Cancun and the Cenotes
Why
Mexico is known to be of the most interesting,
diverse, and colorful destinations for divers.
Mexico, located between two oceans and two continents, has lately become
a popular destination for divers from all over the world. The east Caribbean
coast and the west Atlantic coast each are home to different forms of marine
life and offer special and attractive experiences.
The Yucatan peninsula, situated between the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico
in Playa Del Carmen, it a renowned home for sea turtles. The town is opposite
Cozumel Island, and not far from Cancun town, where you can enjoy diving in
the Mexican Caribbean. In Cancun there are a few shipwrecks, you can dive with
bull sharks, waters have superb visibility conditions and amazing night dives. You
can also dive off the island of Isla Mujeres, located in the northern part of the peninsula,
which is particularly beautiful and a place where you can observe whale sharks during
the summer months.
The Cenotes Caves
One of the most famous and impressive cave sites in the world!
Just below the Yucatan peninsula are fresh water caves and stalactites
that spread over hundreds of kilometers. Some of the stalactites have
fallen, revealing sinkholes, allowing you to dive into this breathtaking
'jungle' with unique and rare landscapes much different to those you will
experience in conventional dive sites.
When
The climate in Mexico changes according it's geographic location and heights offering
both a tropical and desert climate. The low lands near the shore, especially the south,
are warm and humid. The hottest season, also the rainy season is between May to
October, and the southern coast is hot and very humid between July to September.
Mexico is an all year round destination and each season is suitable for visiting different areas.
The East Caribbean has pleasant weather and water temperatures, making the Mexican
Caribbean suitable for diving vacations all year round. Water visibility is good, however
the best months for diving are during August and September. The busiest season is betwee
n December and March, and diving sites are packed with divers from all over the world.
The Cenotes caves are suitable for diving throughout the year, maintain comfortable water
temperatures and complete clarity. Between May and September, the light effects the caves,
offering breathtaking and unforgettable vistas.
How
There are two main ways to enjoy a diving vacation in Mexico.
A resort vacation on the east coast, or a liveaboard diving vacation on the west
coast where you can encounter some of the world's most impressive animals.
A resort vacation in Mexico is perfect, diverse, and combines sea and fresh water
dives, great history, interesting people and fantastic beaches. You can enjoy diving
in the day and go out with your companions in the evening.
כללי על היעד
אופי הצלילות
מה רואים
Dive Sites in Cancun
Cancún Underwater Museum (MUSA)
A huge underwater sculpture garden that opened in 2013 with more than 500
statues of people, animals, vehicles etc. lying on the seabed. Each statue with
its own story. They were especially sculpted to create an artificial reef and are
classed as home to a variety of marine creatures, corals, reef fish and more.
Level: Suitable for all levels of diver.
Depth: 9 m.
C58 Anaya Shipwreck
One of Cancun's most popular sites! A World War II American warship used to
expose and extract mines, that later served the Mexican army. The ship was
deliberately sunk in 2007 to create an artificial reef. Later a hurricane broke the
ship in half. The 56-meter long ship, lies on the seabed at a depth of 24 meters
and is surrounded by large schools of barracudas, groupers, manta rays and more.
During winter, huge schools of migrating stingrays can be spotted here.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers.
Depth: maximum 30 m.
C55 Barrera Shipwreck
North of the C58 shipwreck lies the C55 American warship, with a rich history of
battles from World War II that also served the Mexican army. In the year of 2000,
it was decided to deliberately sink the ship to create an artificial reef. The 56-meter
long ship, lies on the seabed at a depth of 26 meters and is home to a vibrant variety
of marine life including soft and hard corals, reef sharks and more. During winter,
huge schools of migrating stingrays can be spotted here.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers.
Depth: maximum 30 m.
Diving sites in Isla Mujeres
Manchones Reef
One of the most beautiful and colorful sites in this region. A spectacular reef
with a variety of species of corals, turtles, eagle rays, morey eels, reef fish, pods
of dolphin and more. On this site you can see the Cruz de la Bahia, a huge statue
of a cross that was placed here in 1997.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels and very suitable for snorkeling.
Depth: 9-12 m
Bandera Reef
A popular and spectacular drift dive located above a beautiful and colorful reef.
