Mexico

Destination Overview

Mexico, officially the United States of Mexico, is the southernmost country in North America sharing a common border with the United States to the north and bound to Guatemala and Belize to the southeast. With extensive coastlines taking in the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, Mexico has no shortage of stunning coastal scenery and standout beaches.

Rich in indigenous heritage, bold in flavour and vibrant in culture, Mexico not only boasts some of the most idyllic beaches in the world, but is a country characterised by diversity, contrasts and a topography of extremes. Extensive mountain ranges, spectacular canyons, arid desert expanses, lush tropical rainforests, colonial cities, sprawling shorelines and a cosmopolitan capital all make up Mexico’s wonderous landscape.

Mexico’s unique oceanic topography is no exception to diversity. Bicoastal waters surrounding Mexico are home to the world’s second largest barrier reef system, the largest underwater cave system on Earth and the famous Yucatan cenotes, making Mexico’s waters a world-class attraction in themselves. With stunning marine environments, spectacular biodiversity and an abundance of pelagic fauna, the distinguished dive sites of Mexico are ranked some of the greatest in the world.

Culture-seekers can explore the ancient archaeological sites of the Mayan cities with their verdant jungle-clad ruins including the notable El Castillo in Chichen Itza, considered to be an architectural masterpiece; or the cliff-perched fortified town of Tulum, the only Mayan site built on the coast with spectacular sunrises worthy of the early wake up call. For those looking for a livelier escape, the former fishing village of Cancun is now a mega metropolis of vibrance and nightlife, whilst south of Cancun lies a slower pace of life - the Riviera Maya. Renowned for its miles of powder-soft beaches, all-inclusive resorts, opulent boutiques and exquisite restaurants, this is the perfect base for those seeking relaxation, water sports and proximity to bucket list dive sites. The paradisiacal island of Cozumel is just half an hour away from mainland by ferry and offers world-class diving on one of the most spectacular reefs in the world.

For a truly unique experience, snorkel or dive in the turquoise waters of the cenotes - the freshwater ancient sinkholes revered by the Maya - and marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites. Or explore the sculpted figures in the most beautiful underwater contemporary museum, Museo Subacuatico de Arte (MUSA) at the Cancun National Marine Park.

Whether you’re looking to dive into fascinating culture, exceptional cuisine or the crystal-clear cobalt waters, Mexico is an all-round destination which promises warm hospitality, a tropical climate and a magical underwater world of marvels and delights.

Average temperatures in Summer (May-November) Air 27°c / Sea 28°c

Average temperatures in Winter (December-April) Air 24°c / Sea 25°c

Diving Information

With 5,800 miles of stunning coastline and two beautiful oceans bursting with exceptional marine diversity, Mexico’s waters are ripe for exploration and offer a wealth of varied, unique and world-acclaimed dive sites. Spectacular geological features, year-round tropical waters, a thriving eco-system and exquisite coral formations have all earned Mexico a top spot for bucket-list diving. The Yucatan Peninsula, which separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea, is home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest coral reef in the world. Featuring otherworldly landscapes, biosphere reserves and oceanic scenery like no other, the waters of the Mexican-Caribbean offer mesmerising diversity, unique appeal and exceptional beauty, attracting divers from across the globe.

Diving in Cozumel

Cozumel is Mexico's largest island and can be reached by ferry from Playa Del Carmen just a short ride away. Encircled by warm tropical waters and located on the northern edge of Earth's second largest barrier reef, it's no surprise that Cozumel has climbed the ranks as one of the greatest dive destinations in the world. Preserved since 1996, Cozumel National Park covers 29,000 acres of nutrient-rich waters and a complex ecosystem which hosts over 500 species of fish and 60 different species of coral. Acclaimed as a drift-driving hotspot with mild to moderate currents, divers of all levels can marvel the stunning coral mounds, rocks towers, breathtaking walls and spectacular swim-throughs with vast lush forests of gorgonians, fans and sponges. Palancar is the better known of all the reefs and is otherwise named "The Underwater Garden of Eden" for its endless beauty, considered to be one of the Top 5 dive sites in the world. Mingle with Cozumel's resident splendid toadfish in sites such as Paradise Reef, or explore any one of the 40 iconic sites of the National Marine Park for hours of underwater discovery in a coral wonderland teeming with life including green and spotted moray eels, hawksbill turtles, horse eyed jacks, butterfly fish, eagle rays, lobster, tropical mollusks and many, many more. With over 60m visibility, the clarity is exceptional and optimal for stunning underwater photography. The all-round dive conditions, consistently warm water termperatures and extraordinary beauty of the world's second largest coral reef makes Cozumel a truly unforgettable, must-dive destination with offerings for every level.

Diving in Playa Del Carmen

Located one hour south of Cancun, Playa Del Carmen is considered a beach-worshipper's paradise, but offers plenty of highlights on its ocean floor too. Gentle currents and year round tropical waters make this the ideal spot for divers of every level. Dive sites are minutes away from the shoreline by boat with depths ranging from 10m-40m providing a mixture of topographies from beautiful walls of sponges and sea fans, stunning coral formations, caves, arches, and for the more experienced divers, the Mama Vina Wreck, now home to schools of barracuda. Surround yourself with Caribbean reef fish, turtles, moray eels, lobster, stingrays, angelfish and may more; or visit during the months of December to March to experience the thrill of diving with bull sharks who migrate to the waters of Playa Del Carmen every winter to raise their offspring.

Diving the Cenotes

Nowhere else in the world can you experience the one-of-a-kind phenomenon of the Yucatan cenotes. Ancient freshwater sinkholes, part of the world's longest underwater cave system, were formed by collapsed porous limestone bedrock thousands of years ago to reveal a mystical underworld considered to be sacred by the Mayans. With jungle-clad surroundings, the pools of crystal-clear water are pierced with shards of sunlight for unrivalled visibility. Marvel the stalactites, stalagmites and stunning light effects for a serene and mesmerising experience. A delight for underwater photographers and a truly unique experience for every bucket list.

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