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Explore and Dive the Mexican Yucatan

© Linda Gettmann

Mexico's Yucatan peninsula sticks out like a giant thumb from the southeast coast, separating the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea. This mostly low-lying land is covered in dense rainforest and swamps, cris-crossed by rivers. Ruins of the Maya civilization are scattered throughout the jungle, and are definitely worth a side trip when you are in the region. Beginning with Cancun in the north to Chetumal in the south, this intriguing coastline is bordered by the second longest barrier reef in the world.

Cancun was born in the 70's as a resort town and rapid expansion in the 80's and 90's rocketed it to one of the top Caribbean vacation destinations. If you like high-rise hotels, loud discos, and designer shopping, this is the place for you. Diving offshore takes place between Isla Mujeres and Cancun. Many dive operators offer certification classes and boat dives to shallow reefs and mini-walls making this a favorite beginner destination, although currents are common. Sites such as Cuevenos, Punta Negra and El Tunel offer strip reefs and tunnels, schooling grunts, snapper, and cottonwicks are found congregating among the coral heads. Isla Mujeres is another favorite vacation and dive destination, about 2 ½ miles offshore, north of Cancun. This tiny island boasts spectacular white sandy beaches rimming this traditional fishing village. Ferries deliver tourists to and from Cancun daily. Diving here ranges from calm to wild depending on the weather and current conditions. Shipwrecks, reefs, caves, and sharks are found here at sights called El Frio, Sleeping Shark Caves, Barracuda Reef, and La Bandera.

Touring ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza is the highlight to any Yucatan trip. Spend a day to see it, and take some good hiking/walking shoes. It spreads out over six square miles through the jungle and features massive temple-pyramids, ball courts, and villages. Other highlights along this coast include the cenotes (fresh water wells that can also be dived), Tulum Mayan site overlooking the sea, and the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.

Cozumel has long been known as a diver's paradise, located about 20 miles off the Yucatan peninsula. See Drift Diving in Cozumel and Cozumel Hot Spots articles for information on this specific diving mecca.

This long Caribbean coast is still relatively undiscovered and underrated. The further south you travel the fewer numbers of divers. There also seems to be a greater variety of fishlife along this coast than around Cozumel and the marine life becomes more abundant as you travel south. Visibility can vary depending on current and weather conditions. Dive sites from Punta Marona south through Akumal and Tulum feature good coral growth, sponges, sea fans, schooling tropicals, in both sheltered and exposed areas. Many sites are accessible from shore, although with the ocean current conditions, it is wise to check with local dive shops and get their recommendations before setting out on your own.

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