Mexico Dive Resorts

Dive resorts across Mexico are as vibrant and varied as the diving itself. From the lively island of Cozumel to the secluded beaches of Cabo Pulmo, Mexico offers a plethora of dive resorts to suit every taste. Mexico’s Pacific Coast and the species-rich Sea of Cortez provide some of the best big animal diving in the world, while on the east coast, the tropical waters of the Caribbean Sea support the second largest barrier reef system on the planet. These are the main resort areas in Mexico.

Jump to: Mexico Dive Resorts.

Mexico Dive Resort Areas

YUCATAN

A very popular vacation destination, the Yucatan Peninsula, also known as the Riviera Maya, is in the eastern Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Extending 24 miles along Mexico’s Caribbean coastline, the Riviera Maya offers wonderful beaches, turquoise waters, and fine white sand, with diving in freshwater lagoons, underwater caves, and cenotes, as well as some reasonable reef diving. Venturing south, towns and resorts become quieter, more traditional, and less touristy, until reaching the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and the deep south region.

Cozumel is so popular it earns its own section (below).

Isla Mujeres is located in the Gulf of Mexico just off the coast of Cancun and is smaller and less developed than Cozumel. During the winter months, schools of sailfish appear in vast numbers around the island's waters, while through the summer huge numbers of whale sharks gather to feed on plankton and krill around the shallow waters of Isla Holbox. Read our in depth guide to diving Isla Mujeres.

Playa del Carmen is located an hour south of Cancun and is the main resort hub of the Riviera Maya, with a host of hotel and resort options, guest houses, hostels, and Airbnb. Although busy during the peak tourist season, Playa del Carmen, and the nearby Akumal area, retain an air of authenticity lost in the larger cities. This is a great base for exploring the world-famous cenotes, as well as some interesting reef diving with spectacular corals and the chance to dive with bull sharks. Playa is also a great base for exploring the famous Mayan ruins.

Chinchorro Banks is located a five-hour drive south of Cancun and is a hidden gem on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. While thousands of divers flock to the northern resorts of Cozumel and Cancun, very few are aware of the unique biodiversity and pristine habitats found along this isolated atoll. Diving with saltwater crocodiles is an exciting experience, alongside exploring colorful reefs and numerous shipwrecks. The town of Majahual on the mainland has a good number of resorts, restaurants, and attractions, including watersports and ATV hire. Xcalak is much quieter, offering not much more than snorkeling and beaches.

Throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, visitors can explore archeological sites and picturesque little towns, enjoy ecological tours, fantastic food, and some fascinating cultural experiences. The Yucatan is a year-round dive destination, although the specific marine life encounters are seasonal. The rainy season is from May through October and the dry season is November through April. May and June have the highest humidity and June through October is hurricane season.

Find more information on the diving season, marine life, the best dive sites, and how to get to the destination of your choice here.

COZUMEL

A lively resort on Mexico’s northeast coast, the island of Cozumel is a fantastic family-friendly destination with over 45 dive sites to suit all levels and tastes. The island’s barrier reef is home to an abundance of tropical species and a bonanza of colorful hard corals, sponges, and gorgonians creating an aquarium backdrop for all manner of fish life, turtles, rays, and the occasional reef shark. Cozumel is a very popular tourist resort boasting a wide range of beach and vacation activities, as well as luxurious spas, great shopping, a variety of restaurants, and a lively nightlife. Accommodation options are plentiful, from large all-inclusive resorts to small boutique hotels, hostels, and Airbnb.

Don't hesitate to ask us for recommendations or check out this dedicated page on dive resorts in Cozumel.

LA PAZ

Situated on the southeastern edge of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, La Paz is one of the easiest warm water dive destinations to reach from the US. The area’s diversity of dive sites including wrecks, caves, seamounts, and rocky reefs offers visitors access to a great range of diving in the southern Sea of Cortez. Depending on the time of year, divers can expect to spot hammerhead sharks, sealions, mobula rays, and several types of whale, as well as a myriad of other local and migratory species. One of the biggest attractions are the whale sharks that visit La Paz Bay in October and November, while another memorable activity is a visit to the sealion colonies at Los Islotes. There are also many other water-based activities available, such as whale and bird watching tours, fishing, and kayaking. La Paz has a healthy resort-life, with lots of shopping, a wide choice of restaurants, bars, and clubs, spas, and good beaches.

CABO SAN LUCAS & CABO PULMO

On the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas and Cabo Pulmo sit 40 miles apart but offer very different dive resort experiences. To the west, Cabo San Lucas is a bustling town that can become busy in peak season, and is the departure point for several Socorro liveaboards. As such it’s a great option for a combination trip with plenty of activities and family entertainment for non-divers. On the eastern side of the peninsula, the protected National Marine Park of Cabo Pulmo covers 27 square miles of undeveloped coastline and inshore waters. There are far fewer accommodation options here, and other than diving, the main activities are snorkeling or simply relaxing. Both resort areas have access to some fantastic snorkeling and introductory dive sites amongst rocky reefs and shallow bays full of tropical species and small critters. Further offshore, Gordo Banks and the El Bajo seamount are a magnet for oceanic pelagics passing through on migration further into the Sea of Cortez. Humpback and gray whales can be spotted between December and May, and this is also the best time to catch a glimpse of scalloped hammerhead sharks. This plethora of marine life also provides a fantastic experience for non-divers, with open ocean safaris offering whale-watching and guided snorkeling with sharks, mobula rays, whales, and many of the region’s other migratory species.

Dive resorts in mexico

Bluewater Travel can help you book a dive resort in Mexico and over 40 other destinations in the world at the same price or even lower than booking any other way. We are experts on accommodation, diving, and logistics in Mexico. Email us today or leave us a message through the live chat box to start planning your dream dive vacation in Mexico!