When it comes to reef diving, Playa del Carmen is your perfect base location. Many of the greatest open sea diving sites along the Great Mayan Reef Barrier are located right off the shores of Playa del Carmen in the heart of the Riviera Maya.

People from all around the world come to Playa del Carmen to snorkel and scuba dive in the various coral reef patches that stretch across the Canal between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel Island.

Depart from Playa del Carmen to explore the most colorful and interesting diving sites in the Great Mayan Reef Barrier. Water temperature and visibility, combined with the flourishing underwater life of coral reefs, make Playa del Carmen a superior diving destination all year round.

Enjoy the richness of the underwater life of coral reefs from day 1. In Mexico Blue Dream we have designed snorkeling and diving packages to satisfy every need, from our Bubblemaker (kids 8+) and Discover Scuba training courses for beginners to deeper dives into shipwrecked boats or coral arches amid the currents of the Caribbean.

To book tours and courses, contact us or fill out our reservation form.

 Reef Diving sites in Playa del Carmen

Barracuda
Depth 20-50ft
Barracuda reef is a fairly easy shallow reef. Explore its outcropping fingerlike edges with its nooks and holes. Find a small cave near the end of the reef that leads to an exit at the top of the reef.

Cerebros
Depth 20-50ft
Cerebros is the most northern reef near Playa del Carmen. This shallow reef is named Cerebros, or “Brains” due to its vast brain like coral formations, populated with a wide variety of crustaceans, fish, and other lively creatures.

Chun-Zumbul
Depth 10-35ft
One of the longest shallow dives in the area of Playa del Carmen, Chuz-Zumbul combines gardenlike vegetation with coral caverns and overhangs.  Fish schools, eels, and other creatures are common to find when the weather is calm.

Jardines
Depth 20-40ft
A display of sponges, corals, and sea plants in this gardenlike dive site is home to a wide variety of fish and other sea creatures.  This is a shallow and easy dive.

Moc-che
Depth  24-50ft
This is the shortest of the shallow dives.  Fairly easy to dive, Moc-che is full of various small creatures and coral formations that lead to a pass-through arch.

Sabalos
Depth 20-50ft
Sabalos is one of the most demanding shallow dive sites due to its frequent currents. Better to dive close to the bottom of the reef where you will be more protected. Hard and soft coral formations are home to various creatures like starfish and there’s a small cavern near the end.

Los arcos
Depth 70-100ft
For the more experienced divers, Los arcos boasts two large arches with walls covered with hard and soft corals that shelter schools of fish, eels, and other crustaceans. Sea turtles are frequently spotted on the sandy areas.

Mama Viña
Depth 70-100ft
In 1995, an old shrimp boat was intentionally sunk to create this fascinating artificial reef. Coral growth has proceeded rapidly, creating surreal scenes for the more experienced diver. You can dive into the lower deck and explore the inside rooms.

Moc-che deep
Depth 70-100ft
This is a sheer wall covered with a large variety of corals and sponges inhabited by lobsters, eels, crabs, and many other creatures.  Sea turtles are frequently spotted, and so are bull sharks and eagle rays.

Pared Verde
Depth 70-100ft
Spectacular coral formations full of marine life cover this stretch of wall. Larger marine creatures frequently swim along the wall, such as turtles, king crabs, rays and sharks. Near the end you will find a chimney which exits at the top of the reef.

Tortugas
Depth 55-120ft
This is a relatively flat reef with a gradual slope covered with corals and enormous barrel sponges. Tortugas was named like this because of the large amount of sea turtles that can frequently be spotted in the area, making this reef one of the most popular dive sites in Playa del  Carmen.