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Mexico

© iStock/ferrantraite

Explore Mexico

Diving in Mexico offers an extraordinary adventure that stands out in the Western Hemisphere. With its two contrasting coastlines, Mexico presents a diverse underwater world. On the Pacific side, divers are greeted by cooler waters teeming with majestic manta rays, great white sharks, whales, and playful sea lions. In contrast, the Caribbean side boasts warm, clear waters nurturing vibrant coral reefs and attracting both colorful fish and gentle giants like whale sharks and bull sharks, which are prominent attractions at some dive sites. Beyond the shores, Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula reveals another diving marvel: the cenotes. These submerged freshwater caverns are a unique spectacle, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience with their ethereal beauty and crystal-clear waters. Whether opting for shore dives, boat trips, or liveaboard excursions to remote islands like Socorro and Guadalupe, divers can explore an array of environments. With numerous dive centers throughout the country, enthusiasts can easily find professional guidance to embark on these underwater journeys, ensuring a safe and memorable dive holiday in Mexico.

Power Plug Type
A, B
Payment Method
VISA, MC, AMEX, DIS, Cir, Plus
Tipping
10–15% / Service Staff / Tipping is expected in restaurants, hotels, and for taxi drivers; small tips are also appreciated for bag handlers and gas station attendants.
Currency
MXN
Dial Code
+52
Electricity
127V / 60Hz
Time
UTC−8 to UTC−5

Top Regions to Explore

Upcoming Events

  • Try Scuba

    Try Scuba

    Discover Scuba Diving in Isla Mujeres - Beginner-Friendly 2-Tank DiveReady to breathe underwater for the first time?Our Discover Scuba Diving program is designed for absolute beginners who want to experience scuba diving in a safe, fun, and unforgettable way - no certification required!What to Expect:Quick safety briefing and gear introduction on landShallow water training session with your instructor2-tank dive at beautiful reef sites or MUSA (Underwater Museum)Personal guidance throughout the entire experienceCalm, clear waters - ideal for first-time diversSchedule:Meeting time: 7:30 AMDeparture: 8:00 AMDuration: Approx. 3.5 to 4 hoursPrices:Discover Scuba Diving experience: $3,000 MXN per personIncludes instruction, 2 dives, full gear, boat, snacks, water, and guide.Book nowWhat's Included:Full scuba equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, tanks)Instructor-led training & supervision2-tank dive (reef and/or MUSA)Bottled water, fruit, and snacksSmall groups (max 4 beginners per instructor)???? Meeting Point:Squalo Adventures Dive CenterHidalgo Av., Local C6, Plaza Isla Mujeres (downtown)Requirements:Minimum age: 10 yearsNo previous diving experience neededMust be comfortable in the waterNot suitable for people with heart or respiratory conditions.Book your Discover Scuba Diving tour now and take your first breath underwater with the experts at Squalo Adventures!

    SQUALO ADVENTURES, SMZ 001 MZA 016 LOTE 005 AV. HIDALGO #026 LOCAL 31, INT.PLAZA ISLA MUJERES, COLONIA CENTRO, 77400, Isla Mujeres, QR, MEX
    May 12, 2026 +174 More
    $174.23
    MX$3,000.00
    Open Water Diver

    Open Water Diver

    Open Water Diver Course in Isla Mujeres - SSI CertificationReady to become a certified diver in paradise?At Squalo Adventures Dive Center, SSI Open Water Diver courses in Isla Mujeres - the most popular and recognized scuba certifications in the world.Learn in calm Caribbean waters, guided by expert instructors in small groups, and earn your certification to dive up to 18 meters (60 feet) anywhere in the world.Course Overview:Duration: 3 daysIncludes 5 theory modules (eLearning or classroom), shallow water skills, and 4 open water dives.SSI certificationAll dives done from a boat in ocean conditions.Maximum 4 students per instructorSuggested Itinerary (3 Days):Day 1: Confined Water Training8:00 AM - 11:00 AMLocation: shallow water area off Isla MujeresSkills practice, equipment introduction, safety proceduresDay 2: Open Water Dives 1 & 29:00 AM - 1:00 PMTwo dives at reef sites (max depth: 12m / 40ft)Day 3: Open Water Dives 3 & 49:00 AM - 1:00 PMTwo dives at reef or MUSA (max depth: 18m / 60ft)Certification awarded upon completion!Price:$10,000 MXN per personIncludes all materials, instruction, gear rental, 4 dives, snacks, and certification fees.Learning Materials Information:SSI Open Water Diver Course: All digital learning materials are included in the course price and accessible via the SSI app or website.What's Included:SSI learning materials (online or in-person)Full scuba gear (mask, fins, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, tanks)Confined water training4 open water boat divesCertified bilingual instructorCertification cardSnacks, fruit, and waterBoat transportation???? Meeting Point:Squalo Adventures Dive CenterAv. Hidalgo, Local C6, Plaza Isla Mujeres (downtown)Only 5 minutes from the ferry terminalRequirements:Minimum age: 10 yearsBasic swimming abilityGood general healthCompletion of medical questionnaireBook your Open Water Diver course today and become a certified diver in just 3 days with Squalo Adventures - your trusted dive center in Isla Mujeres.

