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1Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Quintana Roo
The top 125 dive and snorkel sites in Quintana Roo, ranked by diver reviews, with maps and photos. Read the Quintana Roo guide
- dive sites
- 125
- dive shops
- 107
- reviews
- 112
125 sites, ranked by diver reviews
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2C-58 Wreck
Mine Sweeper wreck SE of Punta Cancun C-58 Wreck is also known as C 58, Tulum shipwreck.
IntermediateMax depth 65.6 ftBoat entry
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3Manchones reef
This reef has been chosen to host the sculptures of Jason de Caires Taylor: Coleccionista de los Sueños (The Archive of Lost Dreams) and Hombre en Llamas (Man on Fire). They have been placed here in november 2009. South of Isla Mujeres. Part of the National Marine Park of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc. Manchones reef is also known as Coleccionista de los Sueños, The Archive of Lost Dreams, Hombre en Llamas, Man on Fire.
BeginnerMax depth 26.2 ftBoat entry
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4Palancar Park
Palancar Beach, one of the best all-around beach spots on Cozumel, is especially acclaimed for its water sports, including kayaking, snorkeling, sailing and diving. You can rent a dive charter and also grab some grub at the nearby restaurants and bars. Travelers especially recommend Palancar Beach and Palancar Reef for cruise patrons looking to escape a pre-planned excursion for a more authentic experience. Travelers also described the just-offshore Palancar Gardens as an excellent spot for divers of all skill levels. Even if you're an experienced diver, it's recommended you rent a charter to avoid the hassle of permits or licensing. All diving companies must have a license to operate, and while swimmers are allowed to dive on their own, we recommend that you hire local experts who are familiar with the diving terrain. Others say it's a must-do even if you're planning just to skim the surface snorkeling the Palancar Shallows.
Shore entry
5
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67
Chac Mool Cenote
This is a cenote, essentially a technical dive. Most of the dive is dark, light required. Also there is no open water overhead for most of the dive. We went on a guided dive. There are two cenotes in the immediate area a short walk from parking. It was a fantastic dive with interesting geological formations and clear water conditions. You do go though a halocline at some points in the dive profile. 3 Cenotes at this site: Chac-Mool, Kukulkan, and Big Brother Vehicle access on dirt road northwest of Mexico 307, Ctra Tulum - Playa del Carmen. Short walk from parking area. We went with a guide. Chac Mool Cenote is also known as Kukulkan Cenote.
IntermediateMax depth 32.8 ftShore entry
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8Punta Sur
Considered one of the best dive sites in Cozumel, Punta Sur is characterized by an impressive deep wall on the southern end of the island, reaching down to 165ft/ 50m. Remarkable swim-troughs will take you down to the Devil's Throat, a narrow tunnel lined with red sponges, located inside this area's largest coral mound. Once you enter a large cave that leads to a smaller cavern, the narrow opening of the “throat” becomes visible. The swim through lasts a few seconds only, but creates unforgettable memories! Once outside, numerous other exciting tunnels take you through a labyrinth of corals until you ascend over a sandy slope up to 30ft/ 10m depth, accompanied by sting rays, turtles, nurse sharks and eagle rays. There is a cave named "The Cathedral" with large sponges. Due to narrow penetrations and depth, this dive is recommended for very advanced divers only, since it can be dangerous if lacking excellent buoyancy and air consumption. Punta Sur is located at Punta Sur ! (Extreme S of Cozumel island)
AdvancedMax depth 30 ftShore or Boat entry
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9Mahahual
Snorkel from shore on great Maya barrier that extends from the Mexican Caribe through costal Belize to the Honduran Bay Islands. Lodge in beach cabana ($25 per night) with 20m walk across white sand beach to shore. Sleep 'til you wake, snorkel, eat, drink and repeat. Nirvana. Fly to Cancun, QR, Mexico, rent a car and drive south to Mahahual.
Shore entry
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10Scuba Club Cozumel
Once inside the property, a nice, shallow shore dive can be had with tons of juvies. Great spot for a night dive on this little strip/patch reef. Nothing compared to Bonaire shore diving but pretty good for critter spotting close to shore in Cozumel. Just down the road from Caribe Blu hotel (closer to town) is the popular all inclusive dive resort called Scuba Club Cozumel.
Shore entry
11
C-56 Shipwreck
Easy entry into the wreck if you wish. Tons of life around the wreck if you choose to check it out instead of going into the ship. Boat access from Puerto Morelos C-56 Shipwreck is also known as C56.
