Mexico’s two coasts are ripe for exploration, from vast kelp forests in the Pacific to the Caribbean's reefs and wrecks. Inland, glassy cenotes await.
Mexico’s breeding grounds and heavy currents will delight pelagic-lovers, but not all diving in Mexico is out in the salty seas. In the Yucatan, you can plunge into crystal-clear freshwater cenotes.
Mexico's marine life has it all, from gorgeous reef fish to great white sharks. Witness whale shark migrations, fierce bull sharks and playful sea lions. Deep in cenotes, blind cave fish thrive, eerie and wriggling.
This is just the tip of the iceberg for diving in Mexico. There is so much to see and explore, you can never get bored.
You can find good diving in Mexico no matter what time of year. The Caribbean is diveable year-round. When conditions are sub-optimal, head to a cenote for staggering 100m visibility and consistently warm water (78˚F/26˚C).
Bull shark season is November to May. Manta rays can be seen all year, while whale sharks and thousands of humpbacks arrive to breed and calve from January to March. Plankton blooms at this time of year can lower visibility but mean more pelagic action - a worthwhile trade.
Guadalupe's waters are coldest (66-71°F/19-22°C) between August and October attracting great white sharks. During these months, the Sea of Cortez is at its warmest (80°F/27°C) offering the best chance for hammerhead encounters. May to September brings the most gorgeous light effects to the cenotes.
The best diving in Mexico is dotted around the country so your arrival airport depends largely on where you want to dive. For ease, the country can be broken down into three zones: Yucatan, Baja and Pacific.
Cancun Airport is the most connected internationally welcoming direct flights from Paris, Frankfurt and Miami. It is the gateway for diving in the Yucatan region (Tulum, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and the cenotes). Cozumel Airport is also close to this region.
For diving in the Baja Region (Baja California, Baja California Sur, the Sea of Cortez and Socorro Island), La Paz and Cabo San Lucas are the main international airports. La Paz is very well connected to Mexico City (the main gateway into the country). Mexico City is the main hub for diving in the Pacific Region.
Once in country, getting around is straightforward as plenty of inexpensive taxis and buses zoom across the landscape. 4x4 trucks whisk you off to cenotes while open water diving in Mexico is done by speedboat.
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