DIVE SITES OF PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Below we have given a brief description of each of the dive sites accesible from our Playa Del Carmen Dive center.

CEREBROS

Cerebros, meaning 'Brain' in spanish is the Northern most reef. The coral formations at the edge of the reef create a scenic landscape to wander around. Along the middle section and at the end of the reef you will find some beautiful arches to swim through.

Minimum Depth 6m (20ft)    Maximum Depth 14m (50ft)   Average Visibility  20m (70ft)

LOS ARCOS

Named after its two arches. Los Arcos is a relatively deep dive. The wall sections are 5m (15 ft) in height and are covered with hard corals, sponges and fan corals.On the sandy areas divers can find turtles, groupers and stingrays. The arches shelter schools of fish, Moray eels and many Crustaceans.

Minimum Depth 21m (70 ft) Maximum Depth 30m (100 ft)      Average Visibility 30m (100ft)

PARED VERDE

This famous wall is very different in formation from the classical endless 'drop off' reef. Pared Verde has sections of walls which are split by sloping hills of sand. The spectacular coral formations are full of small and large marine life. Watch out for spiny lobsters, King crabs, turtles, sting rays and sharks that may be swimming along the reef. After approximately 3/4 of the dive you will come a cross a cavern with a chimney which exits at the top plateau of the reef.

Minimum Depth 21m (70ft)    Maximum Depth 30m (100 ft)    Average Visibility 30m (100 ft)

MOC - CHE DEEP

Moc - che Deep is a sheer wall stretching from 21m (70 ft) to the sandy bottom at 30m (100 ft). A large variety of corals adorn the wall. which is inhabited by lobsters, Moray eels, King crabs and many other kinds of marine life. An easy way to find a King crab is to look inside the large barrel sponges. Throughout the year you may be joined by the Hawksbill Turtle and in the winter, this dive site is visited by Bull sharks and Eagle Rays.

Minimum Depth 20m (70 ft)        Maximum Depth 30m (100 ft)     Average Visability 30m (100 ft)

MOC - CHE

Moc - che is the shortest of the shallow dive sites, it has an abundance of small coral formations growing in front of the reef. With sharp eyes there is much to be found here. Near the end of the reef is a small arch packed with fish and sponges and sometimes a Green Moray Eel taking a nap.

Minimum Depth 7m (24 ft) Maximum Depth 14m (50 ft)     Average visability 20m (70ft)

CHUN - ZUMBUL

Chun - Zumbul is the longest and shallowest dives in Playa Del Carmen. You will encounter sections of garden like vevegetation with coral overhangs. Stay on the fringe of the reef and you will reach one of the coral cavern areas which are the most attractive sections of this reef. Enjoy the schools of fish here while looking for hidden creatures.

Minimum Depth 6m (20 ft)     Maximum Depth 12m (40 ft)      Average Visability 20m (60 ft)

JARDINES

Jardines is so named for its 'garden' like vegetation. In addition to a variety of sponges. hard corals and fan corals, the reef is covered in sea whips and other tree like plants that give home to an abundance of marine life including the green and spotted Moray Eel. The Middle of the reef is most colorful, where you will find small overhangs. Take your time and look carefully to spot the creatures here.

Minimum Depth 6m (20 ft)       Maximum Depth 12m (50 ft)    Average Visability 20m (60 ft)

SABALOS

Originally named after the schools of Sabalos/ Tarpon that can still ocasionally been seen here. The reef consists of healthy hard and soft corals of all variations. There are many kinds of fish as well as Starfish on the sand. Near the end of the dive you will find a small cavern for exploration.

Minimum Depth 6m (20 ft)     Maximum Depth 14m (50 ft ) Average Visability 20m (60 ft )

BARRACUDA

Barracuda is traditionally the second dive after the turtle garden. Picture this reef as a hand with five finger like outcroppings. There are many small holes to explore along the reef and with a sharp eye and some luck you may spot some Barracuda patrolling the reef. Near the end of the dive it is worth investigating the shallow cave that will take you to an exit on the top of the reef.

Minimum Depth 6m (20 ft)    Maximum Depth  14m (50 ft)    Average Visability 20m (60 ft)

TORTUGAS

Totugas (Spanish for Turtles) is one of Diving Playa Del Carmens most popular reefs due to the large quantity of sea turtles which frequent here. The reef is relatively flat with a gradual slope from 15m to 40m, and is covered with corals and enormous barrel sponges. While enjoying the turtles please do not touch them !!

Minimum Depth 16m (55 ft)    Maximum Depth 30m (100 ft)  Average Visability 30m (100 ft )

MAMA VINA

This former shrimp boat was intentionally sunk in 1995 for divers. Since then the coral growth has [proceeded rapidly. Once on the wreck descend to the sand and drift along the side of the wreck until you reach the stern where you will find the propeller. Then move up into the lower decks and explore the inside rooms. Then finally make your way onto the top deck and watch the hugh Barracuda which are hanging around the mast. This dive is only suitable for advanced divers due to the depth and the strong current that can be present.

Minimum Depth 21m (70 ft)  Maximum Depth 30m (100 ft)     Average Visability 30m (100 ft)

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