Explore Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo is one of Mexico’s 31 states and is located on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, adjacent to the Caribbean Sea. It contains many cities that are tourist hotspots as well as scuba diving destinations: Cancún, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Tulum, and the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres. These coastal destinations are popular among tourists from all over the world due to their year-round warm weather, beautiful sandy beaches, alluring ruins of the ancient Mayan civilization, and terrestrial and marine biodiversity.

Quintana Roo arguably has some of the most diverse diving of anywhere in the world. It is a great place to visit to take advantage of the abundant cave-, wreck-, shark-, and reef-diving opportunities, not to mention diving through an underwater sculpture museum. These dives are never more than a short drive or boat ride away, and are best enjoyed and appreciated by diving with Quintana Roo’s many local dive shops and/or resorts. Because of the proximity and accessibility of these dive sites to the coast, liveaboard dive boats are not common in this region.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest barrier reef in the world, runs parallel to the coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula. Its splendor is especially well-known near the island of Cozumel, which is located 10km offshore from Playa del Carmen. The Arrecifes de Cozumel (Cozumel Reefs) National Marine Park is home to protected species such as the Cozumel splendid toadfish, green, hawksbill, and loggerhead sea turtles, the queen conch, and black coral. Divers can also expect to see lobsters, octopus, angelfish, parrotfish, snapper, eagle rays, moray eels, and seahorses. In the summer, whale shark sightings are common near the island of Isla Mujeres, and during the winter months, bull sharks can be spotted near Playa del Carmen.

Quintana Roo also hosts a complex system of about 10,000 cenotes! Cenotes are exposed, collapsed underwater caves that are part of an underground interconnected cave system. Cenotes boast great visibility and stunning geological features.

Places to explore

Cozumel

43 Divesites 29 Centers

Enjoy a comfortable stay in Cozumel and experience some of the best diving in Mexico.

Isla Mujeres

4 Divesites 2 Centers

Explore Isla MujeresIsla Mujeres is a unique dive destination that offers interactions with pelagic

Xcalak

2 Divesites

Explore XcalakXcalak (pronounced “ish-ka-lak”) is a small village on the east coast of Mexico’

Chetumal

Explore Chetumal Chetumal, located in the southern part of Mexico, offers a unique and vibrant divin

Tulum

8 Centers

Explore TulumTulum is the name of an ancient Mayan city located on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean

Puerto Aventuras

8 Divesites

Explore Puerto AventurasPuerto Aventuras is slightly off the beaten path of Playa del Carmen, Cozume

Puerto Murelos

11 Divesites 7 Centers

Explore Puerto MorelosThe section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef near Puerto Morelos is the closes

Playa del Carmen

14 Divesites 14 Centers

Explore Playa del CarmenPlaya del Carmen is a popular tourist destination located on the east coast

Mahahual

4 Divesites 5 Centers

Explore MahahualMahahual is a village on the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula that is abo

Cancun

3 Centers

Explore CancunCancún is the tourist mecca of Mexico’s state of Quintana Roo and is located on the

Akumal

2 Divesites 1 Center

Explore Akumal With about a dozen dive sites, Akumal in Mexico’ Riviera Maya region is kn

Upcoming Events

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Diver Level Programs / Courses

BUCEO ESPAÑA, DIVE PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Extended Range Cavern Diving

Contact the Center for more information.

The SSI Extended Range Cavern Diving program gives you a small glimpse into the exciting world of cave diving. As an SSI Extended Range Cavern diver, you will learn how to use cavern diving equipment, gas management concepts, and buddy team skills to safely conduct cavern penetration dives. The SSI Extended Range Cavern Diving program trains you to dive in caverns within the daylight zone to a maximum depth of 40 meters. From the grandest Mexican cenotes to vast caverns, becoming a cavern diver allows you to experience it all. Start the SSI Extended Range Cavern Diving program online today!

Diver Level Programs / Courses

BUCEO ESPAÑA, DIVE PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Perfect Buoyancy

27 Jan 2026 + 11 more

The SSI Perfect Buoyancy specialty is the best way to improve your buoyancy and get the most from every dive. Buoyancy is an essential dive skill, but any diver will tell you it takes time to perfect. The Perfect Buoyancy specialty will teach you advanced buoyancy skills and techniques, so you can master your buoyancy more quickly and enjoy more relaxed dive adventures. In this fascinating program, you will also learn new skills that protect the environment and work in every diving situation. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialty certification. With better buoyancy skills, you will soon be able to hover with ease and take the underwater photographs you dream of!

