Dive Sites
Playa del Carmen and Tulum have a number of terrace reefs located directly in front of the beaches. The deep wall starts at a depth of 130 feet / 40 meters. Most of the time there is a strong north bound current.
Other areas within the Riviera Maya great to dive are the Island of Cozumel as well as the areas of Xpu Ha and Akumal both located south of Playa del Carmen. As Cozumel has a strong current as well both Xpu Ha and Akumal do not have much current.
Please don't hesitate to email us if you have any questions or need assistance.
Playa del Carmen Reefs
Cerebros - Access: by daily boat. Conditions: Exposed on the surface, sometimes surge, no currents. Minimum depth: 6m (20ft). Maximum depth: 14m (50ft). Average Visibility: 20m (70ft).
Cerebros, which means brains, is the most northern reef. Due to its distance by boat, it is the least dived of the reefs of Playa del Carmen. The coral formations at the edge of the reef create a scenic landscape to wander around and are home to many crustaceans, such as lobsters, king crabs and shrimps. You can also find moray eels, scorpion fish and a large variety of reef fish.
The best dive starts at the southern end of the reef. Swim to where the reef meets the sandy floor; follow along the edge while exploring the formations. Along the middle section and at the end of the reef you will find some beautiful arches to swim through.
It is best to dive Cerebros on calm days as visibility can decline drastically when the ocean is rough.
Los Arcos - Location: North of Los Arcos, in front of Tres Rios. Location: North of Pared Verde. Access: by daily boat. Conditions: Strong currents can be expected. Minimum depth: 21m (70ft). Maximum depth: 30m (100ft). Average Visibility: 30m (100ft).
Named after its two arches, Los Arcos is a relatively deep dive. The wall sections are 5m (15 ft) in height and are covered with hard corals, sponges and fan corals. On the sandy areas the diver can find turtles, groupers and stingrays. The arches shelter schools of fish, moray eels and many Crustaceans.
On days with good visibility, you can see the reef from the surface. Jump into the water at the southern end of the reef and enjoy the free descent in blue water to the bottom of the reef. Moving north beside the wall, it is worth to examine the reef in detail. Swim above the reefs’ plateau when nearing your no decompression limit and from there start your ascent.
Because of its often strong currents, Los Arcos is recommended for advanced divers.
Pared Verde / Moc Che deep - Location: North of Moc-Che. Access: by daily boat. Conditions: Medium to strong currents expected. Minimum depth: 21m (70ft). Maximum depth: 30m (100ft). Average Visibility: 30m (100ft).
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. Ask the boat captain to drop you off on the southern end of the reef, and descend straight to the bottom keeping the reef to your left. At first you will find smaller walls which are divided by sandy areas. Further north along the reef the diver will reach the longer stretch of wall. The spectacular coral formations are full of large and small marine life. Be alert for spiny lobsters, king crabs, turtles, sting rays and sharks that may be swimming along the reef. After approximately 3/4 of the dive you will find a cavern with a chimney which exits at the top plateau of the reef, where you can start your ascent to the surface.
Be aware that at times there is a strong current at Pared verde.
Moc Che - Location: North of Chun-zumbul in front of Moc-che deep. Access: by daily boat. Conditions: little or no current. Minimum depth: 7m (24ft). Maximum depth: 14m (50ft). Average Visibility: 20m (70ft).
Moc-che, the shortest of the shallow dive sites, has an abundance of small coral formations growing in front of the reef. This gives divers ample space for spreading out. Start your dive at the southern tip of the reef and swim towards the north. Go slowly while looking for the smaller inhabitants of the reef. With sharp eyes there is much to be found here. Near the end of the reef you will find a small arch packed with fish and sponges, and sometimes you can even encounter a green moray eel taking a nap. Be careful not to hit the ceiling with your tank.
When you come to the end of the reef you have two options if you do not want to ascend: return along the reef if there is no current or keep going and drift over the sand looking for stingrays, flounders, turtles, starfish, and other marine life.
Sabalos - Location: North of Barracuda, between Tortuga reef and the Mayan ruins. Access: by daily boat. Conditions: Strong current is to be expected. Minimum depth: 6m (20ft). Maximum depth: 14m (50ft). Average Visibility: 20m (70ft).
Originally named after the schools of Sabalos / Tarpon that still can occasionally be seen here. Sabalos is one of the most demanding of the shallow reef dives due to the strong currents which are frequent. As soon as you descend, swim to where the reef meets the sand and stay close to the bottom. You will be more protected from the currents by moving along the edge of the reef. If you swim at a distance from this edge, the current can carry you over the top of the reef whereby, you will miss the high points of the dive. The reef consists of healthy hard and soft corals of all variations. There are many kinds of fish and starfish on the sand. Near the end of this dive you will find a small cavern for exploration.
The top of the reef is at an ideal depth for your safety stop and often large snappers are seen here.
Tortuga - Location: In front of the Mayan ruins; in deeper water than Barracuda and Sabalos. Access: by daily boat. Conditions: Medium to strong south to north current. Minimum depth: 16m (55ft). Maximum depth: 30m (100ft). Average Visibility: 30m (100ft).
The turtle garden is one of Playa del Carmen’s most popular reefs due to the large quantity of sea turtles which frequent there. The reef is relatively flat with a gradual slope from 16m to 40 m (55 ft to 130 ft) and is covered with corals and enormous barrel sponges, where king crabs are sometimes seen. On this reef the current always flows south to north and can be quite strong at times. Start your dive at the southern end and drift with the current making sure to maintain your depth. If you manage to stay at about 18m (60 ft), towards the end of the dive you may encounter a group of huge tarpon during the summer months.
While enjoying the turtles please remember: Do not touch them!
Barracuda - Location: South of Sabalos in front of Xcaret. Access: by daily boat. Conditions: Exposed on the top side and current is to be expected. Minimum depth: 6m (20ft). Maximum depth: 14m (50ft). Average Visibility: 20m (70ft).
Situated northwest of Tortuga reef and at a shallower depth, Barracuda is traditionally the second dive after the turtle garden. Picture the reef as a hand with five finger-like outcroppings.
Start your dive at the southern end of the reef swimming north while exploring the extended reef edges. Stay over the sand at the edge of the reef so that the current does not carry you over the top of the reef. There are many small holes to explore along the reef and with some luck and a keen eye you may spot some patrolling barracuda.
Nearing the end of the reef it is worth investigating the shallow cave that will take you to an exit on the top of the reef. Depending on the amount of air you have left when you have finished diving Barracuda, you might continue to Sabalos reef by simply moving with the current.
Please don't hesitate to email us if you have any questions or need assistance.