The reef is covered with corals, mainly hard, among them live thousands of
species of reef fish, lobsters, crabs, morey eels, schools of barracuda and more.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels.
Depth: maximum 12 m.
Atlantis Reef
A magnificent and relaxing dive along a colorful and shallow reef with a variety of
species of coral. Here you can watch reef sharks, schools of barracuda, turtles and more.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels and very suitable for snorkeling.
Depth: maximum 10 m
Dive Sites in Cozumel
Here you can observe the variety of marine life that the Caribbean offers.
An area renowned for its rich and healthy coral reefs and a great dive and
snorkeling site to see diverse and spectacular types of hard and soft corals,
with lots of marine creatures living among them.
Paradise Reef
Three magnificent reefs that can be reached by boat or from the beach. All three reefs
are abundant in flora and fauna, soft and hard coral species and thousands of reef fish
in all colors and sizes. Here you can also observe crabs, lobsters, huge morey eels, and
the rare, endemic Splendid Toad Fish which are especially found in this area.
These reefs are fantastic for night diving.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels and very suitable for snorkeling.
Depth: maximum 14 m.
Palancar Gardens
A shallow and popular dive with a beautiful reef found on the top of a vertical wall that
descends into the depths. The reef has a spectacular growth of masses of species of corals.
Locals claim that even 30 dives are not enough to see the entire range of life at this site!!
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels and very suitable for snorkeling.
Depth: 12-22 m.
Chancanab Reef
A spectacular reef at a depth of 16 m with many species of corals and reef fish. This is a
superb site for night dives. South of the reef, there is a site called Balones of Chancanab-
where there are balloon shaped coral structures, among them, masses of lobsters and crabs.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels and very suitable for snorkeling.
Depth: maximum 20 m.
Punta Sur
This site is considered Cozumel's best dive site! The reef structure is unique
and intriguing with huge caves, tunnels and walls with a huge variety of corals,
especially sponge corals. A fun to swim around, dive and explore. At 24 m there
is an entrance to a cave called "The Devil's Throat" (entry is only permitted for
those with appropriate certification and training). Here you can see turtles, eagle
rays, stingrays and even Nurse sharks.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers only.
Depth: 18-35 m.
Dive Sites in Playa Del Carmen
Pared Verde
A drift dive along an impressive wall covered in different types of corals including
fan and sponge corals which are home to a variety of macro marine creatures, reef
fish, morey eels, turtles, eagle rays, large schools of pelagic fish and more. Along
the wall are "rivers" of sand that seemingly divide it.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers.
Depth: 20-30 m.
Moc Che- Bull Shark Point
A drift dive alongside a magnificent vertical wall where you can see a huge variety
of corals, lobsters and more. The shallow part of the site (7-14 m), protected from
the current, has a beautiful reef full of small, colorful coral structures. November to
March are the best months to experience an exciting dive and observe bull sharks,
mainly in the morning. Every year sharks reach this specific area to breed.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers.
Depth: maximum 30 m.
Barracuda Reef & Sabalos
A wonderful drift dive from south to north over a reef with an interesting topographical
structure of craters, caves and crevices that are fun to explore. Between the reef corals
live masses of fish and a huge number of barracuda fish, hence the name of the site!
During this dive you can also explore Sabilos Reef, located just north of Barracuda Reef.
This reef is covered with and impressive variety of soft and hard corals and large schools
of pelagic fish including snappers.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers - there may be strong currents.
Depth: 6-14 m.
Cenotes Caves Dive Sites
One of the world's most famous and impressive cave and cavern dive sites, named by
the Maya tribe, the sites name means "Holy Prophet". Located just below the Yucatan
Peninsula, this site has hundreds of kilometers of fresh water caves and stalactites (the
largest in the world!). Some of them have fallen to expose sinkholes that you can dive in.
These fresh waters offer infinite visibility. These are amazing dives that offer a fantastic
opportunity to enter some of the caves via the surrounding wild jungles, however diving
here requires experience and safe diving is a must. The amount of caves is huge and they
can be easily explored due to the fantastic visibility conditions. Read on to learn more
about the most beautiful sites to be found here!
