When we think of a scuba diving destination, we clearly see Mexico. Mexico is one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world.

Again, the Bahamas comes into mind if you imagine the clear water, perfect beaches, and healthy coral reefs.

Then, if you think of Seychelles, you see the big granite rocks peculiar to the Seychellois Islands and diving in peace.

That said, what is your idea of scuba diving in Mexico?

Depending on what you know about Mexico, you will think of one or the other of its coasts. But do you know the other well? Briefly, when we think of the East Coast, it is the Yucatán Peninsula.

So the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, Cozumel, a calm and transparent sea, and then the stunning cenotes along the coast.

The west coast designates the Baja California, the Sea of Cortez, and the Socorro and Guadalupe Islands. We think of the largest ocean fish and a deep blue sea.

For example, in the East you have dolphins, and in the West sea lions. It is a Mexico full of contrast that you can discover underwater.

This content is a detailed guide to scuba diving and snorkeling in Mexico.

Best Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Mexico

The best scuba diving sites in Mexico

The Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California are the two regions known for scuba diving in Mexico. Each of these regions includes several distinct destinations with unique attributes.

Visit their respective pages for targeted information on any of these destinations. Here is a short list of the best diving spots in Mexico, all destinations combined.

Guadalupe Island:

A liveaboard-diving destination par excellence, Guadalupe Island offers you the best cage diving in the world… with the great white shark in the spotlight! It is a volcanic island located 241 kilometers (150 miles) off the coast of Baja, California, and 400km southwest of the Mexican city of Ensenada.

The Socorro Islands:

A superb destination for liveaboard-dive, you can often pass through Cabo San Lucas to reach the Socorro Islands. It is called the Revillagigedos Islands. Thanks to a dramatic underwater landscape and the many sharks and rays that live around, they will all have your attention. Also, the visibility is exceptional, 100 feet and more!

Cabo San Lucas:

Located at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Cabo is the point where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet. Diving is interesting for divers of all levels. Besides, Cabo San Lucas is considered one of the best holiday destinations in Mexico and is very popular among jet-setters.

Gran Cenote:

Cenotes are sinkholes that form as a result of the collapse of the ceiling of an underground river. Thus, it gives rise to a splendid landscape, a large hole filled with pure and transparent water in the middle of the lush vegetation of the jungle. Diving on cenotes is an excellent substitute for ocean diving. Gran Cenote, located very close to Tulum on the Riviera Maya, is one of the most beautiful cenotes to dive into.

MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte):

It is the world’s largest exhibition of underwater artwork. It is an underwater museum with 500 permanent exhibitions of sculptures, life-size and monumental. It is located off the coast of Cancun, along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Bull Shark Point, in Playa Del Carmen:

Does diving with bull sharks tempt you? If so, then Playa del Carmen is the place to be. Every year, between November and March, female bull sharks come to the surrounding area to complete their gestation and give birth. Male sharks are also present with females. Bull sharks are considered one of the most dangerous shark species. Although the great white shark has a reputation, the bull shark is responsible for most shark attacks.

Reviews about scuba diving in Mexico

The best option for diving in Mexico will often be with a local dive center. All the sites along the Riviera Maya and the cenotes are visited by operators based on the mainland throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. The only exceptions are the Guadalupe and Socorro Islands, which you must visit on a liveaboard.

The Mexican West Coast islands are Mexico’s dive cruise destinations, and they are worth a visit! Prices are often cheaper than elsewhere, and it is possible to book without paying.

Finally, the best option to discover the most beautiful dive sites in Mexico depends greatly on your tastes. For example, if you want to dive to more remote sites, Baja California is for you.

If you want to dive with a dive center rather than a cruise and to see the colorful reefs or underwater attractions, the Yucatan Peninsula is perfect for you.

Prices of dives in Mexico

Rates for diving in Mexico vary greatly depending on the region and the type of scuba diving. Here is an overview of the average dive price for Mexico:

A diving cruise in Guadalupe/Socorro/Sea of Cortez: 250€ – 350€ per day (300-400$US per day)

A snorkeling excursion (with whale sharks example): +/- 40€ (50$US)

A snorkeling excursion in the cenotes: +/- 60€ (75$US)

Baptism / Discover SCUBA diving : +/- 125€ (150$US)

2 Open Water dives: +/- 70€ (85$US)

2 Advanced dives / Cozumel / Cenotes / Bull sharks : +/- 125€ (150$US)

Price Level 1 / Padi Open Water Course: +/- 400€ (485$US)*

Price Course Level 2 / Padi Open Water Advanced: +/- 350€ (420$US)*

Price Course Level 3 / Rescue Diver : +/- 415€ (500$US)*

Divemaster course: +/- 700€ (850$US)*

We advise you not to look only for the lowest rate but choose your dive center according to where you feel best. Sometimes it makes sense to pay a little more and be in better conditions!

Best time to dive in Mexico

To answer your question, when is the best season to dive in Mexico, one must consider the East and West coasts separately.

Guadalupe Island has a specific scuba diving season. So diving is impossible there all year round. If the sea is too rough, no liveaboard-dive boat will venture there.

Generally speaking, the season for Guadalupe is from August to October. As for the Socorro Islands and the rest of Baja California, the summer months are often the best. But that changes depending on the specific destination.

For most destinations on the east coast of Mexico, scuba diving can be practiced all year round. Of course, there are months when the conditions are more optimal than others.

We hope the content “Best Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Mexico” was helpful to you.