{"id":908,"date":"2019-11-01T14:11:19","date_gmt":"2019-11-01T14:11:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/?p=908"},"modified":"2024-01-26T14:45:40","modified_gmt":"2024-01-26T14:45:40","slug":"places-to-scuba-dive-in-mexico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/places-to-scuba-dive-in-mexico\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Places to Scuba Dive in Mexico for One-of-a-Kind Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Mexico is a paradise for those who want to experience the tropical beauty without heading to Asia. Also, this country south <a href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/best-places-to-scuba-dive-in-the-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">of US<\/a> is home to a diverse marine life, stunning beaches, and irresistible dive sites. You\u2019ll never run out of places to scuba dive in Mexico, regardless if you\u2019re a beginner or an experienced diver. So for this post, we listed 10 of the best spots where you can take the plunge in Mexico.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #5b5b5b;color:#5b5b5b\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #5b5b5b;color:#5b5b5b\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/places-to-scuba-dive-in-mexico\/#1_Isla_Mujeres\" title=\"1. Isla Mujeres\">1. Isla Mujeres<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/places-to-scuba-dive-in-mexico\/#2_Socorro_Island\" title=\"2. Socorro Island\">2. Socorro Island<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/places-to-scuba-dive-in-mexico\/#3_San_Carlos\" title=\"3. San Carlos\">3. San Carlos<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/places-to-scuba-dive-in-mexico\/#4_Playa_Del_Carmen\" title=\"4. Playa Del Carmen\">4. Playa Del Carmen<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/places-to-scuba-dive-in-mexico\/#5_Cenote_Dos_Ojos_Yucatan\" title=\"5. Cenote Dos Ojos, Yucatan\">5. Cenote Dos Ojos, Yucatan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/places-to-scuba-dive-in-mexico\/#6_Isla_Guadalupe\" title=\"6. Isla Guadalupe \">6. Isla Guadalupe <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/places-to-scuba-dive-in-mexico\/#7_Manchones_Reef_Cancun\" title=\"7. Manchones Reef, Cancun\">7. Manchones Reef, Cancun<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/places-to-scuba-dive-in-mexico\/#8_Los_Cabos\" title=\"8. Los Cabos\">8. Los Cabos<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/places-to-scuba-dive-in-mexico\/#9_Palancar_Reef_Cozumel\" title=\"9. Palancar Reef, Cozumel\">9. Palancar Reef, Cozumel<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/places-to-scuba-dive-in-mexico\/#10_Banco_Chinchorro\" title=\"10. Banco Chinchorro \">10. Banco Chinchorro <\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/places-to-scuba-dive-in-mexico\/#Final_word\" title=\"Final word  \">Final word  <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Isla_Mujeres\"><\/span><strong>1. Isla Mujeres<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/isla-mujeres-1024x768.png\" alt=\"places to scuba dive in Mexico\" class=\"wp-image-921\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/isla-mujeres-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/isla-mujeres-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/isla-mujeres-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/isla-mujeres.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Topping our list of scuba diving places in Mexico is the stunning Isla Mujeres. It\u2019s home to famous whale shark expeditions as well as breathtaking wrecks and corals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Isla Mujeres is\nlocated off the shores of Cancun, but you can reach it via Puerto Juarez on a\n20-minute ferry ride. Every June to September, the island attracts hundreds of\nwhale sharks, which also magnetizes divers all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s a lot to see on the island, but the real show happens underwater. Make sure that you take an open dive at the MUSA or <a href=\"https:\/\/musamexico.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Museo Subacu\u00e1tico de Arte<\/a> (Underwater Museum of Art). It\u2019s an underwater museum surrounding the islands of Mujeres and Cancun. The museum has over 500 life-sized sculptures, including a VW Beetle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The MUSA was created\nto encourage coral life as well as to build a home for angelfish and other\nmarine life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aside from this, you\ncan also join a guided dive to Punta Negra, about 23 minutes off the coast of\nthe island. Here, you\u2019ll get to see stingrays, reef sharks, and eagle rays.\nBanderas, Puentes Y Pailas, Punta Sur, and Cuevas de Afuera also offer\nspectacular underwater scenery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Socorro_Island\"><\/span><strong>2. Socorro Island<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/socorro-island-1024x427.jpg\" alt=\"places to scuba dive in Mexico\" class=\"wp-image-920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/socorro-island-1024x427.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/socorro-island-300x125.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/socorro-island-768x320.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/socorro-island.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>On the other side of\nthe country is the Socorro Island, about 733 kilometers from the shores of\nColima. Socorro Island is also known as part of the Revillagigedo Group of\nIslands. Take note that this is a remote island and it will take about 24 hours\nto reach it from the mainland through a liveaboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, Socorro\nIsland isn\u2019t for novice divers. It has strong currents and unpredictable\nunderwater conditions. But if you\u2019re skilled enough to brave its waters, the\nSocorro Island is one for the diving books. The Punta Tosca diving site is home\nto humpback whales, where you\u2019ll get to see several during your dive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you find it\nintimidating to swim along with these giants, you can head to Cabo Pierce,\nwhere dolphins approach divers for a few minutes. You can also witness a school\nof hammerhead sharks swim on the waters of Roca O\u2019Neal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who are\nplanning to dive into Socorro Island, it\u2019s best to visit from November to May.