    SQUALO ADVENTURES, SMZ 001 MZA 016 LOTE 005 AV. HIDALGO #026 LOCAL 31, INT.PLAZA ISLA MUJERES, COLONIA CENTRO, 77400, Isla Mujeres, QR, MEX
    May 12, 2026 +174 More
    $580.77
    MX$10,000.00
    Open Water Diver

    Open Water Diver

     Course that certifies students to conduct recreational scuba dives within agency depth limits (typically 18 m / 60 ft). Covers safety procedures, underwater navigation, and proper use of scuba equipment.Objectives:Teach basic scuba diving principles and underwater safety.Enable students to plan and perform buddy recreational dives.Develop practical skills: buoyancy control, equalization, air management, and emergency procedures.Course content:Theory: diving physics and physiology, hazards and prevention, equipment, dive planning, hand signals, and basic regulations.Confined-water training: gear assembly, entries/exits, breathing underwater, equalization, buoyancy exercises, and emergency skills.Open-water dives: usually 4 supervised dives to practice skills, basic navigation, and buddy communication.Methodology: Classroom or e-learning theory, confined-water practice (pool), and supervised open-water dives (ocean, lake, or quarry) with continuous practical assessment.Prerequisites:Minimum age per agency (commonly 10–12 for junior, 15 for full certification).Basic swimming ability and reasonable physical fitness; medical clearance recommended or required.Valid ID.Certification: International certification from the chosen agency (e.g., PADI, SSI, NAUI, CMAS) upon completion of theory, confined-water skills, and required open-water dives. Allows buddy diving to the certification depth limit.Basic equipment (provided or rented): Mask, snorkel, fins, BCD, regulator, tank, pressure gauge; wetsuit as needed.

    Be Diving, Bedivingmxmx, Calle 1 Sur Entre 25 y 30, 77710, Playa del Carmen, QR, MEX
    May 12, 2026 +39 More
    $550.00

    Dive Centers

    Dive Sites

    Top Wildlife Sightings in Mexico

    Great white sharks, the rulers of the oceanic food chain, can be found in abundance around Guadalupe Island, 250 kilometers off Mexico’s west coast. These giants use Guadalupe’s waters to hunt for sea lions, but they spend part of the day cruising calmly at a shallow depth. There are governmental rules and restrictions on chumming (putting fish in the water to attract sharks) in Guadalupe, for the good of both divers and sharks.

    Oceanic manta rays are a dream of many divers, and Socorro island is famous for them. It’s often said that the mantas at Socorro, some reaching seven meters in wingspan, are the friendliest in the whole world. They tend to get close to divers, and often look them in the eye. Socorro and its neighboring islands in the Revillagigedo peninsula are hotspots for big wildlife. The list includes dolphins, whale sharks, humpback whales and hammerheads.

    Bull sharks, a mighty and versatile tropical predator, can be seen in Caribbean Playa del Carmen. Female bull sharks use Playa’s shallow blue waters to breed from November to March. Bull shark dives are done without cages, so it’s important that divers stay calm, follow rules, and maintain good buoyancy.

    Whale sharks, the biggest fish in the ocean, can be found in abundance near the island of Isla Mujeres off the coast of Cancun. These gentle giants gather every year to feast on the spawn of local fish species. Diving with them is not allowed, but snorkeling is just as good, if not better. The sharks skim the surface with their gaping mouths, and without heavy gear and tanks, snorkelers can more easily swim alongside them.

    Saltwater crocodiles are gaining popularity as truly special marine creatures to encounter underwater. These animals are powerful, ancient predators, and snorkeling with them requires caution and guidance from trained operators. However, more and more divers are craving the awe of getting close to these reptiles’ armored bodies and huge jaws. Banco Chinchorro is the place to snorkel with saltwater crocodiles, as they live in the atoll’s mangrove forests and forage in its seagrass beds.

    Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 200

    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel

    19k Sightings
    J
    2.1k
    F
    1.7k
    M
    1.9k
    A
    1.5k
    M
    1.3k
    J
    1.3k
    J
    1.6k
    A
    1.4k
    S
    1.1k
    O
    1.5k
    N
    2k
    D
    2k

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 27

    Barracuda

    Barracuda

    15k Sightings
    J
    1.5k
    F
    1.4k
    M
    1.8k
    A
    1.5k
    M
    1.1k
    J
    1.3k
    J
    1.4k
    A
    1.1k
    S
    772
    O
    1k
    N
    1.2k
    D
    1.4k

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    Eagle Ray

    Eagle Ray

    11k Sightings
    J
    1.9k
    F
    1.7k
    M
    1.8k
    A
    825
    M
    332
    J
    229
    J
    405
    A
    343
    S
    253
    O
    289
    N
    873
    D
    1.6k
    Green Turtle

    Green Turtle

    7.3k Sightings
    J
    747
    F
    570
    M
    752
    A
    595
    M
    539
    J
    564
    J
    703
    A
    583
    S
    380
    O
    543
    N
    712
    D
    656
    Hawksbill Turtle

    Hawksbill Turtle

    6.9k Sightings
    J
    624
    F
    618
    M
    752
    A
    643
    M
    523
    J
    527
    J
    701
    A
    541
    S
    388
    O
    557
    N
    559
    D
    506
    Loggerhead Turtle

    Loggerhead Turtle

    5.7k Sightings
    J
    461
    F
    412
    M
    734
    A
    662
    M
    587
    J
    563
    J
    540
    A
    386
    S
    246
    O
    326
    N
    390
    D
    389
    Bull Shark

    Bull Shark

    3.6k Sightings
    J
    688
    F
    460
    M
    227
    A
    69
    M
    58
    J
    49
    J
    45
    A
    71
    S
    41
    O
    121
    N
    920
    D
    804

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 7

    Sea Lion

    Sea Lion

    3.4k Sightings
    J
    214
    F
    234
    M
    226
    A
    189
    M
    213
    J
    94
    J
    155
    A
    196
    S
    360
    O
    548
    N
    628
    D
    351

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 600

    Wrasse

    Wrasse

    3.1k Sightings
    J
    258
    F
    292
    M
    468
    A
    178
    M
    237
    J
    224
    J
    231
    A
    314
    S
    149
    O
    205
    N
    295
    D
    289

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 300

    Octopus

    Octopus

    2.7k Sightings
    J
    267
    F
    195
    M
    309
    A
    185
    M
    201
    J
    194
    J
    337
    A
    232
    S
    135
    O
    192
    N
    206
    D
    242

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    Stingrays

    Stingrays

    23k Sightings
    J
    2.6k
    F
    2.3k
    M
    2.5k
    A
    1.9k
    M
    1.5k
    J
    1.6k
    J
    1.9k
    A
    1.6k
    S
    1.1k
    O
    1.3k
    N
    2.1k
    D
    2.3k

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Angelfish

    Angelfish

    22k Sightings
    J
    2k
    F
    1.9k
    M
    2.3k
    A
    1.8k
    M
    1.5k
    J
    1.8k
    J
    1.9k
    A
    1.9k
    S
    1.4k
    O
    1.6k
    N
    2k
    D
    2.1k

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 100

    Parrotfish

    Parrotfish

    20k Sightings
    J
    1.8k
    F
    1.7k
    M
    2.2k
    A
    1.6k
    M
    1.3k
    J
    1.5k
    J
    1.6k
    A
    1.6k
    S
    1.1k
    O
    1.5k
    N
    1.8k
    D
    1.9k

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Pufferfish

    Pufferfish

    14k Sightings
    J
    1.4k
    F
    1.2k
    M
    1.7k
    A
    1.2k
    M
    954
    J
    1k
    J
    1.2k
    A
    1.1k
    S
    848
    O
    1.1k
    N
    1.4k
    D
    1.4k

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Butterfly Fish

    Butterfly Fish

    13k Sightings
    J
    1.3k
    F
    1.1k
    M
    1.4k
    A
    1.1k
    M
    873
    J
    982
    J
    1.2k
    A
    1.2k
    S
    765
    O
    952
    N
    1.2k
    D
    1.3k

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 2

    Nurse Shark

    Nurse Shark

    13k Sightings
    J
    1.5k
    F
    1.2k
    M
    1.4k
    A
    1.3k
    M
    919
    J
    886
    J
    1.1k
    A
    899
    S
    648
    O
    947
    N
    1.1k
    D
    1.2k

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 85

    Surgeonfish

    Surgeonfish

    9.9k Sightings
    J
    983
    F
    760
    M
    939
    A
    773
    M
    658
    J
    755
    J
    957
    A
    888
    S
    666
    O
    637
    N
    973
    D
    862

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish

    8.8k Sightings
    J
    907
    F
    784
    M
    1.1k
    A
    809
    M
    593
    J
    722
    J
    691
    A
    671
    S
    541
    O
    525
    N
    764
    D
    784

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    Boxfish

    Boxfish

    8.1k Sightings
    J
    851
    F
    779
    M
    947
    A
    745
    M
    482
    J
    520
    J
    668
    A
    764
    S
    381
    O
    500
    N
    732
    D
    775

