Scuba Diving in Cancun Mexico

The city of Cancun is located on the northeast coast of Quintana Roo in southern México, more than 1,700 km away from Mexico City. It is one of the most renowned tourist destinations in Mexico. No doubt Cancun features some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. White sand and turquoise calm waters are only a preview of the wonders of the Caribbean Sea. Located in the edge of the Caribbean, Cancun and other coastal cities in the eastern side of the Yucatan peninsula offer divers some of the best diving spots in the world. The fifth larger barrier reef extends between Cancun and Cozumel. Both places feature world-class diving resorts. Then What’s the difference? Why should you choose Cancun instead of Cozumel? The truth is, you should try both. The difference is Cozumel has more panoramic views, but most diving areas in Cancun are literally packed with fish! The dive is shallower and famous for great schools of every kind of fish you can imagine! Scuba diving is very popular in Cancun and that’s not only thanks to its crystal clear waters but also because the ever changing coral reefs and exotic fish species are breathtaking to see.

The good thing about Cancun diving, apart from the transparency and the temperature of the sea (which makes diving possible all year round), is the fact that it is home to many diving spots to choose from and they adapt well to all of the different levels of divers. From beginners to certified experienced divers, anyone can enjoy diving in Cancun. Not only equipment is provided but also training for first-timers! Learning how to properly use your scuba gear and how to remain safe during your dive is the most important part of your diving lessons.Take into account that diving is different from snorkeling. If you do know how to snorkel, you’re already a step ahead. That doesn’t mean you can dive, though. Diving is more difficult than snorkeling, indeed. The main difference is the location of the person practising the sport and the mechanism used in order to breath. While snorkelers stay near the water’s surface and breath through snorkel tubes, scuba divers venture into the deepness of the ocean and breath with the help of air tanks. Don’t feel overwhelmed. They won’t take you 30 meters deep until you feel really, really safe! The usual thing is to start your diving lessons in a pool. No one will force you into trying under the sea before you feel confident there. Have any trouble with seasickness? Ginger is a great preventive for that. It’s even better and cheaper than over the counter medicines for the same purposes.

There’s a whole different world underwater. If you’re lucky enough to go and explore Cancun’s marine paradise, an underwater camera is a must! Think of it as an investment, since you could literally spend many hours exploring the wonders of the ocean. You’ll be swimming around and snapping shots at dolphins, cave sharks, gray nurse sharks, eagle rays, parrotfish, African pompanos, amberjacks, stingrays, different types of coral, anemones, snappers, mulloway, groupers, barracuda, moray eels, starfish, lobster, scorpion fish, jurel, octopus, spiders, turtles, yellow jacks, shrimp, and grunts. You could spend hours exploring this magical underwater universe!

There are lots of diving tour options to choose from. Many of them are provided by all-inclusive resorts and holiday packages in Cancun. If you’ve already tried diving in Cancun, you’ve probably done it during day time. Then, you should go for a night dive, a whole different experience that will allow you to see the same wonders in a completely different scenario. Diving is possible all year round and as I said before, Cancun is a very popular place to practise this water sport. The water temperature seldom drops below 26°C and the average visibility is 20 to 45 meters. Add to that the views offered by a place that is always teeming with marine life and you’ll get the dive of your life! Want to go? Well, lots of other people want to do it, too. So it is highly advisable that you book both your trip and your diving tours -if not included in your package- well in advance. Many people come for a dive even during the hurricane season (from March to December). Though, it is not the best of the options since there could be a cut short in the options available and your booking could be canceled in the event of an inbound hurricane. Low season is your season if you want to avoid the crowds.

Diving spots in Cancun range from huge coral reefs and old shipwrecks dating back to World War II -which have become amazing artificial reef-, to wonderful caves featuring hidden natural treasures.

What are you waiting for? It is time to go and explore down-under!

By Daniela Tkach