Diver Level Programs / Courses

KING SCUBA DIVE CENTER

Open Water Diver

29 Dec 2025

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

BUCEO ESPAÑA, DIVE PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Advanced Open Water Diver

29 Dec 2025 + 53 more

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! With this program, you can try a variety of specialties before committing to full specialty programs. It is a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver Program, you will try out 5 different specialties. You will complete one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. With this trial program in specialty diving, you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full specialty programs any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

The Dive Machine

Open Water Diver

30 Dec 2025 + 2 more

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Salty Endeavors

Open Water Diver

31 Dec 2025

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

Professional Level Programs / Courses

Salty Endeavors

Divemaster

01 Jan 2026 + 12 more

When you complete the Divemaster internship with Salty Endeavors you are taking your first step on an exciting journey. Learn to safely lead certified divers in various environments and conditions. By giving dive briefings, doing site evaluations, and leading dives, you will become a confident Divemaster in no time. Begin your diving career working as a Professional Divemaster today!

Professional Level Programs / Courses

AGUA CLARA DIVING

Divemaster

02 Jan 2026

The Divemaster program is the first step on an exciting journey. Earn the respect of your dive buddies and become an ambassador for diving by taking the Divemaster program. All you need to get started are 40 verified/logged dives and certifications in Deep Diving, Navigation, Night & Limited Visibility or at least 5 logged/verified dives experience in each area plus Diver Stress & Rescue. You will be certified as a Dive Guide after successfully completing the Divemaster program. When your interest is to turn your passion into a profession by guiding certified divers, teaching Ecology programs, assisting instructors or even becoming an instructor yourself, your next step is the Divemaster Upgrade with a minimum of 60 logged/verified. Upgrade to Divemaster right away or any time after by self-studying the Science of Diving materials, passing the Digital Final Exam which makes you an SSI Professional.

Professional Level Programs / Courses

AGUA CLARA DIVING

Divemaster

02 Jan 2026

The Divemaster program is the first step on an exciting journey. Earn the respect of your dive buddies and become an ambassador for diving by taking the Divemaster program. All you need to get started are 40 verified/logged dives and certifications in Deep Diving, Navigation, Night & Limited Visibility or at least 5 logged/verified dives experience in each area plus Diver Stress & Rescue. You will be certified as a Dive Guide after successfully completing the Divemaster program. When your interest is to turn your passion into a profession by guiding certified divers, teaching Ecology programs, assisting instructors or even becoming an instructor yourself, your next step is the Divemaster Upgrade with a minimum of 60 logged/verified. Upgrade to Divemaster right away or any time after by self-studying the Science of Diving materials, passing the Digital Final Exam which makes you an SSI Professional.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Trippy DIvers

Open Water Diver

02 Jan 2026 + 1 more

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Trippy DIvers

Scuba Skills Update

02 Jan 2026

It is easy for dive skills to get rusty and to lose confidence when you have not dived for a while. With the SSI Scuba Skills Update, we will get you back in the water and diving with ease in no time. This scuba refresher course allows you to review and practice scuba skills you learned in your Open Water Diver program, under the guidance of an SSI Professional. This is a great course to take just before a dive holiday, so you spend less time worrying about your skills and more time admiring the marine life. If you are a non-certified Open Water Diver student, a Scuba Skills Update is ideal for practicing your dive skills before your open water training dives. With no fixed course duration, you can take your time and focus on the skills you need help with.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Mahahual Dive Centre

Waves, Tides & Currents

03 Jan 2026

Diving in currents opens up a world of new dive sites that often host the most spectacular marine life. Go shore diving and you will discover the simplicity of just walking off the beach and exploring your favourite dive sites with ease. But wave, tides and currents can impact your dives and affect your safety if you do not know how to handle them. The SSI Waves, Tides and Currents specialty will enhance your dive skills and understanding, so you can enjoy diving in different environments safely and with confidence. You will gain a better understanding of dynamic open water environments and learn about the environmental conditions that affect different dive sites. You will also practice diving from shore, in currents or in rivers to earn the specialty certification. Get started today!

