Mexico
Cozumel – The Great Maya Reef
Highlights:
- Part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef in the world.
- Crystal-clear water with visibility up to 30+ meters.
- Drift diving paradise with gentle currents.
Marine Life:
- Sea turtles, nurse sharks, eagle rays, lobsters, and vibrant coral formations.
Best Time to Dive:
- November to April (best visibility and marine life activity).
How to Reach:
- Fly into Cozumel International Airport (CZM) or take a ferry from Playa del Carmen.
Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA)
Highlights:
- A unique dive featuring over 500 submerged sculptures!
- Artificial reef attracting diverse marine life.
- Perfect for beginners and underwater photographers.
Marine Life:
- Colorful reef fish, starfish, and growing coral formations.
Best Time to Dive:
- Year-round (best from November to May).
How to Reach:
- Fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN), then take a short boat trip.
Cenotes (Yucatán Peninsula)
Highlights:
- Freshwater cave diving with stunning light beams.
- Mysterious underground river systems.
- Ideal for cave divers and adventure seekers.
Marine Life:
- Catfish, freshwater shrimp, and stunning rock formations.
Best Time to Dive:
- May to September (best visibility and less crowded).
How to Reach:
- Fly into Cancun (CUN) or Mérida (MID) and travel to Tulum or Playa del Carmen.
Isla Mujeres – Whale Shark Encounters
Highlights:
- One of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks.
- Non-diving experience (snorkeling only).
- Massive whale sharks up to 12 meters long!
Marine Life:
- Whale sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles.
Best Time to Dive:
- June to September (whale shark season).
How to Reach:
- Fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN), then take a ferry to Isla Mujeres.
Socorro Islands – The “Mexican Galápagos”
Highlights:
- Liveaboard diving paradise with large pelagic species.
- Open-ocean diving with giant manta rays, dolphins, and hammerhead sharks.
Marine Life:
- Humpback whales (seasonal), manta rays, whale sharks, and silky sharks.
Best Time to Dive:
- November to May (best for shark and manta encounters).
How to Reach:
- Fly into Cabo San Lucas (SJD), then take a liveaboard boat (24-hour trip).
Guadalupe Island – Great White Shark Cage Diving
Highlights:
- One of the top places in the world for great white shark encounters.
- Cage diving only (no scuba diving required).
Marine Life:
- Great white sharks, yellowfin tuna, and sea lions.
Best Time to Dive:
- July to November (shark season).
How to Reach:
- Fly into San Diego (USA) or Tijuana (Mexico), then take a liveaboard from Ensenada.
La Paz – Sea of Cortez (“The Aquarium of the World”)
Highlights:
- Incredible biodiversity with hundreds of species.
- Best place in Mexico to dive with sea lions.
Marine Life:
- Playful sea lions, mobula rays, hammerhead sharks, and orcas (seasonal).
Best Time to Dive:
- October to May (best marine encounters).
How to Reach:
- Fly into La Paz International Airport (LAP) or take a ferry from Mazatlán.