Best Top 5 Places to Scuba Dive in Cancun

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. Cancun is one of the most exclusive destinations in Mexico. It is famous for its wonderful beaches and the astonishing beauty of the Caribbean sea. The ocean in the Cancun area features part of the Mesoamerican Reef, also known as the Great Mayan Reef. Extending over 1000 kilometers -from the tip of the Yucatan peninsula to the Bay Islands in Honduras- this is the largest coral reef in this hemisphere and only second to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the largest in the world.

The underwater world in this area is just breathtaking to see. The biodiversity that you’ll be able to find is something beyond unbelievable. More than 500 species of fish, 56 kinds of different stony coral, 350 types of mollusk and many species of marine creatures in danger of extinction live in these underwater paradise. That’s like a whole new world and it’s one filled with vibrant colors and excitement! An underwater camera is a must, by the way! If you try scuba diving in the Caribbean, you don’t want those memories to be soon -or ever- forgotten.

Take into account that diving is different and more difficult from snorkeling. Divers reach largest depths and breath through air tanks. If you are a first timer, don’t underestimate your training lessons ‘cause your guides will teach you everything you need to know in order to have a safe and amazing dive.

You’re an experienced diver? How come you haven’t dived in Cancun yet?

All this said, let me introduce you to the TOP 5 PLACES TO SCUBA DIVE IN CANCUN!

DOS OJOS is one area you definitely need to check out! This diving spot is a cavern full of wonderful sites. A unique experience really. It is actually recommended for experienced certified divers. Astonishing formations inside the cavern and the clarity of the water are the reasons which make this place so desirable for divers. The views are really from a different world you’ve never imagined.

BAT CAVE is another cave worth exploring. Here you can also dive through a world of underwater wonders. Stalactites and other formations seeming to break at any time fill this cave. The good thing about this cave is that it is suitable for all kinds of divers. So you should not miss it if you’re in or around the Cancun area.

A thirty-minute boat ride will take you to a diving spot known for its great marine diversity. CHITALES REEF is a great reef dive in Cancun. It’s a relatively easy dive. Go only 10 meters down and you’ll get to see plenty of activity. Be ready to share this experience with lots of other divers or else pick a different diving place because it’s always packed with people. Aristos reef is also in that area but it is recommended for medium to advanced divers.

PUNTA NEGRA is renowned for its low current conditions, which make it popular as a diving site and absolutely recommended for all levels. This is the exact spot where the second largest barrier reef in the world begins. That means the most varied views ever! You’ll get an amazing view of vibrant colored reef coral diving at a depth of only 20 meters. This is a site certainly not to be missed.

MEDIA LUNA is a shallow dive (only ten meters). It is your choice if you don’t feel comfortable with deep diving. However, more experience divers can also enjoy this dive a lot. It offers a variety of arches, channels bridges and caves. That combination is what makes this spot so interesting. The richness of the marine life in this area is something beyond imagination.

A different kind of dive is the one you’ll find if you visit wrecks. Sunken ships have interesting stories and are now inhabited by groupers, manta rays and a plethora of marine life. Accidentally located in the ocean floor, these ships form artificial reefs that are amazing to watch.

The temperature underwater seldom drops below 26°C, which means any time of the year is suitable for diving. However, you should make plans for the low tourist season to avoid the crowds. It is recommended that you do not book your trip during the Hurricane season (ranging from May to December), but that’s only because your booking might be canceled.

Over two hundred and fifty species of marine life await underwater in Cancun. Go and see! Make your reservation with time, taking always into account that it fits to your diving experience (or maybe your non existent diving experience at all) requirements and you’ll be able to take fully advantage of Cancun phenomenal diving spots!

By Daniela Tkach