Yucatán Peninsula Diving Holiday: An Overview

The Yucatan Peninsula in south-east Mexico separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea. On the Caribbean side, the coastline offers pure white-sand beaches, calm blue waters and wonderful diving.

Playa del Carmen and Cancun offer quite a specific view of what the Yucatán Peninsula is like, but there is so much more to this part of Mexico, from the historic towns and ancient Mayan Ruins of the Riviera Maya to the blanket of jungle jam-packed with wildlife and some seriously exclusive boutique hotels throughout.

The truly outstanding feature of the diving here is the incredible variety. There is something for everyone, from the novice to the advanced diver, and if the weather gets rough, or you just want to try something different, the incredible 'Cenotes' or sink holes await.

Cenotes are inland freshwater caves where you can dive surrounded by surreal scenery of stalagmites often in water that is totally transparent - cenote diving is a unique experience.

Back in the sea, the only type of diving that is not available is genuine wall diving. What is on offer is a series of gently sloping plateaus and shallow reef ledges. These harbour a thriving ecosystem with colourful corals, both hard and soft, varied and plentiful fish life, yellow rays, sting rays, lobsters and all the usual suspects that go to make up a healthy reef. Some sites offer giant sponges and large Green and Hawksbill turtles.

At Puerto Aventuras, you have the chance to snorkel with dolphins, sting rays and manatees. In short, whatever your particular thrill is underwater, this coastline delivers. From June to September you are virtually guaranteed to be able to snorkel with whale sharks too which is reason enough alone to come here.

Beyond the attractions of the hotels and diving there are the fabulous Mayan ruins at Tulum and Chichen Itza, plus activities such as horse riding through the jungle, deep-sea fishing, sailing and even sky-diving. With the recent opening of the superb new spa, the resort really lacks for nothing.

Read more
Show less

Discover More

Where to stay
Gallery

Map of Yucatan Peninsula

Places to go (0)
Itinerary Start (0)
Activities (0)
Hotels (0)

A Note on Price

All of our holidays are completely tailor-made and prices will vary based on things like when in the year you will be travelling, how far in advance you book, the class of flights included and the level of accommodation you choose. The guide prices shown across this website are designed to provide you with a broad indication of how much to budget for your trip.

Itinerary Suggestions

Diving and Relaxation on the Riviera Maya

8 Days

From 5,540pp

Diving Socorro, the Sea of Cortez and the Yucatan Peninsula

22 Days

From 11,365pp