\nNumerous liveaboards are sailing toward the island since these months are the\ncalmest season. You can also chance upon several manta rays. However, you\nshould know these months are also peak season in Mexico\u2019s tourism so that\nprices may increase drastically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_San_Carlos\"><\/span><strong>3. San Carlos<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/san-carlos-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-919\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/san-carlos-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/san-carlos-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/san-carlos-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Known for its shallow\nbays and warm water, San Carlos is beachfront subdivision frequented by divers.\nIt\u2019s where you\u2019ll get to see large pelagic species as well as sea lions,\nwhales, hammerheads, and more. It graces the shoreline of the Gulf of\nCalifornia and the northern Sea of Cortez.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best time to dive\nhere is from August to November. At this period, the water is at its warmest at\n80F. It\u2019s also the time when hammerheads are sighted in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you really want to\nsee the big guys of the sea, the best time to dive is from December to March.\nHowever, the weather here is colder, but it\u2019s worth the sacrifice as grey\nwhales, humpback whales, sperm whales, octopuses, and banded guitarfish will\nshow up for divers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For beginners, the reefs of San Carlos are the safest spots. But for those who have the skills, it\u2019s best to head out to Isla San Pedro by riding a boat for 1.5 hours from the San Carlos Marina. On the island, about 400 sea lions can be seen. For those who are fond of seahorses, the San Antonio Point is one of the best places in Mexico to scuba dive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Playa_Del_Carmen\"><\/span><strong>4. Playa Del Carmen<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/playa-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-922\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/playa-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/playa-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/playa-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/playa.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Playa Del Carmen is\nalso a diving point for the MUSA, but it\u2019s more popular for Bull Shark dives.\nEach year, large sharks frequent the shallows in the process of migration. As\nmuch as this is a thrilling journey, it\u2019s not ideal for novice divers.\nMeanwhile, technical divers can try cenote diving or open sea diving. If this\nisn\u2019t your choice of dive, there&#8217;s a lot to see in Playa Del Carmen all year\nround.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s never a bad\ntime to dive in Playa Del Carmen. This is the reason why the place is teeming\nwith divers who want to see pelagic species or those who want to mingle with\nsharks close up. But if you want to avoid the crowd, it\u2019s best to book a dive\nbetween May and November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All year long, the\ntemperatures in Playa Del Carmen remain steady at 77 to 82F. It offers a more\npredictable environment for divers as well as visitors who want to see diverse\nmarine life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, there are\naround 20 dive sites in Playa Del Carmen. You can take a dive on Pared Verde,\noff the coast of the Carmen Beach for a spectacular reed system. Also, you can\nvisit the Mama Vina wreck, which is just a 20-minute boat ride. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Cenote_Dos_Ojos_Yucatan\"><\/span><strong>5. Cenote Dos Ojos, Yucatan<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dos-ojos-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-918\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dos-ojos-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dos-ojos-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dos-ojos-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/dos-ojos.jpg 1100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Cenotes refer to the\nancient sinkholes than can be found on the waters of the Yucatan Peninsula.\nIt\u2019s famous among tech divers as it has been home to many rarely seen marine\nlife. Over the years, cenote diving has been referred to as cave diving, so\nanyone with basic certification can take a plunge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who are\nlooking for the best cenote dive, head straight to the Cenote Dos Ojos. These\nare two cenotes connected through a large cavern system. It has stalactites and\nmassive pillars that will put every diver in awe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you can go deeper\nand farther, you can reach the Pet Cemetery. It\u2019s a 20-minute dive from the\nentrance of Dos Ojos where you\u2019ll see skeletons of animals. One of the must-see\nremains here is the fossilized skeleton of a prehistoric camel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, novice owners\naren\u2019t advised to take this dive. The trail to the Pet Cemetery is rough and\nrequires excellent buoyancy control. Although the current may not be strong,\nyou should never damage the fragile formations underwater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who are\nplanning to dive into Dos Ojos, the best time to visit is between May and\nSeptember. These months offer better lighting, especially for underwater\nphotography. Anyway, there\u2019s no bad time to dive on Dos Ojos as the water temperature\nonly cools minimally during the winter season.