Coral Diving in Mexico

The Yucatan Peninsula's east coast is lapped by the Caribbean Sea and is dotted with golden-sand beaches and lush jungle. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the world's second-largest barrier reef, follows the Mexican shore from Cancun in the north down past Playa del Carmen and Cozumel and continues on towards Belize and Honduras. If you are looking to enjoy coral diving on Mexico's most vibrant reefs, the Yucatan's Riviera Maya is the place to be.

The Yucatan Peninsula is a diverse diving destination, offering everything from whale sharks and bull sharks to crystal-clear cenote diving and vibrant coral reefs. On land, you can explore the dense jungle and visit culturally significant Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza and Tulum. We love the mix of history and nature on show in Mexico and can help you put together a memorable itinerary to ensure you take in the best coral diving in Mexico and its most significant archaeological sites.

Playa Paraiso

Located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, a stay at Playa Paraiso puts you in prime position to enjoy both the vibrant reefs of Cozumel and, depending on the time of year, the whale sharks at Isla Mujeres or Holbox on a day trip. Cozumel's dive sites offer the best coral diving in Mexico, with fast drifts and bull sharks on the healthy reefs of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen offers the easiest access to both Cozumel's resplendent reefs and the infamous Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza. Located halfway between Cancun and Tulum, its beaches look out across the Caribbean Sea towards Cozumel Island. With the kaleidoscopic corals of Cozumel on your doorstep and a multitude of quintessentially Caribbean beaches to enjoy, Playa is a great location from which to see the Yucatan Peninsula's best spots.

Puerto Aventuras

To the south of Playa del Carmen, on the way to Tulum, is the quiet town of Puerto Aventuras. Its location allows you to dive the coral reefs at Cozumel, the cenotes at Tulum and the coral-encrusted Mama Viña Wreck. You can also explore the pre-Columbian Maya ruins at Tulum or venture further afield to the iconic Chichen Itza.