BeginnerMax depth 65 ftBoat entry
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12Coral Princess Hotel
The Coral Princess provides an excellent set of concrete steps for entering, and their dive shop, Pepe Scuba, will leave tanks out for you day or night, which makes this quite an attractive spot, especially for night diving. It is possible to dive all the way out to the reef a football field away, but the current generally renders this plan futile. It's better just to follow the iron shore south or north, staying shallow, admiring the schools of fish and the excellent sponge growth. There are lots of crevices, small bays, a couple swimthroughs to hide lobster, octopus, moray and little things like Christmas tree worms and juvenile angels constantly take center stage. A very worthwhile dive or snorkel. From the center of San Miguel de Cozumel, head north on the main highway two miles to the Coral Princess hotel, located right on the shore.
Shore entry
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13Hotel Barracuda
Hotel Barracuda is a 4.75-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Cozumel, Caribbean which is accessible from shore based on 4 ratings.
Shore entry
14
Tormentos Reef
This is a typical nice second dive. S of Chankanaab Marine National Park; before Yucab reef, opposite Punta Tormentos.
BeginnerMax depth 32.8 ftBoat entry
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15Columbia Reef
This is a great dive for photographers wanting maximum bottom time. Good second dive also. Just N of Punta Sur (S of Cozumel Island). Columbia Reef is also known as Columbia Pinnacles, Columbia Shallow.
BeginnerMax depth 32.8 ftBoat entry
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16Santa Rosa Wall
Great dive site. Supreme and probably one of the best not only in Cozumel but the Caribbean. Plenty of big fish as well as little fish and water clarity is amazing. Even at depth, the surface looks closer than it really is. By boat is the way to reach this dive site. The shore is visible from the dive boat. Santa Rosa Wall is also known as Rosa Wall.
BeginnerMax depth 69.9 ftBoat entry
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17Ultrafreeze Wreck
Tugboat sunk as an artificial reef. Approx 2 miles South of the Mujeres island
IntermediateMax depth 91.9 ftBoat entry
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18Jardines
Part of Playa del carmen reefs. Jardines is also known as Gardens.
BeginnerMax depth 20 ftBoat entry
19
C-53 Xicotencatl
The C-53 Felipe Xicotencatl is a retired Mexican Navy Minesweeper, sunk June 6, 2000. It is 184 feet long & 33 feet wide. It lies in 80 Feet of water. The Marine Park established a 4:1 diver to dive master ratio for those entering the wreck, and all divers must have lights. Coral growth is minimal, though there is life in and around the wreck. Currents can vary widely within hours from light to strong. The C-53 lays outside of Balones de Chankanaab, on a sandy plain between Tormentos & Chankanaab. The dive site is supposed to be marked by a buoy. Sometimes this is simply an overturned plastic bottle. Best to visit by boat. Note: It could be done as a shore dive from Chankanaab Park, but it's a long swim ;-) C-53 Xicotencatl is also known as Felipe Xicotencatl.
IntermediateMax depth 55.8 ftBoat entry
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20Cenote Dos Ojos
This is a Cavern Dive...Not a Cave Dive. Crystal fresh water and lots of Stalactites, stalagmites and columns. Good buoyancy required. Dos Ojos is located near a place called Xel Ha. It is on the highway from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. Turn right if you are driving from PDC towards Tulum about 500m after Xel Ha, you'll see a big sign for it. From there drive on a dirt road for about 10min. If you want to dive this site you will need a guide, you can not dive without it. Cenote Dos Ojos is also known as Dos Ojos Cavern.
BeginnerMax depth 26.2 ftShore entry
Quintana Roo diving guide
Ready to check out the best sites in Quintana Roo for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 125 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best dive and snorkel sites in Quintana Roo?
Based on Zentacle reviews, the top-rated sites in Quintana Roo are Caribe Blu (5.0 from 4 reviews), C-58 Wreck (5.0 from 4 reviews) and Manchones reef (5.0 from 3 reviews).
Where is the best snorkeling for beginners in Quintana Roo?
The top-rated beginner sites are Manchones reef (5.0 from 3 reviews), Grampin (5.0 from 2 reviews) and Punta Negra (5.0 from 2 reviews).
Where can I shore dive in Quintana Roo?
Caribe Blu, Palancar Park, Chac Mool Cenote and Punta Sur are the top-rated sites you can enter from shore.
What is the best advanced dive in Quintana Roo?
Punta Sur (5.0 from 2 reviews), reached by boat, with a maximum depth of 30 ft.
Are there dive shops in Quintana Roo?
Zentacle lists 107 dive shops in Quintana Roo. The top-rated are Dive Life (5.0 from 233 reviews) and Blue Life (5.0 from 233 reviews).