Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Quintana Roo

Caribe Blu (formerly La Lorena) hotel

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.

This is a typical nice second dive. S of Chankanaab Marine National Park; before Yucab reef, opposite Punta Tormentos.

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.

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.

Mine Sweeper wreck SE of Punta Cancun C-58 Wreck is also known as C 58, Tulum shipwreck.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Southwest side

The Brain is also known as Arrecife el Cerebro.

It's a wall full of small life, with some eels and some medium fishes. The current it's strong, but if you are in the right position, you could travel along the wall without effort, and then the boat retrieve you when you reach the surface. If you are lucky, you could some big rays It's near the shore, but too far to reach it by enter from the shore. Any dive center will take you there by boat Pared Verde is also known as Green wall.

Moc Che Deep is a 5.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Playa del Carmen which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.

Tugboat sunk as an artificial reef. Approx 2 miles South of the Mujeres island

Part of Playa del carmen reefs. Jardines is also known as Gardens.

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.

ESE of Punta Cancun.

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.

Santo Remedio is a 4.5-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Cancun which is accessible from shore based on 2 ratings.

North from Tulum; eight kilometers from the Highway 307 intersection.

Great novice dive - very easy entry & exit, very shallow waters. You can rent anything you need from beachside dive operators who will provide a guide for your group as well as all equipment for around $50 - $60 per person. Be wary of some of the uncertified operators: while you won't get bad air, the equipment maintenance is sketchy and they don't seem to care if you bleed your tank dry or whether you wanted to see the submerged crucifix (a good 20m against current over barren sand to see a pretty mediocre statue, underwater or no, burning air that you would rather spend looking at the small but lush reef closer to shore). Pay the extra $5 to go to the PADI operator next door and you'll get better quality of equipment and a better guide A state park about 9 km south of San Miguel on the island of Cozumel, Mexico. You can catch a cab from any hotel, the airport or cruise ship for about $5/head. No mystery here about finding the place - Cozumel's too small! -- Suzanne D'Aunoy

MUSA diving in Cancun is a bucket list dive for many certified divers, attracting people from around the world. The Cancun Underwater Museum has a total of 500 sculptures, 487 by Jason deCaires Taylor, and the rest by five Mexican artists. The Manchones Reef Gallery by Isla Mujeres contains 477 statues, and the remaining 23 are in the Nizuc Gallery.

This is an amazing dive site. It became globally famous after Jacques Ives Cousteau dived the reef. It features many huge coral columns. Lots of fish are visible on this dive and the water clarity is fantastic. The outer of the reef wall south of the Horseshoe and Palancar caves. Palancar Deep is also known as Palancar reef.

Casa del Mar is a 4.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Cozumel, Caribbean which is accessible from shore based on 4 ratings.

just south off Playa San Francisco Yucab Reef is also known as Yucab.

Very plentiful and abundant reef with lots of fish, coral, and sponges. Lobsters and eels are seen on the site at times. Makes a great dive for everyone, even new novice divers. Just south of San Miguel Paraiso Bajo is also known as Paradise Reef.

This dive consists of beautiful coral garden with chutes leading off into the deep. The normal path usually goes no deeper than 70 feet, though it is possible to drop further off the wall. Major features include an arch at 70 feet, large brain coral at approximately 55 feet, and channels running throughout the reef structure. Due to the low current, this is a good spot to relax, photograph, and learn navigation. Turtles and Nurse sharks have been spotted on the reef, along with large groupers, French, Gray, and Queen Angelfish. This site is easily accessed by boat with a short drop to a sandy patch around 20 feet.

Sloping wall with huge sponges and gargonians, varied marine life. Wall stars at 35 feet , then slopes into the abyss. Dive usually done between the two piers. Second dive after Barracuda.

Aquarius Playa Maroma is a 4.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Playa del Carmen which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.

This is a very popular reef of Cancun. Just north of Punta Cancun.

Southwest side of Cozumel Island, near Palancar Reef.

South of Punta Cancun

A beautiful drift dive with lots of turtles on every dive. You will need a boat to get to the dive site. From Playa del Carmen is only around 10 to 15min from shore. Tortugas Reef is also known as Turtle Reef.

Near La Ceiba Hotel. Also known as Airplane Flats. The plane remains are on the bottom upside down, and there is not much of it there. It was put there by La Ceiba after it was used in a movie, and then removed, but the hotel supposedly had it put back. It is not that far north of the international pier, which is about 2.5 miles south of the ferry pier you would have arrived at. If memory serves me right La Ceiba has both a tall tower, and a 2 or 3 story section similar to a motel, and I think they have their own in house dive shop. Aqua World (another dive shop) is a bit north, about 100 to 200 yards.

