varies broadly over the months of the 12 months, so when you plan on diving right here a sure time of 12 months remember to do your analysis to know what you’ll doubtless see.
Every 12 months, from the month of November onwards, humpback whales collect across the the Baja peninsula, making their method to the Sea of Cortez. While you’re diving right here, put together to be amazed by the spectacular marine life. If seeing humpback whales is in your bucket listing, that is the place you could go!
The sea lions listed below are notably playful so maintain that in thoughts while you see them underwater!
7. Socorro Island, Baja Peninsula
Have you ever needed to do a liveaboard diving journey? Then that is the spot. Socorro Island is an epic diving vacation spot in Mexico, however the one method to entry it’s by a liveaboard.
This is one other pelagic diver’s paradise. Dive with wild dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, and among the friendliest Manta Rays round. To put it frankly, the marine life right here is insane!
Socorro Island is an epic dive vacation spot. However, it’s a seasonal spot and solely accessible from November – May. This is principally because of the climate. Advance divers are really helpful as with massive pelagics come currents.
It is positioned in the midst of the Pacific Ocean about 395 miles from Puerto Vallarta, which is why it will possibly solely be accessed by stay about . However, it’s an epic spot to have a novel secluded dive expertise.
Editor’s Note: Considered Liveaboard Diving in Mexico? Check out these as soon as in a lifetime journeys!
8. Xcalak, MesoAmerican Reef
Back to the MesoAmerican Reef, however this time in a unique location. To the southernmost level of Mexico. Since the reef is so massive there are numerous totally different dive areas, every giving its personal and distinctive expertise.
The reef is a wildly various and related ecosystem made up of not solely protected coral reefs, however mangroves, rivers, and lagoons.
In Xcalack you may have the distinctive alternative to dive with manatees, in addition to dolphins, manta rays, turtles, sharks, and extra.
What makes this place particular and distinctive is actually watching the manatees swim round you, they’re so prevalent right here that it’s arduous to have a dive with out seeing one.
Also, it’s dwelling to huge tarpon fish. Large colleges of huge tarpon fish swim throughout you, making your dive really feel prehistoric. If you’re courageous sufficient they even have dives the place you possibly can rise up shut and private with a crocodile.
This is a spot that’s off the crushed path in Mexico, and never as standard with the vacationers. So when you desire to keep away from crowds and see what Mexico is actually like, add this to your bucket listing.
9. Guadalupe Island, Baja California Peninsula
Guadalupe Island presents a novel and uncommon expertise that permits you to rise up shut and private with nice white sharks, which is all inside the security of a cage. Cage diving right here is extraordinarily standard, though fairly costly.
Australia and South Africa may be extra well-known for his or her nice white shark encounters, however Guadalupe Island Liveaboards are literally a greater spot to see them. This is principally attributable to the truth that right here you can find calmer waters, so when you get seasick like me you don’t have to fret.
You are nearly assured to see a fantastic white throughout your dive as effectively. They have over 365 tagged and registered nice whites, so your possibilities of seeing one are very doubtless. If cage diving is a dream of yours, undoubtedly look into Guadalupe!
Guadalupe is a small and distant island positioned off Baja California, the one method to entry it’s by liveaboard. This not solely retains this dive website extra reserved but additionally retains the novice divers away. It is a good dive website for these divers who actually admire sharks.
Update: 2021-2022 the shark diving in Guadalupe has been closed attributable to some unlucky diving incidents which led to the damage / dying of a fantastic white shark. The Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources in Mexico have positioned a short lived pause on the expeditions right here.
Hopefully this can change quickly with much more laws to guard these magnificent creatures.
10. Cabo Pulmo, Baja California
Located on the southernmost a part of Baja California sits Cabo Pulmo, an remoted and far forgotten dive location in Mexico. However, that doesn’t imply that it’s any much less particular than any of the opposite spots beforehand talked about.
Cabo Pulmo is a tiny distant village that pulls divers in attributable to its protected coral reef positioned within the Pacific Ocean in Baja California. It is a main instance to see what we ought to be doing to guard our oceans. It was additionally named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site so the seas listed below are very effectively protected.
Cabo Pulmo is retaining the vacationers out and placing its ecosystem first. It has regularly refused massive lodges from coming in right here, because it doesn’t need the air pollution they create.
There are a wide range of dive websites inside the nationwide park which incorporates reefs, an underwater canyon, sand flats, and extra. Expect to see big manta rays, eagle rays, nurse sharks, bull sharks, and a large plethora of marine life!
This is a good spot for individuals who need to scuba dive whereas wanting to flee the crowds, however not desirous to do a stay aboard.
Liveaboard Diving in Mexico
Mexico is a well-liked vacation spot for liveaboard diving, with a wide range of choices to select from relying in your pursuits.
Two of the most well-liked locations for liveaboard diving in Mexico are Socorro Island and Guadalupe Island.
Socorro Island is positioned about 250 miles off the coast of Baja California and is thought for its clear waters and various marine life, together with dolphins, whales, and sharks.
Guadalupe Island, positioned about 150 miles off the coast of Baja California, is thought for its cage diving with nice white sharks.
In addition to Socorro Island and Guadalupe Island, there are additionally quite a few liveaboard choices in Baja California, which is thought for its massive pelagic species corresponding to whales. The finest time to go liveaboard diving in Mexico depends upon the particular vacation spot and the species you hope to see.
For instance, whale watching season in Baja California usually runs from December to April, shark diving alternatively at Guadalupe Island is often finest from August to October.
To see a full listing of the very best liveaboards in Mexico, take a look at the hyperlinks beneath.
What you could know earlier than Diving in Mexico
Mexico is a good spot to plan your subsequent dive trip. It is a vastly massive nation with many alternative and distinctive dive locations which you can discover. Which is why myself and lots of different divers proceed to return right here.
Before planning a dive journey to Mexico remember to do your analysis and plan forward. Knowing what time of 12 months it’s and what dive websites will likely be higher, may help you displaying up anticipating to see whale sharks when it isn’t whale shark season.
Check out this Mexico journey information for superior tips about the place to remain and what to do!
Personally, I all the time like reserving most of my dives forward of time as effectively. This will assist me make sure that I construct relationship with the dive heart earlier than I arrive on my vacation.
They may help to make sure that I’m reserving the appropriate dive websites and that I received’t neglect to carry something vital for my journey. Not solely that, however they’re additionally a fantastic useful resource for native data and ideas.
Diving in Mexico is enjoyable. It is a bucket listing county that each diver wants so as to add to their listing. Besides all of the superb dives websites it’s a must to select from, Mexico is a county that is stuffed with mouthwatering meals, epic individuals, and enriched tradition.
Every journey to Mexico leaves me desirous to see extra of this lovely nation. Trust me after I say, you may be completely satisfied you made the journey
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