Dive Sites Show on map

DIVEMEX, 77710 Playa del Carmen

Shark Point - Playa del Carmen (★4.7)

From the coast of Playa del Carmen, this site is a 5-minute boat ride. This site offers the beautiful experience of having a safe encounter with the amazing pregnant bull sharks.
DIVEMEX, 77710 Playa del Carmen

Mama Viña (Wreck) (★4.6)

This is a wreck of a ferry-style sunken ship Mama Viña. The wreck itself is not very big and at a depth of 28m; giving us the perfect bottom time for a complete tour.
DIVEMEX, 77710 Playa del Carmen

Cenote Tajma Ha (★4.7)

The cenote Tajma Ha is very popular because of its beautiful halocline and its great light. During the dive you experience three very different cenotes, because you dive from Tajma Ha to Cenote Sugarbowl and from there to Cenote Esmeralda. All three give very different impressions.
DIVEMEX, 77710 Playa del Carmen

Jardines (★4.4)

A great site for beginning divers and snorkelers as this reef is shallow, clear, and has little to no current. One of the most beautiful dives in Playa del Carmen, Jardines reef offers many small caves and shelters for schools of fish to hide. Lots of reef life here to see.
Alexa T. (#4292545)

The Wall (★4.8)

A site of singular beauty, located between two reef crests, with large formations of stony corals, gorgonians, and sea fans, its main interest is the sighting of green turtles.
DeepSee Adventure, 77580 Puerto Morelos

Ojo de Agua (★4.8)

Ojo de Agua is a shore diving spot, here we can enjoy a cenote inside the sea that provides nutrients and hence the amount of fish that can be observed in this place both during the day and in its magnificent night dives.
Marina B. (#2598197)

Cenote Dos Ojos (★4.8)

Dos Ojos is one of, if not THE, most popular cenote in Mexico. Diving cenotes, in general, are for advanced and technical divers. This cenote has two different routes, hence the name Dos Ojos, or two eyes.
Kevin K. (#2898220)

Casa Cenote (★4.5)

Located near Tulum, Casa Cenote is one of the few cenotes that are open to beginning divers. It is also great for snorkelers due to its openness to the area around it, easy access, and clear waters. This cenote has clear emerald water and many fun caverns to explore.
TRIPPY DIVERS, 77580 Puerto Moreles

Barco Hundido - Wreck Cadete Juan Escutia C-56 (★4.9)

Did you know that this ship served the US NAVY in the Atlantic during World War II? Welcome to the Juan Escutia C-56 wreck! Sunk in 2000 in the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park. This wreck lies at 27 meters / 90 feet on a white seabed.
Buceando Mahahual, 77976 Mahahual

Acuario (★4.6)

Shallow easy reef dive site. Maximum depth 13m. Mixture of sandy areas and reef. Ideal for Basic Diver and Open Water courses, also excellent training dive site with a large sandy area by the boat moooring line.
Action-Sport Erlangen, 91052 Erlangen

Cenote Tak Be Lum (★4.8)

Cenote with dripstones, Well accessible via stairs. Good entry - beware of silt out. Maximum 4 - 6m deep and partly very shallow. Must have good buoyancy.
DIVEMEX, 77710 Playa del Carmen

Cenote Chac Mool (★4.8)

Scuba diving in Cenote Chac Mool offers a mesmerizing experience, combining crystal-clear waters, stunning light effects, and intricate limestone formations
DIVEMEX, 77710 Playa del Carmen

Cenote Kukulkan (★4.7)

Cenote Kukulkan is the perfect cenote for the first time. A very beautiful and large light-filled area. Here you will see a beautiful light laser show in perfect weather.
Nancy D. (#2249045)

Cerebros (★4.3)

The coral formations of this site are certainly true to its name (Cerrebros, meaning brains in Spanish). Brains and mountain-style corals decorate your entire dive, and with a quantity and variety of marine ife that you will always want to repeat diving here!
DeepSee Adventure, 77580 Puerto Morelos

J-3 (★4.7)

J-3 It is a diving point located just 5 minutes away by boat, 9m deep, here we can appreciate a blanket of white sand with a large wall of corals.

