Mexico

At one fifth the size of the United States, and boasting a population of 122 million, Mexico is an enormous country with plenty of coastline. Whether you favour the more rugged Pacific side, or prefer the Gulf of Mexico’s Caribbean flavour on the country’s eastern shores, scuba diving in Mexico offers endless opportunity for discovery. Virtually every corner of this tourist-friendly destination is easily reached through one of more than a hundred international airports, and although the capital of Mexico City is landlocked, many of the country’s major cities are conveniently located in the coastal regions.

Take advantage of unique opportunities to visit ancient Mayan and Aztec ruins, kayak amid the pink cliffs of Espiritu Santo, or witness millions of migratory monarch butterflies at the Reserva Mariposa. Land adventures are abundant in Mexico, and make for a great day or two out of the water. Jungle hiking, white water rafting, and pristine beach days can round out your vacation nicely, while providing great value for your dollar against the local peso.

Meanwhile, scuba diving packages in Mexico also offer something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned veteran, or are looking to drop by a local dive shop to get PADI-certified and try your hand at diving for the first time. Both shore diving and liveaboard options are yours for the asking throughout the country, and the climate is generally warm and sunny all year, with surface water temperatures averaging between 26 and 29^oC (79-84^oF). To get the most out of your diving vacation in Mexico, however, the country’s Caribbean shoreline is best explored between March and August, while August through February is the peak period for discovering everything the Pacific coast has to offer.

Cozumel

As one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world for all experience levels, every dive in Cozumel has the potential to become your next dream dive. This subtropical island is the largest in the Mexican Caribbean, located just 19 km (12 miles) off the Yucatan Peninsula, and only a short water-taxi ride from Cancun. Most of the snorkeling and scuba diving in Cozumel takes place in the easily accessed coral formations off its south-western coastline, particularly amongst the Palancar and Colombia Reefs. These shallow reefs, with their abundance [...] Learn More

Guadalupe Island

Guadalupe Island in Mexico is a scuba diver and adrenaline junkies dream when it comes to what lies beneath the surface. Those who travel to this island only have one reason in mind; to cage dive with Great White Sharks! Let the Nautilus carry you to the smaller island of Guadalupe, about 240 km (150 miles) off the northwestern coast of the Baja Peninsula. Giving both Australia and South Africa a run for their money as the contender for the top Great White encounter destination. [...] Learn More

Sea of Cortez

The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California is a long and narrow body of water that separates mainland Mexico from the Baja Peninsula. The diving in the Sea of Cortez and La Paz is all about sea lions, whale sharks, manta and Mobula rays, dolphins, huge schools of fish and fascinating underwater macro life. Narrow yet deep, it is home to a great variety of dive environments from open ocean pinnacles with heavy currents to protected coral reefs. There’s something for every level of diver here. [...] Learn More

Socorro

For those divers looking for something a little more exotic and exciting, a liveaboard like the Nautilus Explorer can take you from Cabo San Lucas to the remote island of Socorro, one of a chain of volcanic islands about 400 km (250 miles) off the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. It’s a long cross over the big, open ocean, but the pay-off is huge. Here you can get up close and personal with a number of the Pacific’s largest residents, including famous and friendly giant mantas, bottlenose dolphins, and [...] Learn More

Yucatan

Cross the country’s expanse to the farthest reaches of the Yucatan Peninsula, and you’ll find diving in Mexico’s warmer climes to be a whole different experience. Turtle playgrounds, whale and bull sharks, gloriously colored reefs, shipwrecks, and extraordinary night diving are all at your disposal along the country’s east coast, and can often be enjoyed wearing just a little more than a swimsuit. [...] Learn More