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    Spiny Lobster

    Spiny Lobster

    7.9k Sightings
    J
    758
    F
    822
    M
    999
    A
    678
    M
    453
    J
    468
    J
    622
    A
    603
    S
    435
    O
    551
    N
    724
    D
    754

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 7000

    Crab

    Crab

    7.7k Sightings
    J
    777
    F
    757
    M
    998
    A
    651
    M
    455
    J
    573
    J
    563
    A
    507
    S
    461
    O
    534
    N
    682
    D
    772

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Damselfish

    Damselfish

    7.5k Sightings
    J
    764
    F
    590
    M
    826
    A
    589
    M
    493
    J
    585
    J
    675
    A
    714
    S
    463
    O
    452
    N
    658
    D
    650

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 55

    Lobster

    Lobster

    7.2k Sightings
    J
    701
    F
    734
    M
    898
    A
    560
    M
    468
    J
    641
    J
    610
    A
    436
    S
    339
    O
    561
    N
    573
    D
    707

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 150

    Sweetlips and Grunts

    Sweetlips and Grunts

    6.8k Sightings
    J
    634
    F
    533
    M
    618
    A
    557
    M
    418
    J
    645
    J
    598
    A
    641
    S
    345
    O
    433
    N
    696
    D
    633

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3

    Trumpetfish

    Trumpetfish

    6.4k Sightings
    J
    744
    F
    556
    M
    693
    A
    461
    M
    288
    J
    387
    J
    448
    A
    495
    S
    379
    O
    513
    N
    727
    D
    674

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 12

    Lionfish

    Lionfish

    6.3k Sightings
    J
    645
    F
    535
    M
    466
    A
    416
    M
    285
    J
    448
    J
    669
    A
    581
    S
    386
    O
    550
    N
    805
    D
    546

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Grouper/Basslets

    Grouper/Basslets

    6.1k Sightings
    J
    576
    F
    540
    M
    586
    A
    484
    M
    426
    J
    450
    J
    442
    A
    492
    S
    319
    O
    434
    N
    721
    D
    598

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Goatfish

    Goatfish

    5.5k Sightings
    J
    550
    F
    473
    M
    569
    A
    482
    M
    337
    J
    400
    J
    436
    A
    555
    S
    320
    O
    413
    N
    471
    D
    454

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 110

    Snapper

    Snapper

    5.3k Sightings
    J
    539
    F
    462
    M
    574
    A
    451
    M
    302
    J
    407
    J
    454
    A
    452
    S
    276
    O
    340
    N
    574
    D
    514

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 20

    Porcupinefish

    Porcupinefish

    5.1k Sightings
    J
    577
    F
    474
    M
    637
    A
    405
    M
    348
    J
    256
    J
    375
    A
    347
    S
    302
    O
    341
    N
    532
    D
    541

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    Jackfish

    Jackfish

    4.1k Sightings
    J
    458
    F
    385
    M
    488
    A
    315
    M
    239
    J
    288
    J
    263
    A
    388
    S
    172
    O
    289
    N
    438
    D
    384

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 120

    Flounder

    Flounder

    3.3k Sightings
    J
    404
    F
    296
    M
    444
    A
    254
    M
    246
    J
    214
    J
    251
    A
    255
    S
    187
    O
    137
    N
    276
    D
    321

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    Soldierfish

    Soldierfish

    3.1k Sightings
    J
    399
    F
    242
    M
    419
    A
    272
    M
    191
    J
    215
    J
    292
    A
    267
    S
    123
    O
    90
    N
    324
    D
    292

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    Squirrelfish

    Squirrelfish

    2.8k Sightings
    J
    358
    F
    218
    M
    383
    A
    222
    M
    109
    J
    213
    J
    195
    A
    180
    S
    173
    O
    161
    N
    283
    D
    315

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3400

    Shrimp

    Shrimp

    1.5k Sightings
    J
    156
    F
    188
    M
    219
    A
    113
    M
    102
    J
    80
    J
    113
    A
    100
    S
    36
    O
    75
    N
    148
    D
    147

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish

    1.4k Sightings
    J
    140
    F
    124
    M
    176
    A
    92
    M
    108
    J
    40
    J
    184
    A
    141
    S
    61
    O
    71
    N
    169
    D
    93

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 8

    Bannerfish

    Bannerfish

    1.3k Sightings
    J
    124
    F
    106
    M
    173
    A
    120
    M
    74
    J
    96
    J
    107
    A
    181
    S
    62
    O
    87
    N
    100
    D
    88

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 30

    Sand Eel

    Sand Eel

    1.2k Sightings
    J
    166
    F
    95
    M
    119
    A
    55
    M
    85
    J
    54
    J
    101
    A
    128
    S
    69
    O
    48
    N
    137
    D
    117