ESE of Punta Cancun (between the C-58 Mine Sweeper and the Cuevas de Afuera)

A great place for learning to dive or just to spend the morning diving and snorkeling. There are companies that provide tours via jetski for snorkeling. There have been Turtle, Porpoise and Barracaduda El Meco is also known as Meco.

Very murky from the hurricane yet, but a very nice place. We headed north paralleling the shore. There are many cuts 15 feet deep into the reef that run east west. Hopping the ridges I saw many fish and nice soft corals. We did drop into a narrow cut and a swim-through that was very tight. The further north we got the more battered the reef was. Nice sandy bottoms in the canyons. Saw flamingo toughs, two huge gray angles, a juvenile spotted drum, porkfish, one-eyed jacks, and a school of mackerel. From boat, in middle of Halfmoon Bay just north of Akumal

This Spot is where you can find bull sharks in November, December and January. Usually, a boat wil take you from the shore Sitio de los tiburones toro is also known as Bull Shark spot.

3.0 Km south of Xcalak La Chiminea is also known as Chimney, The Chimney.

Barracuda Point is also known as Barracuda Wall.

2.9 Km north of Xcalak Sieto Cocos is also known as Siete Cocos.

Artificial Wreck. Pelicano Wreck is also known as Pelicano Ship Wreck, Naufragio Pelicano, Naufragio del barco Pelicano.

Usually the 2nd dive after the turtle garden. South of Playa del Carmen, near Xcaret.

Between San Francisco Wall and Punta Tunich

Sculptures made by Jason de Caires Taylor and placed here November 2009. Punta Nizuc; southern border of the National Marine Park of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc. La Jardinera de la Esperanza is also known as The Gardener of Hope.

Blue Ha Reef is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Mahahual which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Exectamente is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Cozumel Isalnd which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Right there, offshore. Zona Hotelera Sur Costera Sur Highway Km 8.5 Cozumel 77600.

Off San Miguel. Villa Blanca is also known as Villablanca Wall.

Angel´s, Turtles

Part of the Chac-Mool System

Moc Che Shallow is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Playa del Carmen which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Chun-Zumbul Reef is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Playa del Carmen which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Cenote Calavera is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Tulum which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Mama Vina is also known as Mama viña.

Money Bar is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Cozumel Isalnd which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Out of the Grand Sunset Princess. Polo Profundo is also known as Deep Pole.

Los Arcos is also known as The Arch.

Palancar Caves is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Cozumel Isalnd which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Santa Rosa Reef is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Cozumel Isalnd which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Palancar Bricks is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Cozumel Isalnd which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Gatas is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Playa del Carmen which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Manchones is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Playa del Carmen which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Cenote Azul is also known as Cenote Dzul Ha.

Plane wreck dive off of Cozumel. located in front of the EL CID hotel (formerly La Cebia ) Good place for check out dive

Reef in the Cozumel National Park

For the cooler months of the year between November and March you can experience a shark dive that'll set your heart racing and adrenaline pumping. Every day we experienced about ten female Bull Sharks that came in close enough to touch and I have videos to prove it. Just a few hundred metres from the swimmers on the beach, this is a sandy expanse as expected with lots of Ramora, Trigger and other inquisitive fish join in the encounters. Small boats used by a few of the many Dive centres in the area make the 3 minute shift to this point where at least 10 female Bull Sharks lurk at 25metres

Sandy bottom at about 98 feet and headed west and shallower. Narrow cuts filled with crushed corals. Nice barrel sponges deeper, porkfish, jacks, barracuda, with lobster in some holes. Spotted drum and seafans as we got shallower. North of Yal Ku (Halfmoon Bay) by boat almost a mile.

Coral heads reaching the surface. Good sandy areas for training. Visibility can vary considerably depending on weather conditions. Must be accessed by boat with park permit. Has mooring line. It is inside the Puerto Morelos national marine park (Fee Required) Inaccessible during bad weather.

Small hummocks of corals with shallow cuts, nice sand bottom at the motorcycle. We headed south this time. In a hole there was at least 15 lobsters, smallish but a ton of them. As we got further south cuts got deeper and larger pillars of corals and elkhorns. HUGE @#%&*#@ barracuda in one of these cuts!!! Nice huge hawksbill turtle with two remoras was lying on the bottom for a photo op. Between Akumal and Halfmoon Bays

Dropped to about 55 feet to white sand and headed NW to the reef. Followed the reef north looking along the edges of clumps of reef for Lionfish. Chepo (divemaster) found a baby lionfish and caught it in a small garbage bag. We followed north jumping cuts and seeing lots of small fish. Between Akumal and Halfmoon bay almost on south end of Halfmoon Bay.

