A list of the best rated scuba dive sites in Mexico.
Dos Ojos, Two Eyes
The name "Dos Ojos" meaning "two eyes", originated because there are two circular cenotes which are located very close to each one. Dos Ojos is known for its multiple shallow dives, giving divers plenty of bottom time to enjoy this beautifully decorated system. It lies one Kilometer south of Xel-ha and about 48 km south of Playa del Carmen. From the highway, a dirt road leads 4 km to the actual cavern and cave areas. There are two very different caverns that start and end in ...
Tortugas Reef
Tortuga Reef is one of Playa del Carmen's most popular dive site due to the large amount of sea turtles, which live here. The reef is covered by corals and sponges, where it is common to find king crabs, nurse sharks, angelfish, groupers and tarpons among other type of marine life. As a recreational dive, we make a line of diving between 18m/54ft and 23m/69ft, letting the current carry us from south to north, which is the normal current flow in this reef. ...
Holbox Island
Holbox Island or Isla Holbox is a 25km long island just northwest of Cancun. It is named after a small lagoon on the south side of the island which bottom is pitch black, hence its translation as 'black hole'. It is known as a quiet fishermen's island although tourism is catching up and some guesthouses and resorts are currently being built. The main town Holbox Village is a nice place to wander around, with very nice white beaches, relaxing cocktail bars, excellent fresh seafood dining and grea...
Barracuda Reef
Barracuda reef lies on the north side of the island. This dive site is very rarely visited due to rough conditions, even in good weather. The current runs 2 to 10 knots and down currents are not uncommon. This dive is NOT for the inexperienced diver. However, for the truly adventurous and experienced diver, it is a rewarding challenge though and you will often find large schools of fish, especially jacks, as well as turtles, dolphins and even hammerhead sharks. The reef is in pristine condition,...
Punta Sur, Devil's Throat
Punta Sur Reef is an inner strip reef which rapidly falls away to what is becoming one of the most popular dive locations on the island. Although the site can be visited only when weather permits, the sheer majesty of the deep wall, caves, caverns and fissures put the site at the top of most divers' lists. You enter the larger of the cave systems down a sand chute at 90ft/ 27 m where you enter a superb complex of coral tunnels and caverns which are absolutely bursting with life. One of the large...
Arcos
Los Arcos offers more diversity of tropical life than any other site in the entire bay. Los Arcos is a National Reserve that is protected by the Mexican government, which explains the large population of tropical life. If you are looking for a great and relaxing shallow dive that is sure to provide a ton of sea life, then Los Arcos should be considered. Within swimming distance of the reef there is a wall, which sharply falls to 800 feet. The beginning of the drop starts at 60 feet giving experi...
Socorro Islands
The Socorro Islands are located more than 300 kilometers southwest of Cabo San Lucas. Uninhabited, except for a naval base, they have been called by many the "Mexican Galapagos". Home to whitetip, blacktip, Galapagos, tiger and schooling hammerhead sharks this is an area for experienced divers only. Giant Mantas with five meter wingspans are everywhere! Besides 100 lb. tuna and schools of endless game fish, there are many exotic species of reef fish endemic to these islands and nowhere...
Chinese Wreck, Fang Ming
Fang Ming was one of two Chinese freighters impounded by Mexican navy, trying to deliver its cargo of illegal Chinese immigrants to California. Donated by the government to create purposely the first artificial reef in November 1999. ...
Bajo, Marisla Seamounts
The seamount El Bajo is located about 12km from Los Islotes. There are three distinct underwater peaks arrayed along a three hundred yard line, the northern most rises within 25meter of the surface, the central peak to within 15meter and the southern to within 20meter. The central peak, with its shallow depths and relatively flattop, is the primary dive site and anchoring location. This site is famous for its animal life which includes schooling hammerheads in the spring....
Santa Rosa
The dive site Santa Rosa can easily be split into three separate dives. Its profile becomes larger and more convoluted the further North you travel. As in any exposed area, the southernmost section is low-lying and scoured by currents. The middle section has some very large tunnels which completely cut through the reef crest, and the most northerly section has tunnels, caves, overhangs and under-hangs and some sections of wall becoming so steep they are near-vertical, also better known as the wo...