Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and is located in the center of the country. It is landlocked, but has a major airport that makes coastal scuba diving destinations on the west and east coasts just a short plane ride away. On the east coast facing the Pacific Ocean, popular spots are San Carlos, Punta Mita, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Zihuatanejo, Acapulco, and Huatulco. Offshore from the east coast are the Socorro Islands and Guadalupe, which are dive destinations made popular for their great white shark cage diving. On the west coast of Mexico facing the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea are Veracruz and cities on the Yucatán Peninsula such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Offshore islands like Cozumel Island and Isla Mujeres also draw many divers.
There are a handful of dive shops in Mexico City that offer certification courses where the classroom work and confined water dives are done at the shop, and the open water dives are conducted at one of the coastal dive destinations.
The best time to dive depends on what the diver is hoping to experience. A beginner diver will most likely enjoy calm ocean conditions, which usually takes place in the wintertime. Those itching to see pelagic megafauna such as whales and sharks should also target the wintertime, since they are attracted by cooler waters. A diver who prefers to dive with a very thin or no wetsuit should target the summertime. Divers who value visibility over anything else should also visit in the summertime, since plankton blooms are less common. Finally, if diving in a cenote is the main objective, the best time to visit the Yucatán Peninsula is between May and September. The range of water temperatures will vary depending on where along the coast you dive, which body of water you are in, and how far from shore you are. Keep in mind that hurricane season in this region is late summer into early fall and can severely impact a dive trip!
This protected marine sanctuary offers easy to intermediate scuba and freediving. Divers can explore rich biodiversity including nudibranchs, sea fans, corals, and tropical reef fish. Hidden beaches, caves, and clear waters make it a visually striking experience.
Located in a remote biosphere reserve, this reef system hosts reef and pelagic species like barracuda, groupers, and snappers. It’s ideal for intermediate to advanced scuba divers seeking pristine coral and quiet waters away from the crowds.
Best for intermediate-level scuba diving, this site features caves, crevices, and swim-throughs. Divers encounter tropical fish, rays, and turtles among rugged rock formations. The calm bay makes it great for relaxed exploration with geological interest.
A technical and advanced scuba site, Roca Partida is famed for its steep walls and large pelagic life. Expect encounters with hammerheads, manta rays, whale sharks, and tuna. Remote and only accessible by liveaboard, it’s a world-class dive adventure.
With dramatic granite outcrops above and below the water, this site is perfect for easy to moderate scuba and freediving. Common sightings include sea turtles, reef fish, and moray eels. Swim-throughs and caves add an exciting geological element to the dive.