Nice night dive with many small lobsters and only one octopus. There were at least four DM's with us and three other divers. Once on the bottom we all spread out and the lights from divers looked like search lights looking for an escaped prisoner. This site has many tall elkhorn clumps the reach up 20 feet or more. On these we saw all kinds of spiny urchins. We covered the corals and found many fish sleeping in cracks and holes in the reef. It made for some good photos. Then an octopus on a tall clump and all the divers rushed to it. Last time I was left out so this time I jumped right in and got a few photos. As we got shallower the krill started to show up and one of the divers was freaking out. Ryan was having problem with his buoyance and was floating up much of the time. Time came to go up and on the safety stop tried to see some bioluminescent critters but alas, none. Best done by boat. Akumal Dive Center is almost straight in from the reef.

We dropped down deeper then intended, while divemaster took a diver back up to the boat. It has sandy bottom at depth and we headed west up the reef. Barrel sponges and lionfish were along the sand edge. Hawksbill turtles, filefish, and flocks of gray angelfish along the upper reef. There are a few narrow swim troughs with sandy bottoms. By boat between Akumal Bay and Halfmoon Bay Las Esponjas is also known as The Sponges.

This dive site is must do for advanced divers who are looking for something a little different. The name means "little angel" in English and there may not be a better way to describe this magical dive site. The setting is perfect as you walk a short distance through the jungle to the rather large hidden away cenote. To describe it simply this cenote does nothing else but go straight down 200 feet. Fresh water with unlimited visibility makes up the first one hundred feet and salt water the other half is separated by a mystical layer of hydrogen sulfate. This layer in the middle appears as a dense cloud from the top and strange colored hue from the bottom. Bring your dive lights, as you will need them if you are going to penetrate through to the bottom. There are not many dives in the world where you can dive in the clouds at 100 feet and see trees, but this is one. The deepest point of this cenote really is at 200 feet so go with the proper gasses in your tanks but more importantly the right guide showing you the best and safest dive possible. 17 Kilometers South of Tulum, 5 min walk through the jungle

Traveling from Tulum it is a short drive north on highway 307 of 14 km to the Ejido entrance. From the entrance a rough road is followed inland for 5.5 km, gradually the road becomes less of a road and more of a rocky track to a small pull off area where we leave the vehicle. Continuing on a rough and rocky path, we hike our dive gear – tanks, weights and all 300 m to the edge of the cenote

Lion´s, Turtles

The dive area is opposite the big white sand beach in Xpu-Ha. A short boat ride will take you underwater where little coral bars run offshore parallel to each other.

The Devil's Throat at Punta Sur is an underwater cave formation located offshore of Cozumel that starts at approximately 80 feet of depth and opens up at approximately 135 feet - right at the edge of recreational dive limits. The Devil's Throat is considered a "must dive" experience by scuba divers visiting Cozumel. Yet, due to the depth and the fact that it is a cave, it is considered an advanced dive. A longer than standard Safety Stop, or stops, is heavily recommended to minimize risk of decompression sickness. A dive computer is recommended for additional safety. Diving the Devil's Throat requires use of an underwater light, and it is recommended that divers not scissor kick because it stirs up sediment which heavily obscures visibility. Source: Wikipedia.org Extreme southern portion of the island

Cave filled with fresh water, 26 degrees C. Open water in front with lots of small fish and lily pads..the Cenote tour has all the features of a "wet" cave. Vis is 150+ if you have the lights to go that far. Stay within 150 foot of open water unless cave certified and take a guide. 4 km towards Coba from Tulum. There is a big sign on the road on the right hand side. For snorkelers there is parking on the outside. If you come there for cavediving, stop the car by the entrance and pay the fee. Then drive to the entrance on the right side and park inside. There are parkingspaces available next to several tables wich makes it easy to don doubles. Gran Cenote is also known as Sac Aktun, Grand Cenote.

3 kilometers south of Puerto Adventuras Cenote PonDeRosa is also known as Ponderosa, Cenote Eden.

Southern side Columbia Deep is also known as Columbia Wall.

Palancar Horseshoe is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Cozumel Isalnd which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

This wall starts at 50 feet and drops into the abyss. Drift along and observe the coral and schools of fish. By boat. The site is well known by local dive operators.

Large coral heads scattered all over the bottom. Plenty of local marine life. The Atlantis submarine occasionally visits the site and can be seen by divers. Access by boat. The site is well known to local dive operators. Chankanaab Bolones is also known as Bolones.

Far south of Isla Mujeres Bandera is also known as La Bandera.

East of Punta Nizuc; 21 km of Cancun hotel area

El Tunel is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Cancun which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Far east of Punta Cancun

entrance fee Approx 5 km south of Puerto Aventuras just before Xpu-Ha; 25 Km from Playa del Carmen.

