Playa del Carmen dive sites for every level
The dive sites in Playa del Carmen are reefs that run parallel to the shore, very close to the harbor. There are two lines of reef. The shallow one, at about 33 to 40 ft (10 to 12 m), is where beginners dive. The deeper one, between 65 and 100 ft (20 and 30 m), is for experienced divers. On top of that there's a wreck, the Mama Viña, and in winter, the bull shark dive.
This guide covers the best-known sites, the level each one needs and what you can see there, from our scuba diving center in Playa del Carmen.
How the reefs are laid out
Off Playa del Carmen the bottom starts with a long, shallow reef at about 33 to 40 ft. Farther out there's a wide sandy area, and then the deep reefs begin at 65 to 75 ft (20 to 23 m). There the coral forms a ridge up to about 33 ft (10 m) high, with moderate current and a maximum depth of about 100 ft (30 m).
The reefs are very close to the harbor, so the boat ride is short. Each dive lasts 45 minutes to an hour, depending on depth.
Dive sites for beginners
The shallow reef is where we do Discover Scuba dives, course dives and easy fun dives. Expect big schools of fish, pufferfish, lobsters, rays and plenty of turtles. If you look carefully, you can even spot seahorses in shallow water.
Jardines
A shallow reef, about 30 to 50 ft (9 to 15 m), with little current. It's usually one of the first sites new divers visit.
Moc-Che, shallow section
Starts at about 23 ft (7 m) and has lots of life in shallow water. Farther along, the same reef drops into the deep section.
Chunzumbul, shallow section
An easy reef to dive, with a great variety of fish.
Dive sites for experienced divers
The deep reefs call for better buoyancy control and comfort with current. In return, the coral is taller and the animals are bigger. Down there you'll find giant moray eels, crabs, spotted eagle rays in winter and, now and then, bull sharks or sailfish.
Tortugas
A sloping reef from about 50 ft to more than 100 ft (15 to 30+ m). It's usually done as a drift dive, and as the name says, turtles are common.
Moc-Che, deep section
The deep part of Moc-Che sits at about 85 to 92 ft (26 to 28 m) and can have strong current.
Chunzumbul, deep section
Three steps of reef with an average depth of about 85 ft (26 m).
Barracuda
A long coral wall with current, for divers who already control their descent well.
Mama Viña wreck
A former shrimp boat sunk on purpose in 1995 to create an artificial reef. It sits almost intact between about 52 and 92 ft (16 and 28 m), covered in fish and coral.
Bull sharks, November to March
In winter, the best-known dive in Playa del Carmen is added to the list. Between November 1 and March 31, female bull sharks gather in a protected area off the coast. For this dive we ask for Advanced Open Water. Read all about it in bull shark diving in Playa del Carmen.
Night diving
At sunset we head to one of the shallow reefs, five minutes from the harbor, with a maximum depth of 40 ft (12 m). Under your dive light you'll see moray eels, rays and octopus, and the coral shows colors you don't see during the day. Details on our night dive in Playa del Carmen page.
Dive sites at a glance
Site | Approximate depth | Level | Highlights |
Jardines | 30 to 50 ft | Beginner | Little current, lots of life |
Moc-Che | 23 to 92 ft | Depends on section | Shallow and deep sections |
Chunzumbul | Shallow or about 85 ft | Depends on section | Fish variety and reef steps |
Tortugas | 50 to 100+ ft | Advanced | Drift slope with turtles |
Barracuda | Wall | Advanced | Long wall with current |
Mama Viña | 52 to 92 ft | Advanced | Wreck sunk in 1995 |
Bull shark site | Deep | Advanced, November to March | Female bull sharks |
Names and depths are approximate, since each reef has several sections. On the day, we choose the site based on the group's level.
Which level you need
If you've never dived, our Discover Scuba Diving experience includes two dives on the shallow reef, down to 40 ft (12 m), after a short class and pool practice.
With Open Water you can dive to 60 ft (18 m). Everything you need to know is in our article on the Open Water course in Playa del Carmen.
With Advanced Open Water you can go to 100 ft (30 m), which is what the deep reefs, the Mama Viña and the bull sharks require. You can get it with our PADI Advanced course.
If you're already certified, we run daily reef trips with two dives, guide, tanks, weights and water.
Not sure which site suits you? Message us on WhatsApp with your level and dates and we'll suggest a trip.
Frequently asked questions
Can you dive in Playa del Carmen all year?
Yes. The weather is warm all year and visibility is usually good, so you can dive any month. In winter, bull shark season is added.
Do you need a boat to reach the reefs?
Yes, all reef dives are by boat. The reefs are very close to the harbor and the ride is short.
What if I want big walls?
Then Cozumel is for you, and you can dive it as a day trip from Playa. See diving Cozumel or Playa del Carmen.
