Coral Reefs of Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is now a worldwide well-known destination for divers. Here we have a impressive concentration of tropical fishes surrounding the wonderful coral reefs. Enjoy the beautiful coral formations, which belong to the big Scorpion barrier reef. The Mesoamerican Reef System extends to nearly 1000 km, from the Contoy Island (Mexico) to Honduras.
Dive spots in the Playa del Carmen area.
Barracudas
This reef is situated south of Playa del Carmen. Mainly it's the second shallow dive after the Turtles reef. When you dive with the ocean current; and you have enough air, you can reach the reef "Sabalos".
Minimum depth: 6m (20ft)
Maximum depth: 14m (50ft)
Tortugas
The reef was given the name "Tortugas" (turtles), because of the many turtles who live there. You will also see a diverse array of colorful Caribbean reef fishes, corals and large sponges. During a certain period of the year, you will encounter the large tarpons. They usually swim in fish schools.
Minimum depth: 16m (55ft)
Maximum depth: 30m (100ft)
Mama Viña
For divers interested to see a shipwreck, we have the "Mama Viña" (a sunken ship). It's located on a depth of 28m (90ft). Here you can find many barracudas, jacks, moray eels and groupers. The ocean current is mostly very strong there. For this reason, it’s important that you have no problem with equalizing. A quick descent is helpful to reach the right place.
Minimum depth: 21m (70ft)
Maximum depth: 30m (100ft)
Pared Verde
means "Green Wall". Spectacular coral formations full of marine life. At the end of the dive you will find a cavern with a Chimney. You can go through this hole and exits at the top of the reef, from here you can start your ascent to the surface.
Minimum depth: 21m (70ft)
Maximum depth: 30m (100ft)
Sabalo
means "Tarpons", due to the big tarpon schools. Because of the strong ocean current; dive always on the edge; so the ocean current doesn't carry you into the reef. There you can admire, a lot of sea life and coral formations.
Minimum depth: 6m (20ft)
Maximum depth: 14m (50ft)
Jardines
means "Garden" and it is due to its vegetation, plus the sponges, fan and hard corals, plenty of colorful sea life.
Minimum depth: 6m (20ft)
Maximum depth: 12m (50ft)
Moc-Che
It is a shallow dive site with an abundance of small coral formations. Dive slowly and focus on the small animals, there are too much to be seen.
Minimum depth: 7m (24ft)
Maximum depth: 14m (50ft)
Moc-Che profundo
It's a sheer wall with sandy bottom at 30m (100ft) with a ocean current, which may change direction. During winter time (December - March), this reef might be frequented by bull sharks and eagle rays. Full of marine life.
Minimum depth: 21m (70ft)
Maximum depth: 30m (100ft)
Chun-Zumbul
It's one of the longest and shallowest dives in Playa del Carmen. One of the most attractive parts of this reef is the coral cavern, almost at the end of the dive. Enjoy the fish schools and others creatures.
Minimum depth: 6m (20ft)
Maximum depth: 12m (50ft)
Photos and Videos by Alberto