Dos Ojos
A Spanish phrase meaning "Two Eyes " is the name of two huge caves that look like
two eyes, where the waters are unbelievably clear! The entrance is at a site called
Barbie Line. A calm and relaxing dive where you can easily explore these enchanting
caves! As the sun rises, the rays penetrate the caves creating a wonderful game of light
and shade. Many nature films and documentaries have been filmed here.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels and very suitable for snorkeling.
Depth: Maximum 10 m
Next to this site there is a darker cave called Batcave, located above the water surface,
where many bats live. This dive site requires experience and good buoyancy control.
Pet Cemetery
A cave with a wide opening. The entrance is close to Dos Ojos, and
the site is named after the many bones and fossils of animals that can
be seen here. The cave is decorated with stalactites and pinnacles.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels and very suitable for snorkeling.
Depth: 3 - 10 m
El Pit
The entrance to this site is via a wild jungle. The dive begins in a narrow space
that requires precise buoyancy control. During early morning dives, the sunrays
penetrate the cave in a very special way, the depth of the cave is 120 m.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers only.
Depth: maximum 35 m.
Angelita
A huge, enchanting cave that reaches a depth of over 60 m. here you can
visualize a fantastic phenomenon of an Hydrogen sulfide layer that
resembles a huge cloud hovering between the fresh water and the seawater.
Level: suitable for advanced divers only.
Depth: maximum 30 m.
Diving in Tulum
Tulum's coastline is decorated with rich and beautiful coral reefs.
Canyones
A spectacular reef abundant in corals and pinnacles that serve as eating
stations, for the many species of fish that swim here. The site can be divided
into three dives: shallow dives (up to 14 m) north and south, and a deep dive
with a large, impressive canyon where you can spot turtles.
Level: Suitable for all diving levels. The shallow parts are also suitable for snorkeling.
Depth: maximum 30 m.
International Time Zone
GMT -6 hours.
Entry Visas
For most nationalities, immigration authorities grant 90 day visas on entering
the country, and the authority to grant this visa is at the sole discretion of these
authorities. A valid passport is required for a period of at least six months and
a return flight ticket. Visas are issued at airports and land border crossings.
Ensure to keep the visa inside your passport in order to show on your departure
from the country. On leaving Mexico, you must arrive at the airport 3 hours
before your flight. for more information please contact the nearest embassy
in your country.
Vaccines
There is no risk of malaria but it is recommended to take precautions against
mosquito bites. Renew routine vaccination if they have expired. It is
recommended to keep up to date with your Ministry of Health website.
Personal Documents
A passport with at least 6 months validity.
Travel and diving insurance - can be purchased on this site.
A credit card is accepted in most places, saving the need to carry excess cash.
Diving certificate, valid diving insurance and a diving logbook.
Photocopy of your passport, diving certificates and travel insurance.
Make sure to keep it in a separate file from the original documents.
Diving Equipment
It is recommended to bring your own equipment with which you are accustomed
to using, especially a mask and a dive computer. Scuba diving with a computer
is recommended. Check your diving equipment prior to your departure. Scuba
diving equipment rental must be booked in advance. Payment for the equipment
will be direct. Average water temperatures are 26C degrees, whilst water
temperatures in caves are approximately 22C degrees. We recommend you equip
yourself with a 5 mm wetsuit.
Photography
This is certainly a destination to document. Mexico dive sites and
landscapes are magnificent both above and below the surface! You
do not have to be an expert photographer in order to take spectacular
photos to capture some amazing, unique and unforgettable moments.
Diving packages are available for most kinds of cameras, for photography
above and under water.
Easy-to-use extreme cameras are also a popular and available choice.
Clothing
Diving to a tropical destination does not require you to bring to much clothing.
Light clothing for during the day between dives is recommended.
The dress code is casual and one or two buttoned shirts for the evening can be useful.
We recommend you bring swim suits and lycra clothing to wear on the beach and in the water.
Always recommended to pack a set of warm clothes, especially for the flights.
You can avoid bringing shoes and in most cases a pair of sport sandals is sufficient.
Towels and bed linen are provided by hotels.
Medication and First Aid
Pre-equip yourself with enough personal medication, the chance of obtaining
specific drugs is possible but is easier to bring from home. Pack a high factor
sunscreen to protect you from prolonged exposure to tropical weather and warm
light colored clothing is recommended to wear on the beach and whilst in the water.
