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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
August 18, 2026 +90 More
$176.30
MX$3,000.00

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

27k Sightings
J
2.6k
F
2.2k
M
2.5k
A
2k
M
2k
J
2k
J
2.6k
A
2.3k
S
1.6k
O
2.1k
N
2.7k
D
2.7k

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

20k Sightings
J
1.8k
F
1.6k
M
2.1k
A
1.8k
M
1.6k
J
1.9k
J
2.2k
A
1.6k
S
984
O
1.2k
N
1.4k
D
1.6k

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

13k Sightings
J
2.3k
F
2k
M
2.1k
A
1k
M
485
J
390
J
646
A
531
S
329
O
361
N
1.1k
D
1.9k
Green Turtle

Green Turtle

11k Sightings
J
1k
F
816
M
1k
A
854
M
932
J
956
J
1.2k
A
1k
S
513
O
759
N
951
D
841
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

8.3k Sightings
J
724
F
684
M
854
A
744
M
695
J
721
J
938
A
656
S
458
O
645
N
633
D
577
Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle

7.1k Sightings
J
487
F
452
M
800
A
808
M
824
J
787
J
837
A
528
S
288
O
359
N
458
D
437

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

4.8k Sightings
J
264
F
291
M
273
A
235
M
321
J
199
J
283
A
339
S
520
O
762
N
803
D
462

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

4k Sightings
J
340
F
365
M
538
A
263
M
280
J
305
J
442
A
409
S
190
O
263
N
320
D
320
Bull Shark

Bull Shark

3.8k Sightings
J
701
F
482
M
234
A
72
M
77
J
76
J
70
A
76
S
43
O
127
N
995
D
862

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

3.6k Sightings
J
322
F
246
M
359
A
236
M
272
J
324
J
490
A
342
S
163
O
233
N
270
D
309
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

2.4k Sightings
J
286
F
290
M
324
A
362
M
299
J
202
J
31
A
58
S
24
O
4
N
251
D
289

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

30k Sightings
J
2.6k
F
2.4k
M
2.9k
A
2.3k
M
2.3k
J
2.6k
J
3.1k
A
2.8k
S
1.9k
O
2.1k
N
2.6k
D
2.7k

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

29k Sightings
J
3.1k
F
2.7k
M
3.1k
A
2.3k
M
2.2k
J
2.3k
J
2.9k
A
2.3k
S
1.4k
O
1.6k
N
2.5k
D
2.8k

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

27k Sightings
J
2.3k
F
2.1k
M
2.7k
A
2.1k
M
2.1k
J
2.2k
J
2.6k
A
2.3k
S
1.5k
O
2k
N
2.3k
D
2.4k

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

21k Sightings
J
1.9k
F
1.6k
M
2.2k
A
1.6k
M
1.5k
J
1.7k
J
2k
A
1.7k
S
1.2k
O
1.5k
N
1.9k
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

Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish

18k Sightings
J
1.6k
F
1.4k
M
1.7k
A
1.4k
M
1.4k
J
1.5k
J
1.9k
A
1.7k
S
1.1k
O
1.3k
N
1.6k
D
1.6k

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

17k Sightings
J
1.7k
F
1.3k
M
1.7k
A
1.6k
M
1.4k
J
1.4k
J
1.7k
A
1.3k
S
779
O
1.1k
N
1.3k
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.: 85

Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish

13k Sightings
J
1.3k
F
963
M
1.2k
A
965
M
994
J
1.1k
J
1.5k
A
1.3k
S
905
O
850
N
1.2k
D
1.1k

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

11k Sightings
J
1.1k
F
907
M
1.2k
A
1k
M
815
J
946
J
1.1k
A
955
S
689
O
669
N
918
D
911

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

11k Sightings
J
1.1k
F
944
M
1.2k
A
866
M
694
J
779
J
989
A
1k
S
519
O
620
N
895
D
946

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

10k Sightings
J
928
F
976
M
1.2k
A
808
M
682
J
714
J
1k
A
840
S
561
O
657
N
873
D
906

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

10k Sightings
J
920
F
735
M
1k
A
756
M
791
J
894
J
1.1k
A
1k
S
618
O
587
N
817
D
820

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

9.6k Sightings
J
902
F
909
M
1.2k
A
783
M
661
J
764
J
821
A
698
S
552
O
644
N
811
D
894

