Dive Sites Playa del Carmen
Explore the wonders of the underwater world in Playa del Carmen, where beautiful waters and vibrant marine life await. From thrilling drift dives along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef to serene explorations, this coastal gem offers an unforgettable diving experience. Join us as we dive into the depths of Playa del Carmen and discover its enchanting underwater landscapes.
Los Arcos Reef
Located off the coast of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Arcos Reef, also known as “The Arches,” stands as a testament to nature’s artistry. Its unique underwater landscape is characterized by a series of arches and swim-throughs formed by ancient coral formations, creates a captivating environment for divers. Arcos Reef is about a 25 minute boat ride from Xico Dive Center with a maximum depth of 105 ft/32 m. Here, amidst the clear waters, a diverse array of marine life thrives, from colourful tropical fish to beautiful eagle rays. This reef gives divers the opportunity to glide through the arches and swim-throughs. Surrounded by the tranquility and beauty of Arcos Reef, each dive offers an unforgettable underwater adventure, brimming with natural wonders and awe-inspiring encounters with the ocean’s beauty.
Cerebros Reef
Cerebros Reef offers divers an extraordinary underwater adventure. It´s name means “Brains Reef” for its intricate formations of coral heads and ridges that creates a visually stunning landscape resembling a brain. This reef is full of an abundance of marine life from colourful tropical fish darting among the corals to mesmerizing eagle rays gracefully gliding through the clear waters. Cerebros Reef is about 25 minutes away from Xico Dive Center and is a shallow reef with a depth of 30 ft/9 m. With each dive at Cerebros Reef, you uncover a new layer of this underwater paradise, leaving you with unforgettable memories of exploration and discovery.
Pared Verde Reef
Pared Verde, meaning “Green Wall”, is an amazing wall dive just 15 minutes away from Xico Dive Center by boat. With towering coral formations covered in lush green marine life this enchanting dive site offers experienced divers a chance to explore a vibrant underwater world filled with biodiversity. As you descend into the crystal-clear waters, colourful tropical fish dart through the rock formations while curious moray eels peer out from their hiding spots. The maximum depth of Pared Verde is 90 ft/ 28 m and is recommended for more experienced divers. It’s a paradise for underwater photographers, offering stunning visuals and intricate marine life to capture.
Cueva Pargo
Cueva Pargo also known as “Snapper Cave” is a beautiful shallow reef full of life. Located about 5 minutes from Xico Dive Center and at a depth of 40ft/12m this reef is truly gorgeous. Encounter an array of marine life, from schools of pargo (snapper fish) to graceful rays and curious sea turtles. Something extra special about this reef is you can find a statue of the Virgen del Caracol. It is a local legend that captains, sailors and divers believe that she is protecting us while we are under the water. Perfect for divers seeking a unique and exhilarating experience, Cueva Pargo offers a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty and marine biodiversity.
Chun Zumbul Shallow
Dive into the serene beauty of Chun Zumbul Shallow, a captivating dive site in Playa del Carmen perfect for divers of all levels! This stunning shallow reef is a vibrant underwater haven, brimming with lovely corals and filled with diverse marine life. Glide through crystal-clear waters and marvel at the lively schools of tropical fish, playful sea turtles, and an array of fascinating sea creatures that call Chun Zumbul Shallow home. Chun Zumbul Shallow is about a 5 minute boat ride away from Xico Dive Center and at a depth of 32 ft/10m this enchanting reef offers an unforgettable underwater adventure filled with breathtaking sights and serene moments.
Shangri La Reef
Just a short 5 minute boat ride away from Xico Dive Center, Shangri-La Reef invites divers to explore its tranquil underwater sanctuary. Named for its serene ambiance, this dive site offers a peaceful escape into the vibrant depths of the Caribbean Sea. Here, amidst the calm waters and shallow depths, a kaleidoscope of marine life thrives. From colourful tropical fish darting among the vibrant corals to the occasional appearance of majestic sea turtles and rays, every dive promises an encounter with the wonders of the ocean. Shangri-La Reef has a maximum depth of 30 ft/9 m and caters to all levels of expertise, inviting divers to relaxing exploration and amazing underwater photography.
