Explore Mexico State
The state of Mexico is one of the 31 states and is adjacent to (north of) the federal entity of Mexico City. This is a landlocked state, however the international airport in Mexico City is readily accessible and most scuba diving destinations are just a short plane ride away. Mexico has an array of popular scuba diving destinations dotting the west and east coasts. On the east coast facing the Pacific Ocean are San Carlos, Punta Mita, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Zihuatanejo, Acapulco, and Huatulco, with the Socorro Islands and Guadalupe offshore. On the west coast of Mexico facing the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea are Veracruz, Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, with Cozumel Island and Isla Mujeres offshore.
Dive shops in the state of Mexico will conduct their coursework and confined water (pool) dives in house, but will outsource the open water dives to one of the various coastal destinations.
Top Mexico State Dive Sites
1. Las Marietas Islands (Nayarit)
This protected wildlife sanctuary offers easy to intermediate scuba and freediving in calm waters filled with nudibranchs, mollusks, sea fans, sponges, and colorful corals. Known for biodiversity, the area also features caves and unique swim-throughs like the Hidden Beach.
2. Arrecife Alacranes (Yucatán)
Scorpion Reef is a remote coral atoll system great for intermediate to advanced scuba diving. Expect pelagic fish, groupers, barracuda, and healthy coral gardens. It’s part of a biosphere reserve, offering exceptional reef health and low diver traffic for a pristine experience.
3. Isla San Agustin (Huatulco, Oaxaca)
This site offers intermediate-level scuba diving among dramatic underwater rock formations, including caves, crevasses, and tunnels. Divers encounter reef fish, rays, and sometimes turtles in this geologically fascinating site at the mouth of Bahía de San Agustin.
4. Roca Partida (Revillagigedo Archipelago)
A world-class site for advanced and technical scuba divers, Roca Partida rises from deep ocean and hosts sharks (silvertip, hammerhead, whale sharks), tuna, and manta rays. Strong currents and deep walls make this a thrilling dive in a UNESCO-listed marine reserve.
5. Los Morros de Potosí (Guerrero)
Composed of three white granite islets, this site offers easy to moderate scuba and freediving. Beneath the surface lie caves and overhangs, home to sea turtles, moray eels, and colorful reef fish. It’s a scenic and lesser-known spot, perfect for those seeking off-the-beaten-path exploration.