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

9.5k Sightings
J
869
F
712
M
712
A
614
M
550
J
771
J
1.2k
A
972
S
615
O
707
N
1k
D
769

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

9k Sightings
J
779
F
650
M
769
A
683
M
671
J
901
J
995
A
874
S
481
O
570
N
854
D
768

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

8.8k Sightings
J
972
F
720
M
846
A
613
M
514
J
641
J
747
A
738
S
511
O
665
N
949
D
929

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

8.7k Sightings
J
791
F
863
M
1k
A
670
M
601
J
806
J
822
A
604
S
397
O
656
N
690
D
820

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

7.6k Sightings
J
674
F
637
M
670
A
578
M
540
J
625
J
702
A
671
S
433
O
555
N
834
D
711

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

7.3k Sightings
J
660
F
586
M
695
A
598
M
508
J
572
J
721
A
792
S
428
O
539
N
606
D
558

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

7k Sightings
J
626
F
585
M
687
A
563
M
478
J
610
J
739
A
637
S
364
O
428
N
704
D
610

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

6.8k Sightings
J
718
F
583
M
743
A
496
M
492
J
404
J
588
A
551
S
423
O
445
N
698
D
676

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

5.3k Sightings
J
502
F
464
M
599
A
379
M
356
J
449
J
421
A
512
S
213
O
391
N
544
D
483

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

4.2k Sightings
J
455
F
347
M
542
A
315
M
333
J
353
J
368
A
341
S
232
O
162
N
350
D
394

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

4.1k Sightings
J
479
F
288
M
512
A
346
M
278
J
316
J
418
A
406
S
195
O
140
N
390
D
341

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

3.5k Sightings
J
419
F
279
M
437
A
249
M
166
J
260
J
285
A
280
S
227
O
171
N
317
D
365

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

2k Sightings
J
175
F
150
M
231
A
169
M
121
J
174
J
181
A
296
S
106
O
145
N
149
D
150

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

2k Sightings
J
159
F
138
M
261
A
133
M
152
J
97
J
267
A
203
S
86
O
113
N
225
D
144

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

1.7k Sightings
J
195
F
202
M
239
A
111
M
103
J
104
J
154
A
138
S
54
O
86
N
154
D
169

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

1.6k Sightings
J
193
F
126
M
160
A
98
M
117
J
102
J
170
A
198
S
110
O
67
N
153
D
149
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark

1.5k Sightings
J
164
F
194
M
173
A
218
M
145
J
134
J
40
A
57
S
25
O
47
N
121
D
225

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

Total number of species approx.: 28

Clownfish

Clownfish

1.3k Sightings
J
126
F
105
M
113
A
79
M
72
J
96
J
117
A
122
S
69
O
120
N
143
D
93

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

Total number of species approx.: 3

Cornetfish

Cornetfish

1.1k Sightings
J
105
F
70
M
72
A
102
M
108
J
19
J
109
A
106
S
107
O
72
N
94
D
94

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

Total number of species approx.: 15

Garfish

Garfish

1k Sightings
J
103
F
72
M
35
A
77
M
79
J
49
J
98
A
96
S
61
O
72
N
167
D
100
Common Seahorse

Common Seahorse

995 Sightings
J
125
F
85
M
111
A
101
M
123
J
61
J
81
A
52
S
41
O
76
N
90
D
49

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

Total number of species approx.: 80

Emperor

Emperor

979 Sightings
J
167
F
96
M
85
A
46
M
62
J
43
J
71
A
186
S
38
O
26
N
84
D
75
Silky Shark

Silky Shark

972 Sightings
J
87
F
99
M
165
A
178
M
144
J
110
J
13
A
5
S
0
O
0
N
89
D
82
Silvertip Shark

Silvertip Shark

907 Sightings
J
54
F
109
M
134
A
155
M
122
J
76
J
4
A
8
S
0
O
1
N
89
D
155

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

Total number of species approx.: 30

Stonefish

Stonefish

884 Sightings
J
79
F
61
M
136
A
51
M
63
J
62
J
107
A
84
S
23
O
53
N
78
D
87

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

Total number of species approx.: 2

Tarpon

Tarpon

785 Sightings
J
60
F
63
M
131
A
100
M
52
J
80
J
70
A
80
S
31
O
33
N
38
D
47

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