Playa Del Carmen is an incredible place worthy of at least one visit. Whether you’re drawn to the area by the amazing underground rivers and beautiful architecture at Xcaret’s eco parks, or if you are intrigued by archaeology, there is plenty to see, both above and below the water. The reefs and walls are fed by a steady current from the south, making them ideal for all kinds of fish and smaller creatures. The weather here is temperate and there are plenty of excellent dive shops that offer quality rentals as well as wonderful charters. Let’s take a few minutes to explore some of Playa del Carmen’s best dive sites.
Barracuda
Barracuda is named for those grinning fish that patrol the area on a regular basis; however, there are lots of other wonderful fish and even the occasional turtle here. The dive site is located in front of Xcaret, to the south of Sabalos, and a dive at Baracuda is normally undertaken as a second dive, after a visit to the Turtle Garden. Sometimes it is a good drift that continues to Sabalos, depending on conditions and which charter you choose.
Visibility in the area is excellent at seventy feet or so on average, and maximum depth is just fifty feet. There is normally a good current, which is just one reason why this site is so vibrant and so popular with larger fish. The dive begins at the southern end of the reef, which is dotted with grottos and tiny caves where grouper and the occasional moray wait for their prey to pass. If you like, and if the current is not too strong, you can enter a small cave at the north end of the reef, which will pop you up to its’ exit at the reef’s top.
Cerebros
Unlike many of Playa del Carmen’s top dive sites, Cerebros is ideal for divers of every level. Maximum depth here is just fifty feet, and visibility is great at seventy feet on average, unless conditions are rough; then, it drops severely. While there is not normally a current, there can be a bit of surge. Other than that, this dive is a snap! Brain coral formations, for which the site is named, provide shelter for fish and crustaceans; and you can find king crab, shrimp, and lobster here, as well as moray eels.
Start your dive on the reef’s southern end, and work your way north. Along the way, you can swim through arches and snap photos of all the colorful life you encounter.
Los Arcos
While this dive can be a challenging one, it is also absolutely incredible, and should not be missed. For advanced divers only, due to depth and current, Los Arcos is named for the two arches that make this deep reef unique. Maximum depth is 100 feet, and visibility often matches the depth!
Here, you will find mini walls about fifteen feet high, which are coated with encrusting hard corals and wreathed in soft coral, sea fans, and brilliantly colored sponges. Look for the small crabs and tiny lobsters that hide in the shelter of the sponges, and search for larger ones down along the base of the arches. Besides the schools of fish that swirl in brilliant profusion here, you are likely to encounter large groupers and moray eels hiding in crevices, and turtles and stingrays in the sandy spots.
Moc-Che and Pared Verde
Moc Che and Pared Verde are two delightful sites, one on top of another. Moc-Che, with its minimal current and shallower depth of seventy feet is perfect for divers of every level, while Pared Verde reaches 100 feet and is subject to swifter currents.
Moc-che, like the rest of the area’s dives, is best begun at its’ southern edge. Search the reef for sponges, crabs, shrimp, and lobster. Look for a resident green moray eel beneath the arch at the north end of the reef. The eel shares its home with lots of fish, who seem to enjoy the bright sponges here as much as you will!
If you continue on past the reef, you may see more stingrays and flounder in the sand, as well as a turtle or two. After a short trip to the surface and a quick boat ride, you’ll be at Pared Verde, which is reserved for advanced divers.
Pared Verde’s wall sections are split by sloping underwater sand dunes, and can be explored via a drift beginning at the south end of the reef. There is plenty to enjoy as you pass (sometimes swiftly) including coral formations, sharks, and rays. If you like, you can exit the wall via a cavern that has a wonderful chimney that takes you back to the reef’s top.
Sabalos
At Sabalos, visibility is great and maximum depth is just fifty feet; however, there is a strong current here most of the time, making this site no place for beginners. This reef is extremely hardy and healthy, with an abundance of hard and soft coral, as well as plenty of fish. You may see barracuda and tarpon, and you might even see manta rays flying by.
This reef is best approached from the south, and unless you make a quick descent to the sand along the reef’s bottom, you will find yourself on a fast course over the reef top with no option but to snatch a quick glimpse of the reef. The current is normally too strong for a turnaround!
Tortuga
Sea turtles make their homes at Tortuga, which is named in their honor. Maximum depth here is 100 feet, and visibility is exceptional, at 100 feet as well. There is a current here, too, which will propel you as you descend along the reef slope from about 55 feet all the way to 100 feet if you like. If you stay at about 60 feet and hover well above the reef, you are likely to come face to face with large pelagics and some tarpon. Here, the reef is absolutely stunning, with massive barrel sponges housing king crabs and beautiful coral formations that make a wonderful playground for the sea turtles. This is one of Playa del Carmen’s most popular dive sites, and it can sometimes be busy – but it is well worth the trip!