Don't forget a hat and sunglasses!
Flights
You can choose to fly via the U.S.A. which usually entails requesting a visa, or
via Europe to Mexico City and an additional flight to Cancun. When you receive
your flight ticket, please ensure that your name is spelled exactly as in your passport!
You must arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for an international flight.
Whilst checking in, make sure that the label on your suitcase shows the final destination
of your trip. The number of bags and their weight should comply with airline restrictions
to avoid overweight charges.
Transportation, Arrival and Pick Up
Transportation from the airport to your hotel can be pre-booked or arranged on arrival.
Communication
The Yucatan peninsula is well connected and you can choose to purchase a
communications package from your country or purchase a local sim card.
If you can, the best option is to take the opportunity to totally disconnect,
concentrate on the beautiful scenery and enjoy the atmosphere!
Weather and Seasons
Mexico is located 20 degrees north of the equator, an area characterized by its stable
climate and pleasant sea conditions, however the area is exposed to climate changes
and hurricanes can be expected between June to November. The cold season
(approximately 23C degrees) is between December to April and the hot season is
between May to November. The peak season in Yucatan is between the months of
November to March. If you choose to visit during another period, you will find it
less crowded both in land and below sea!
Sea Conditions
Most of the activity takes place in pleasant and calm waters, but seas can
be high due to winds whilst sailing to the island, back to the mainland and
sailing to the various dive sites.
Some sites have currents that we will make the most of to dive in the direction
of the current or maintain our location by using a Reef Hook. Use an inflatable
buoy to mark your location until the dive boat arrives.
Underwater visibility is good and ranges between 18-30 meters. Ensure to keep
within eye contact distance with the group leader according to visibility conditions.
Electrical Supply
127 V. We recommend you bring a universal adapter to avoid problems.
There are also American style sockets.
Money
The local currency is Peso.
All tourist service providers accept dollars, credit cards, and the price lists are listed in dollars.
Local Taxes
Entrance tax is $27 per person, and must be paid on arrival. (can be changed)
Tips
The usual tips on these cruises are 10-15% of the cost of the cruise per person.
Emergency Numbers and Decompression Chamber
There are a number of innovative decompression chambers in Yucatan,
you should contact your nearest dive club or hospital if necessary.
Is this a suitable destination for non-divers?
The Yucatan peninsula, Cancun, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres are also suitable destinations
for non-divers. Waters are warm and pleasant and you can snorkel in most of the sites.
In Isla Mujeres there are shark and whale spotting cruises in the summer months, where
you can observe these wonderful creatures whilst swimming with just a mask and snorkel.
Do I need to be an experienced diver to dive in this destination?
Mexico is a fantastic destination for novice divers too. Sea conditions are comfortable,
water temperatures are pleasant and diving conditions, visibility, currents and access to
dive sites are optimal making this a perfect destination to choose. Diving in the Cenotes
Caves is suitable for all levers of divers and those who are not qualified to dive in tunnel
can enjoy spectacular dives near well light entrances to the caves and easily reach the
surface during any stage of the dive.
Do I Need Nitrox Certification?
During an intensive week of diving is highly recommended to use nitrox. Using the
dive computer in regular air mode whilst breathing nitrox increases safety ranges.
How can I maximize my trip?
Yucatan Peninsula offers a variety of attractions for divers and non-divers. A well
planned trip should combine diving in Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Cenotes Caves.
A visit to one of the Maya tribe cities and encountering their unique and ancient
culture is a must, as well as superb entertainment options, great food, shopping and
a great atmosphere.
Do I Need Medical Approval to Dive?
In principle, the requirement for medical approval is international with a medical
statement accepted by diving organizations. If the answers to all the questions in
your health declaration are negative, then there is no problem. If there are positive
answers, consult your diving doctor and get approval. If you are over 45, a medical
certificate is required.
Should I Purchase My Own Diving Equipment?
The answer to this question is according to the amount of dives. Naturally, when
planning a scuba diving trip, you can decide to purchase full or partial scuba equipment.
We recommend to purchase your own mask and personal dive computer.
We would be happy to be at your service and offer advice on purchasing equipment.