Big grouper and playful green moray eels. Punta Tunich is also known as Tunich Reef.

Nice shallow reef (50 ft) with shallow narrow cuts. Gorgorians cover the top of the reef with barrel sponges, vase sponges, sea fans and elkhorns. Lots of fish in the holes, butterflies, cowfish, trunkfish, and rock beauties. Streight out from Akumal Bay. Herradura is also known as Horseshoe.

Chun-zumbul is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Playa del Carmen which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Discovered in the late 1960s by Jacques Cousteau Approx 30min from Cancun. N of Isla Mujeres.

Just NW of Punta Cancun.

Many schools of fish are found near the reef. It's slightly sandy so try to stay away from the bottom. Slants smoothly to a wall. Most action is near the top or above the slant. It's best to go by boat. It's across from the Fiesta Americana hotel (not exactly but close enough). Las Palmas Shallows is also known as Dzul Ha Beach.

In front of the fisherman's jetty

In front of the point where Rio Bermejo plunge into the sea

In front of the main Majahual road.

In front of the lighthouse

Great site to view shallow water corals, good night/beginner dive site! Must be accessed by boat. Has mooring line. It is inside the Puerto Morelos national marine park (Fee Required)

Cordona Reef is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Cozumel Isalnd which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Deep slot just outside of reef where large schools of huge tarpon rest along with some very large grouper. Great place to swim amongst huge tarpon and grouper. Excellent living reef. We dove with XTC Diving in Xcalak, the departure point for Chinchorro Reef. Chinchorro Reef, Xcalak

Beautiful cenote with three rooms in which light enters from above in a beam that leaves you puzzled. Halocline hallucinations. Cavern dives possible with guide, cavedives. The Chinese Garden and The Waterfalls are particularly beautiful. Approx 26 km south of Playa Del Carmen; 5 km south of Puerto Aventuras. Just south of Xpu-Ha.

A fun dive with half coral and half sand. ' You see tons of different animals and fish Access by a tiny dive shop boat

Visibility and current can vary hugely from day to day. From 5' Visibility to 100' and 0 to 4+ Knot currents. Almost always strong surge as waves break overhead. Must be accessed by boat from local dive shop. Has 2 mooring lines. It is inside the reef in the Puerto Morelos national marine park (Fee Required)

This is a good dive with a variety of marine life, including turtles,and nurse sharks.

Coco Beach is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Playa del Carmen which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Snorkeling and children. Outside, good dive site. To lagoon, from shore. To outside lagoon, by boat or swimming directly in a short distance.

Tortuga Reef is also known as Turtle Reef.

It's a shallow basin with lots of catfish, cichlids and mollys. All the rocks are covered by green algae. It's the most beautiful entry to an cenote I have seen. As far as I know the cave connects to Cenote Garden of Eden but I didn't go that far. Right next to Cenote "Ponderosa / Garden of Eden" is the entry to Cenote Azul. (The small Cenote Azul - there's another one in another part of Yucatan.) Theres a little entry fee to pay. Cenote Azul is also known as Small Cenote Azul.

Cueva de Pargo is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Playa del Carmen which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Sandy bottom with islands of corals, some nice swim-throughs with some wide others narrow. Elkhorn corals pillar up to 25 ft from surface and you see an occasional halocline. Eagle rays, stingray, chased a barracuda through a swim-through. The islnads of corals are loaded with smaller fish and HUGE lobsters and gray angels. From boat from any of three dive centers in Akumal

We dropped down to a sand bottom then headed west to a low coral reef with lots of soft corals, has a few sand cuts east west. Trunkfish, Nassau Grouper, moray eel, and sponges of all types. By boat just out in the middle of Akumal Bay.

Shallow reef with sand cuts, 3-6 feet deep, east/west. The reef is very healthy with lots of soft corals, seafans and small fish. Lots of lionfish. Some elkhorn coral coming back but small. By boat mid to slightly northern half of Halfmoon Bay.

Nice place with lots of elkhorn pillars and fish of all types, soft corals, butterfly, a school of white grunts?, and gray angelfish. The Elkhorn pillars are fun to hunt small fish. Some new elkhorns but not too many. Good photo place! By boat south of Akumal Bay La Inglacia is also known as The Church.

It appeared we were just SOUTH of the bay entrance when we dropped in but we did head north underwater. This was shallow and surgy so I had to focus on not being seasick. This site is similar to La Inglacia but with higher pillars of elkhors and deeper trenches. The reef must be narrow because we hit sandy bottom on the east side, saw spotted eagle ray, then headed NW and hit sand 50 yds in. The elkhorns are regrowing well here. We did see some haloclines and cooler water here. Take a boat from any of the Akumal dive shops to just east of Yal Ku lagoon.