Jardines Reef
Jardines Reef, known as “The Gardens,” is a beloved dive site just off the shores of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. This reef is approximately 5 minutes away by boat from Xico Dive Center and has a maximum depth of 35 ft/ 11 m. Its reputation precedes it, drawing divers from around the world to its enchanting underwater world. Here, amidst the gentle currents and crystalline waters, a kaleidoscope of marine life awaits. From vibrant tropical fish to graceful sea turtles, each dive promises an encounter with the wonders of the ocean. Named for its stunning coral gardens, Jardines Reef is a testament to nature’s artistry, with intricate formations adorning the seabed. As you glide through this underwater paradise, surrounded by the vibrant colours of the coral and the gentle sway of marine life, it’s easy to lose yourself in the beauty of Jardines Reef.
Sabalos Reef
Sabalos Reef is a hidden gem for divers seeking a rich and diverse underwater experience. Renowned for its abundant marine life, the reef is named after the schools of tarpon, locally known as “sabalos.” Divers can encounter colourful tropical fish, lobsters, crabs, and occasionally larger species like barracudas and jacks. The reef boasts impressive coral structures, creating a vibrant habitat for a wide array of marine life. Only a 15 minute boat ride from Xico Dive Center and with a maximum depth of 50 ft/14 m, Sabalos Reef is ideal for intermediate-level divers, allowing for extended bottom times and leisurely exploration. The clear waters offer good visibility, and the typically mild to moderate currents make for manageable diving conditions. Sabalos Reef provides a captivating mix of reef and drift diving, adding an element of excitement to the experience. Whether you’re an intermediate or experienced diver, Sabalos Reef promises memorable underwater adventures amidst its rich biodiversity and striking coral formations.
Tortugas Reef
Tortugas Reef, or “Turtle Reef,” is one of Playa del Carmen’s premier dive sites, celebrated for its vibrant marine life and stunning coral formations. As the name suggests, the reef is famous for frequent sightings of sea turtles, making it a must-visit for divers eager to encounter these majestic creatures. This flat reef, with coral gardens filled with both hard and soft corals, sponges, and sea fans, provides a rich habitat for a diverse array of marine species, including colourful tropical fish, rays, and moray eels. Tortugas Reef is about 20 minutes away from Xico Dive Center by boat and has a depth of 60ft/18 m ranging from shallow areas ideal for beginners to deeper sections perfect for more advanced divers. The generally calm waters and mild currents make it an excellent site for training dives, fun dives, and underwater photography.
Barracudas Reef
Barracudas Reef, situated off the coast of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, stands as a magnet for divers drawn to its captivating underwater wonders. This renowned dive site boasts dramatic landscapes adorned with stunning coral formations and a reef decorated with vibrant sponges and sea fans. True to its name, Barracudas Reef is filled with marine life, offering thrilling encounters with schools of barracudas and a diverse array of tropical fish, moray eels, stingrays, and occasionally larger species like sharks and eagle rays. Approximately 15 minutes from Xico Dive Center by boat and with a maximum depth of 50 ft/14 m Barracudas Reef invites divers to embark on an unforgettable underwater journey filled with adventure, beauty, and exploration.
Mama Viña Wreck
Come explore with us Mama Viña Wreck! Sank in 1995 near Xcaret park this wreck has created a beautiful artificial reef full of life. Mama Viña Wreck is located about 20 minutes from Xico Dive Center and has a depth of 85 ft/26 m. Home to many fish darting through the ship and a curious moray eel inside, exploring this wreck is a must do in Playa del Carmen. Descend into the depths to explore the intricate structure of the wreck, where colourful corals and sponges have made their home. Ideal for experienced divers, the Mama Viña Wreck offers a thrilling underwater journey filled with discovery and excitement.
Punta Venado Reef
Punta Venado is a popular dive site located about 25 minutes by boat south of Playa del Carmen. The name Punta Venado means “Deer Point”. This is a flat reef with a maximum depth of 82ft/25m. This reef is known for its vibrant marine life and beautiful coral formations, making it an attractive destination for divers.The reef features a mix of soft and hard corals, and divers can encounter a variety of marine species such as moray eels, parrotfish, triggerfish, cowfish, angelfish, nurse sharks, eagle rays, and turtles. The dive site experiences moderate to strong currents, which makes it suitable for intermediate and experienced divers. The currents help create a drift dive experience, allowing divers to glide past the stunning coral landscapes and marine life. Overall, Punta Venado offers a rich and diverse diving experience, with its combination of colourful corals, diverse marine life, and the excitement of drift diving.