Diving in Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo, a diver's paradise on Mexico's Caribbean coast, offers a diverse range of underwater experiences. Among the top dive sites is the MUSA Underwater Museum, where art and marine life converge, creating a unique diving experience. The vibrant coral reefs of Cozumel are a must-visit, renowned for their rich biodiversity and crystal-clear waters, making them ideal for both shore and liveaboard diving. For wreck enthusiasts, the C-56 Minesweeper near Puerto Morelos provides an exciting exploration opportunity, teeming with marine life. Night dives in the region reveal fascinating behaviors, such as the bioluminescent displays of plankton. Quintana Roo's dive sites cater to all preferences, offering a perfect balance between accessible shore dives and the adventure of liveaboard trips, ensuring unforgettable underwater adventures for every diver.

The best Months to dive in Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo offers excellent diving conditions year-round, making it a popular destination for divers. The region's water temperatures range from 25°C/78°F in the winter months to around 29°C/84°F in the summer, providing comfortable conditions for diving throughout the year. Visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 30 meters/100 feet, especially during the dry season from November to April.

While diving is possible all year, the rainy season from May to October can bring stronger currents and reduced visibility due to increased sediment in the water. Additionally, the region can experience tropical storms or hurricanes, particularly from June to November, which may temporarily affect diving conditions. Despite these factors, Quintana Roo remains a prime location for divers, with many sites accessible regardless of the season.

Statistics

Dive Activity

Top Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
14k Sightings
J
1.5k
F
1.2k
M
1.2k
A
1k
M
983
J
1k
J
1.2k
A
997
S
697
O
986
N
1.4k
D
1.4k
iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
13k Sightings
J
1.1k
F
1.1k
M
1.4k
A
1.1k
M
1.1k
J
1.3k
J
1.3k
A
1.1k
S
714
O
957
N
1.1k
D
1.2k
iStock/Juliosanjuan

Eagle Ray
8.1k Sightings
J
1.4k
F
1.3k
M
1.3k
A
609
M
285
J
196
J
292
A
239
S
192
O
234
N
742
D
1.3k
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins

Hawksbill Turtle
5.9k Sightings
J
431
F
502
M
621
A
456
M
503
J
508
J
656
A
477
S
324
O
481
N
493
D
416
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
5.2k Sightings
J
464
F
391
M
570
A
361
M
455
J
459
J
537
A
413
S
251
O
403
N
437
D
472
iStock-ShaneGross

Loggerhead Turtle
5k Sightings
J
373
F
287
M
561
A
490
M
576
J
541
J
534
A
382
S
241
O
314
N
370
D
332
iStock/HakBak1979

Bull Shark
2.3k Sightings
J
466
F
325
M
129
A
15
M
1
J
4
J
2
A
12
S
11
O
43
N
673
D
645
iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
2.3k Sightings
J
183
F
176
M
273
A
134
M
157
J
217
J
171
A
262
S
104
O
148
N
228
D
221
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl

Octopus
1.8k Sightings
J
208
F
139
M
226
A
116
M
141
J
114
J
180
A
118
S
75
O
160
N
158
D
150
iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
18k Sightings
J
1.8k
F
1.7k
M
1.8k
A
1.3k
M
1.3k
J
1.4k
J
1.7k
A
1.5k
S
989
O
1.2k
N
1.9k
D
2k

Dive Centers Show on map

BE DIVING COZUMEL

AVENIDA 20 ENTRE 3 UR Y ROSADO SALAS, 77600 SAN MIGUEL DE COZUMEL, QR - MEX

Dive with Purpose Cozumel

Marina FONATUR Carretera Costera Sur Km 6.5, 77675 Cozumel, QR - MEX

Albatross Diving

Calle 3 Sur #300 Local 1, 77600 Cozumel, QR - MEX

Mahahual Dive Centre, Mahahual Expediciones S.A. de C.V.

