Learn to Dive in Mexico
Mexico’s Highlights
Mexico has something for everyone. With jungles, beaches, mangrove forests, volcanoes, cenotes, and more all within one beautiful country. Rich in culture and history, Mexico is an amazing place to visit. In one trip, you will never be able to explore all of its rich and diverse geography, but each part of Mexico is special for its own reasons. On the Pacific coast, you have the chance to spot something big for example, whales, dolphins and sharks. On the Caribbean side, it is connected to the second biggest barrier reef in the world. Not to mention, the Cenotes, an intricate cave system with some of the most unique dives on the planet.
When is the best time to go diving in Mexico?
If you plan to visit the Pacific Coast, the best time of year is between June and October, as the water is warmer and visibility is good. It also depends on where you want to go and what you want to see. Diving on the Caribbean side is possible at any time of year. For the cenotes, the best months are between May and September as this is when the most light is cast into the sinkholes.
Water Temperature:
The water is colder on the Pacific coast ranging from 19°C to 27°C depending on the time of year. Along the Caribbean coast, water temperature is warmer ranging from 25°C to 30°C, making diving possible year-round.
Currents:
On the Pacific side, there tends to be strong currents, high waves and difficult sea conditions, usually appropriate for more experienced divers. In contrast, the Caribbean side is known for mild to strong currents and easier sea conditions. Cozumel is known for its drift diving and currents can get strong. There are instances of the washing machine current, which is a sort of “tornado” that turns you round head over heels.
Visibility:
On the Pacific side, visibility is not great, usually between 10 and 20 meters. Along the Caribbean side, visibility is great between 20 and 40 meters. In the cenotes, visibility can be as high as 100 meters, meaning that the water is crystal-clear.
Mexico’s best dive sites
Cenotes:
The cenotes of the Yucatan are a system of underwater caves, some have collapsed to form sinkholes, filled with both fresh and saltwater. The visibility is unrivaled, with sunlight rays piercing the water, sometimes offering an eerie backdrop with stalagmites and stalactites being abundant. The atmosphere is truly unique in the cenotes. A hydrogen sulfide cloud forms as vegetation decomposes at the bottom of the cenotes making it appear like there is smoke in the water.
For some memorable dives check out: The Pit, Dos Ojos, Angelita, and Dreamgate.
Cozumel:
Cozumel is a world-famous diving destination known for its drift dives, located along the Great Maya Barrier Reef, the second largest reef system in the world. Based along the Caribbean side, the water is abundant with marine life, beautiful coral, and the chance to spot rays, turtles and sharks. There are many sites suitable for every level.
Famous dive sites: Palancar Reef, Colombia Wall, Santa Rosa Wall and Barracuda Reef
Guadalupe Island
Guadalupe Island is a volcanic island and is one of the only places in the world where you can see great white sharks. Depending on your certification level, the cage will be placed either just below the surface or slightly further down. Get the chance to see great white sharks in their natural habitat. Guadalupe Island is only accessible from August to October by liveaboard from San Diego in the US or Ensenada in the north of Mexico and includes three days of diving.
Famous Dive site: Discovery Bay
About the country
Mexico’s history has origins to 8,000 BC and is considered one of the six cradles of civilization, home to the Mesoamerican civilizations including the Maya and Aztecs. In 1521, Mexico was conquered and colonized by the Spanish, establishing Spain’s new colony. During this time, native populations were exploited and used as labour. With time, Mexicans formed their own identity, a complex mix between indigenous and European customs and traditions. What truly makes Mexico different is its food, culture, traditions, language and love for dancing. In Mexico, there is everything from beach towns, to mountains, jungles and deserts. With stylish restaurants to local dineries, you will never go hungry in Mexico.
Recreational Courses in Mexico
Dive Centers in Mexico
Getting to Mexico
Your arrival airport depends on where you want to dive. For ease, the country can be broken down into the Yucatan, Baja and Pacific sections. If you want to dive Tulum, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen or the cenotes, you will want to fly to either Cancun or Cozumel airport. If you want to dive in the Baja Region, La Paz or Cabo San Lucas are the two main international airports. To dive along the Pacific coast, most fly to Mexico City and take buses to the relevant city.
Other important information
- Capital: Mexico City
- Official Language: Spanish
- Demonym: Mexican
- Currency: Mexican Peso
- Calling code: +52
- Driving Side: Right
- Population: Above 126 million
- Pressure: Pounds/Square inch (psi)
- First Stage: INT/Yoke
