From the nutrient-rich waters of the Sea of Cortez to the ethereal beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula's cenotes, the diversity and scale of diving in Mexico is unparalleled. Around Cozumel, you’ll find colourful coral gardens and walls that plunge into the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea while the remote Socorro Islands offer thrilling drift dives with sharks and humpback whales.
With its easy accessibility and world-class experiences catered to divers of all skill levels, it’s easy to see why Mexico is one of the premier scuba diving destinations on the planet.
In this article, discover some of the best places to dive in Mexico, as well as the ideal time to visit and how to access each.
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Socorro Islands
Forming part of the remote Revillagigedo Archipelago, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Socorro Islands lie 385 kilometres (240 miles) off Mexico's Baja California Peninsula. Despite the 24-hour open ocean crossing required to reach the islands, those who visit are rewarded with phenomenal diving and snorkelling experiences on par with the Galapagos and Cocos Islands.
Along the archipelago's sheer volcanic walls and dramatic underwater pinnacles sculpted by deep ocean currents, divers are treated to extraordinary encounters with sharks and tuna, as well as gentle giants like whale sharks and humpback whales. The undisputed highlight for many is the manta ray cleaning station at The Boiler, where you can experience graceful mantas gliding just inches overhead as small cleaner fish remove parasites from their bodies.
For those willing to make the demanding journey, the Socorro Islands offer the ultimate pelagic adventure and are one of the best places to dive in Mexico.
Diving season: November to May (November/December for whale sharks and February/March for humpbacks)
Water temperature: 21 to 23°C (70 to 74°F) in winter and up to 28°C (82°F) in summer
Experience level: Experienced divers only due to strong currents
Access: Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) + liveaboard only
Best places to dive in Mexico
Cozumel Island
Located just off Mexico's northeast coast (opposite Playa del Carmen), Cozumel lies surrounded by warm Caribbean waters. Its vibrant barrier reef teems with colourful corals, sponges and sea fans, as well as an abundance of fish, turtles and rays. For over 20 years, Cozumel's southern reefs have been protected as a marine park, home to more than 100 coral species and over 260 different types of fish.
In the clear, shallow waters, divers and snorkellers often see hawksbill turtles, eagle rays and schooling jacks, as well as moray eels, lobsters and frogfish hiding amongst coral heads. Further offshore, Cozumel's steep walls and deep drop-offs offer thrilling adventures for divers, with huge coral formations and swim-throughs at Palancar Reef, Panta Sur and Columbia.
Due to its proximity to Playa del Carmen, Cozumel can easily be visited as a day trip (as well as offering plenty of accommodation options itself) or combined with a diving excursion to the area’s cenotes.
Diving season: Throughout the year, with warmest temps and best weather between May and July
Water temperature: 25 to 29°C (77 to 85°F)
Experience level: All levels
Access: Cozumel International Airport (CZM)
Where to stay for diving Cozumel Island
Allegro Cozumel is a tropical paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts seeking an all-inclusive Caribbean getaway. Nestled along the southern shores of Cozumel, this exceptional four-star resort provides premium access to the island's most stunning natural attractions - the soft sands of San Francisco Beach and the vibrant coral reefs of Palancar Reef.
To complement its idyllic beachfront location, this resort features state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a pampering spa and five restaurants scattered throughout the property. As a Green Globe-certified operator, this eco-friendly Mexico dive resort aims to set an example for other businesses on Cozumel to implement policies that curb plastic pollution.
“The entire place is amazing!” - Jan (read more reviews here)
Best places to dive in Mexico
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres lies just off the northeastern tip of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula (near Cancun) and boasts two exciting underwater spectacles that attract divers each year. During the summer months, massive numbers of whale sharks congregate in the shallow waters around Isla Holbox to feed on plankton and krill. The concentration is so dense that even snorkelling tours almost guarantee shark sightings.
Further offshore, it's also possible to snorkel with these feeding giants as they dine on tuna and bonito eggs during spawning events. While whale shark sightings here are less consistent, manta rays often join the feast.
Come winter, schools of sailfish migrating from the Gulf of Mexico shelter along Isla Mujeres to feast on sardines forced shoreward by ocean upwellings. Diving with these lightning-fast predators as they hunt bait balls offers a thrilling experience to tick off your scuba bucket list.