&nbsp;\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Isla_Guadalupe\"><\/span><strong>6. Isla Guadalupe <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"686\" src=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/isla-guadalupe-1024x686.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-917\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/isla-guadalupe-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/isla-guadalupe-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/isla-guadalupe-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/isla-guadalupe.jpg 1180w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for the ultimate white shark dive experience, Isla Guadalupe is one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/10-cheapest-places-to-scuba-dive\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cheaper places for scuba diving<\/a> in Mexico. It\u2019s 150 miles off the shores of the Baja Peninsula, with a meager population of roughly 170 individuals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, Isla\nGuadalupe is considered one of the four best cage dive spots in the world next\nto California, Australia, and South Africa. However, you should book the right\ndive as some operators won\u2019t lower their cages for a scuba experience. If you\nwant the best encounter with the great white sharks, look for operators that\nallow the divers to float half-way outside the cage. Even non-certified divers\ncan join this journey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take note that only\nliveaboards make the pilgrimage toward this island. Also, visits are only\navailable from August to October. Outside of these months, it\u2019s impossible to\nreach the island.&nbsp; Also, for your own\nsafety, you should remember that it\u2019s illegal to bait the sharks on the island.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re planning to\ngo to the island, take note the trip on liveaboards will take 18 hours. There\u2019s\nalso poor reception in the area, so communication is really challenging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Manchones_Reef_Cancun\"><\/span><strong>7. Manchones Reef, Cancun<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"686\" height=\"418\" src=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cancun.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-916\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cancun.png 686w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cancun-300x183.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 686px) 100vw, 686px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Cancun is probably one of the most popular destinations in Mexico. It\u2019s home to the azure waters of the Gulf Coast as well as near-perfect weather. Tourists also go here to experience the white sand beaches that adorn the shores of this city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, you can dive\nin Cancun to reach the famed MUSA where the sculptures of Jason deCaires Taylor\nrest underwater. Aside from this man-made art, you can also see colorful\nsponges, brain corals, and staghorn corals all over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aside from that, you\nkeep a hawk-eye as the waters of Cancun are also attractive to hawksbill\nturtles and whale sharks. Another highlight here is the Manchones Reef located\nbetween Isla Mujeres and the shores of Cancun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What divers really\nlove about diving in Cancun is its bathtub-warm water with temperatures ranging\nfrom 78F to 80F. During summer months, the underwater temperature warms mildly\nat a maximum of 84F. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For divers, the\nvisibility is quite impressive around Cancun. You can expect anything between\n50 to 100 feet, but you can chance upon 200 feet of visibility near Cozumel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re planning to\nvisit Cancun and for a dive, book your trip between December and April as these\nmonths have better visibility and good weather. It\u2019s excellent for beginners to\nprofessional divers, even for honeymooners and family vacations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Los_Cabos\"><\/span><strong>8. Los Cabos<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/los-cabos-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"places to scuba dive in Mexico\" class=\"wp-image-915\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/los-cabos-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/los-cabos-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/los-cabos-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/los-cabos-800x500.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/los-cabos.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Los Cabos is a\nseamount located 5 miles off the shores of San Jose del Cabo. The top is as\nlarge as two football fields, which allows divers and marine life to explore. A\n30-minute boat ride will take you to the mouth of the Sea of Cortez, where multiple\ndive sites await.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the top places in Mexico for scuba diving is the Gordo Banks. From June to November, schooling of fishes happens under its waters. Here, you can see whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, and other pelagic species sailing across the underworld. If you\u2019re lucky, you can chance upon some dolphins and manta rays. The most common here are large schools of mackerels and bait fishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the Gordo\nBanks aren\u2019t for novice divers. It has strong currents and depths are at an\naverage of 110 to 130 feet. Also, visibility runs between 25 to 100 feet,\ndepending on the weather. If you still want to try, the Gordo Banks is\naccessible through the Marina Puerto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who are\nlooking for a more tranquil environment, you can dive at the Pelican Rock. It\ntends to be busy during peak months as snorkelers, kayakers, paddleboards, and\ndivers flock here for the sheltered weather. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Chileno Bay is\nalso an interesting dive for those who to stay within shallow depths. It runs\nbetween 8 to 18 meters, where you can see rocky bolders where reef sharks hide.\nIt\u2019s also typical to spot Mobula rays, eagle rays, and sea turtles here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Palancar_Reef_Cozumel\"><\/span><strong>9. Palancar Reef, Cozumel<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cozumel-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"places to scuba dive in Mexico\" class=\"wp-image-914\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cozumel-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cozumel-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cozumel-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cozumel.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The island of Cozumel\nis a popular vacation spot in Mexico with its white-sand beaches, blue waters, and\namazing underwater scenery. It\u2019s a sunny island that you reach via an airplane\nride from Cancun Airport to the Cozumel International Airport. Anyway, you can\nhop into a ferry if you want a more budget-friendly trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Divers of all levels\nwill enjoy a plunge at the Palancar Reef, also known as the Palancar Garden.\nIt\u2019s a strip reef that\u2019s about 20 meters wide and surrounded by caverns and\nfissures. You can spot butterflyfish, yellow head wrasse, damselfish, and more\nduring your dive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For technical divers,\nthe Punta Sur Reef isn\u2019t one to miss. It has fascinating deep wall cavern\nsystems with coral tunnels. At about 27 meters deep, you\u2019ll see a bustling\nmarine life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take note that Cozumel is also known for its strong currents, which makes it perfect for drift dives or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/what-is-drift-snorkeling\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2926\">drift snorkeling<\/a>. It\u2019s also home to a myriad of pelagic species, bull sharks, and green turtles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And like most dive\nspots in Mexico, there\u2019s no bad time to dive in Cozumel. December to April is\nthe peak season and you have to book ahead as the island is popular among\ntourists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Banco_Chinchorro\"><\/span><strong>10. Banco Chinchorro <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/banco-chinchorro-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"places to scuba dive in Mexico\" class=\"wp-image-913\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/banco-chinchorro-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/banco-chinchorro-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/banco-chinchorro-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/banco-chinchorro.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Banco Chinchorro is an\natoll reef off the coast of Quintana Roo, north of Belize. It\u2019s also the\nlargest reef atoll in the northern hemisphere with over 300 square miles of a\nbiosphere reserve. To reach Banco Chinchorro, you have to ride a speedboat for\n30 minutes to about an hour from a mainland marina. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This place is a\nfavorite among drift divers, especially at the west side of the atoll, where\neagle rays and colorful fishes can be found. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, Banco\nChinchorro is famous for its Aquarium I and Aquarium II. These spots are\nbrimming with black coral, brain coral, and large barrels of sponges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s possible to dive\nhere all year round, but you should still check the weather forecast as several\nhurricanes can pass through or within the banks. But if the sky is clear, Banco\nChinchorro has a sultry, summer-like feel. The temperature only cools slightly,\nso it\u2019s always manageable to dive in any spot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who are\ndrift diving, the west side of the bank is the best option. Novice divers can\ntry the Dos Primas and its inner reef. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wreck diving is\npossible on the east side, but take note that the current here is strong and\nsurges may take place. It\u2019s the same reason why boats sunk in this place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take note that the Banco\nChinchorro is uninhabited, but you can still find some stilt houses that\nfisherfolks use. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_word\"><\/span><strong>Final word <\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">These 10 places to scuba dive in Mexico offer a one-of-a-kind underwater experience. From novice to technical divers, there\u2019s always a great spot in Mexico where you can explore the underworld. What do you think of these places? Where do you plan to go next?<\/p>\n<style>\r\n\r\n        .lwrp.link-whisper-related-posts{\r\n            \r\n            margin-top: 40px;\nmargin-bottom: 0px;\nmargin-left: 0px;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-title{\r\n            color: #07000f;\r\n            \r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-description{\r\n            \r\n            \r\n\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-container{\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container{\r\n            display: flex;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-double{\r\n            width: 48%;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-triple{\r\n            width: 32%;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container{\r\n            display: flex;\r\n            justify-content: space-between;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container .lwrp-list-item{\r\n            width: calc(20% - 20px);\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item:not(.lwrp-no-posts-message-item){\r\n            \r\n        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