Malecon entre calle Atun y Almeja Mza.22 Lote 2, 77976 Mahahual, QR - MEX

Scuba Tony

Calle15 con Esquina 5 ave Sur Bis# 151, 77664 Cozumel, QR - MEX

Blue Angel

Carretera Costera Sur km 2.2, 77600 Cozumel, QR - MEX

Trippy DIvers

Calle Jose Maria Morelos 510 (entre 25y30), 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, QR - MEX

CARIBE PARADISE DIVERS

CARRETERA COSTERA SUR KM 9.5 INTERIOR PARQUE CHANKANAAB LOCAL 2, 77600 Cozumel, QR - MEX

Dive Galaxsea Cozumel

Fonatur Marina, 77660 Cozumel, QR - MEX

Agua Clara diving

Hotel Azura , Avenida Satelite Entre ,Calle Segunda Poniente y Centauro Nte Tulum Cent, 77760 Tulum, QR - MEX

Humarine

Avenida 65 940, 77620 San Miguel de Cozumel, QR - MEX

ProRec Tulum

Av Satelite Norte, Mza 67 lte 5, Centro, 77780 Tulum, QR - MEX

Buceando Mahahual, Moisés Machado Sánchez

Av. Mahahual S/N Pargo Y Rubia, 77976 Mahahual, QR - MEX

Doctor Dive

Avenida Mahahual manzana 12 lote 2 local 1, 77976 Mahahual, QR - MEX

Nirvana Dive Shop

Av .10 No 172 Centro, 77600 Cozumel, QR - MEX

Underworld Tulum

Mz 526 Lt 01 Calle Rio Angostura, 77760 Tulum, QR - MEX

Medusas Dive

Av 20 numero 99 local 4, 77600 Cozumel, QR - MEX

Jump Cozumel

Marina Fonatur, 77600 Cozumel, QR - MEX

ACTUNPRO

Km. 244.5 Carr. Federal 307, 77780 Tulum, QR - MEX

Scuba Mau, Mau And John Scuba SA de CV

Marina Caleta ,Carretera Costera Sur KM 4.5, 77600 Cozumel, QR - MEX

Papa Hogs Scuba Emporium

285 Costera Sur, 77600 Cozumel, QR - MEX

MAR ADENTRO DIVING

Malecón de Mahahual S/N Blue Kay, 77976 Mahahual, QR - MEX

Get Wet Dive Shop

Andromeda Ote Mz 6, Lt. 9A, 77760 Tulum, QR - MEX

Scubaquatic Mexico SA de CV

Carretera Chetumal-Benito Juarez Km.250, 77776 Tulum, QR - MEX

ALUX DIVERS

Malecon Esquina Calle Rubia, 77976 Mahahual, QR - MEX

Bluedream Cozumel

Carr. a San Juan KM 4 Zona Hotelera Azul, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, QR - MEX

Salty Endeavors

65 Avenue Entre 21 y 23, 77600 Cozumel, QR - MEX

Scuba Tulum

Calle 16 Sur MZ 744, 77760 Tulum, QR - MEX

KOOX ADVENTURE CENTER, BAR LAS MULATAS S.A DE C.V.

Av. tulum sm2 local 4 colonia centro, 77760 Tulum, QR - MEX

Chili Charters

Marina Norte Puerto de Abrigo (Banco Playa), 77640 COZUMEL, QR - MEX

ALMA LIBRE DIVE CENTER

105AV. esquina Calle 1 Sur Bis, 77645 Cozumel, QR - MEX

HAMMER HEAD DIVING & SNORKELING

D’ MARIA LOCAL 5 CARRETERA COSTERA SUR, Km 3.2 ZONA HOTELERA SUR, 77675 Cozumel, QR - MEX

Pelagic Ventures Scuba, Pelagic Ventures

Carretera Costera Sur Km 6.5, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, QR - MEX

AGUA CLARA DIVING

Carretera Tulum Boca paila Km 4.5, 77600 Tulum, QR - MEX

Julio Kinscuba

CARRETTERA CHANKANAAB KM 3.5, ZH SUR, 77600 Cozumel, QR - MEX

ICONIC DIVES COZUMEL

MARINA FONATUR, 77675 COZUMEL, QR - MEX

Deep Blue

Adofo Rosado Salas #200, 77600 Cozumel, QR - MEX

DIMI SCUBA TOURS

75 AV. L.11 ENTRE MORELOS Y PRIVADA MORELOS, 77642 COZUMEL, QR - MEX

Windward Adventures

20 Ave .Sur entre 7y11 Centro, 77600 Cozumel, QR - MEX

Diving Tulum

Andromeda Oriente Beta Sur y Osiris Sur, Tulum, QR - MEX