Diving season: Throughout the year (June to September is whale shark season and mid-December to mid-March is sailfish season)
Water temperature: 25 to 28°C (78 to 82°F)
Experience level: All levels
Access: Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Where to stay for diving Isla Mujeres
This 5-star all-inclusive resort lies on an idyllic stretch of coastline to the north of Cancun, directly opposite Isla Mujeres. In addition to 12 shimmering pools of various sizes scattered throughout the sprawling grounds, there are seven restaurants offering everything from Mediterranean to Pan-Asian cuisine.
Partnership with an onsite PADI 5-Star dive centre provides easy access the vibrant marine life and coral reefs surrounding Isla Mujeres, as well as its seasonal marine encounters. Additionally, this eco-friendly Cancun resort has received Silver Certificate from EarthCheck two years in a row, reflecting its commitment to sustainable operations.
"Everything was wonderful!.. the food, the property, the staff!” - Lainie (read more reviews here)
Best places to dive in Mexico
Sea of Cortez
This 1,100-kilometre (700-mile) stretch of water separating the Baja California Peninsula from mainland Mexico is home to a unique marine ecosystem that makes it a mecca for divers. The northern gulf's temperate climate and isolation from the Pacific Ocean have created habitats that support the highest abundance of marine mammals in Mexico. In fact, the biodiversity is so valuable that the Sea of Cortez region is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vital to this thriving ecosystem is the plankton-rich water that sustains a food chain of over 800 vertebrate species. Key predators include whales, dolphins, sea lions and a resident pod of fin whales. However, the stars of the region are the whale sharks that feed in the shallow waters of Bahia de Los Angeles during the summer months.
In October and November, plankton blooms in La Paz Bay lure whale sharks to the southern Sea of Cortez, which is best accessed from the capital of Baja California Sur, La Paz. Further offshore, the renowned El Bajo seamounts offer incredible pelagic encounters with mobula rays, hammerhead sharks, dolphins, marlin and tuna. For a unique experience, divers can also play with dozens of curious and playful sea lion pups at the colonies on Isla Los Islotes.
Diving season: For the calmest waters and best visibility, visit between July and December
Water temperature: 20 to 24°C (69 to 75°F)
Experience level: All levels
Access: La Paz International Airport (LAP)
Where to stay for diving the Sea of Cortez
Overlooking Our Lady of La Paz Cathedral, the hotel's sleek contemporary architecture ushers guests into a sophisticated oasis of comfort and relaxation. Step inside the lobby and you’re immediately immersed in the chic, modernist design, with the whitewashed aesthetic undeniably relaxing.
In addition to its elegant rooms (each a sanctuary of relaxation), there’s sparkling outdoor pool and a sun terrace where you can relax after the day’s dive adventures. The onsite restaurant at this La Paz hotel serves modern Mexican cuisine drawing on seasonal local produce.
"We had a great stay. The location was perfect. We arrived by bus and it was only a couple of blocks walk from the bus station. The rooftop pool was amazing and the service was excellent.” - Debbie (read more reviews here)
Riviera Maya
The Mexican cenotes offer spectacular underwater scenery that captivates even the most experienced divers. Located on the Yucatan Peninsula's Riviera Maya, this freshwater system of limestone sinkholes, caverns and caves draws visitors worldwide to explore the extensive subterranean channels. Tulum serves as an ideal base for exploring what is one of the best places to dive in Mexico.
Once underwater, narrow tunnels curve and twist unexpectedly into immense, cathedral-like caves where light and shadow dance against the ethereal limestone formations. The exceptionally clear water filters out nearly all marine life, emphasising the unique underwater topography. Divers of all levels can explore massive entrance caves that connect to dimly lit caverns, allowing a safe introduction to cave diving.
Dos Ojos stands out as perhaps the most famous cenote in the Riviera Maya, with a depth of eight metres (27 feet) making it accessible to divers and snorkellers of all experience levels.
Diving season: Throughout the year
Water Temperature: 25°C (77°F)
Experience level: All levels
Access: Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Best place to stay for diving the Riviera Maya
This luxurious beachfront resort features minimalist architecture with neutral tones and natural materials that blend harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. After a day spent diving the centoes of the Riviera Maya, guests can retreat to Naala Tulum's spacious and airy accommodations, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens or ocean.
In the evenings, the on-site restaurant highlights fresh local ingredients in its contemporary takes on classic Yucatecan cuisine. Guests at this eco-friendly Tulum resort rave about the rooftop pool, from where you can enjoy incredible sunsets over the Caribbean Sea.
"Lovely hotel and would definitely recommend it to anyone.” - Ruth (read more reviews here)
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