SCUBA DIVING IN TULUM
Visitors from across the globe flock to Mexico’s Riviera Maya to visit its beautiful Caribbean beaches, explore its rich biodiversity and experience its Mayan culture. In more recent years, Tulum, a once sleepy fishing town has become the area’s crown jewel. Located just under two hours from Cancun, Tulum provides an extended opportunity for adventure seekers wanting to experience even more of the natural wonders present in the Mayan jungle. With so much occurring on land, why take the time and explore the waters that lie beneath it? Similar to the diversity of experiences offered on land, scuba diving in Tulum and nearby locations provide multiple varying world-class opportunities to engage in underwater discovery. From the globally recognized, unique freshwater sinkholes known as cenotes to exploring the world’s second-largest reef system, scuba diving in Tulum will provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience suited to your interests.
Why Scuba Diving in Tulum?
The most popular reason divers, both professional, licensed cave divers and beginners alike, visit Tulum from every corner of the globe is to experience first-hand the wonder of cenotes and the renowned under water river systems they form. In 2018, the Sac Actun system, already believed to be the second longest underwater cave system in the world spanning 143.4 miles, was found to connect with the Dos Ojos system, forming the largest underwater river system known. Access to these intricate, underground networks occurs via entry through cenotes which divers are able to enter and explore. Cenotes, also known as freshwater sinkholes, form due to the collapse of the subterranean limestone bedrock that in turn exposes groundwater. No single cenote is alike, providing divers the opportunity to visit multiple sites and have a unique experience in each destination. The major allure of these cave and cavern systems are the geological features they possess. Divers are able to travel through time as they swim alongside walls decorated with stalactites and stalagmites, which are even more stunning due to the water’s clarity. Additionally, the opportunity to experience Mayan culture and tradition continues under water as cenotes were commonly used as a water source as well as sacrificial altars. Mayan pottery has been discovered at numerous sites as well as human skeletal remains. In fact, these relics are still observable in a few cenote sites. Finally, though more scarce than what one could find reef diving, marine organisms are present and divers have spotted different fish species including: guppies, mollies, catfish, cichlids as well as eels, frogs, shrimp, crabs, and even turtles. Many of these vertebrates have evolved to life in the caves and have lost or reduced major characteristics such as eyes and pigmentation.
There are at least 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico.
The highest concentration found in and around Tulum. Because each cenote provides a unique experience, you’re guaranteed to experience a dive aligned with your wants and needs. So whether you’re looking to experience the great depths of The Pit and Angelita, both of which contain incredible hydrogen sulfate clouds, or adventure from the start by jumping in to enter Calavera/Temple of Doom, or maybe you’d like a long, shallow, serene dive that gives ample time to take in all the natural beauty at Dos Ojos, there is a cenote adventure that awaits you!
For those divers looking to avoid potential claustrophobia, or just preferring to stay in the light, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef extends through the Maya Riviera’s waters and provides excellent reef diving opportunities for all ages and dive certification levels. Located just north of Tulum, Playa del Carmen offers entry to both immediate patch reef as well as incredibly pristine continuous reef systems closer to the island of Cozumel. Divers can expect to a diverse viewing experience including 500 different species of fish, 60 species of coral, 350 mollusks, and various marine life such as turtles, eagle rays, Moray eels, and much, much more!
The Riviera Maya is home to diverse flora and fauna, ancient ruins, and beautiful Caribbean beaches, but don’t allow your adventure to end there. Tulum lies at the heart of unforgettable, world-class scuba diving opportunities. Join us as we take you to explore the depths below!
When is the best season to scuba dive in Tulum?
Due to the consistent tropical weather and temperatures, diving in Tulum is year around. For those underwater photography divers out there looking to capture the best light, then look to plan your trip between May and September. The Sun’s alignment during these months provides incredible light penetration resulting in stunning photographs. Rainy season lasts in Tulum from June to October. While this isn’t a major deterrent to exploring the depths below, it is possible for a storm to cancel or postpone an excursion or cloudy conditions to disrupt lighting for photography.
A few considerations as you plan your Tulum cenote diving adventure.
Due to the fragile geological ecosystems and dive depths, certain cenote sites will require higher level certifications, and pure cave dives and accompanying cave diving certification. It is best practice to research cenote sites in advance and their certification requirements. Due to their freshwater composition, cenote diving can present buoyancy challenges for some divers, especially those mostly familiar with reef/ocean diving. Buoyancy control is a skill all divers should hone. Be prepared to demonstrate yours should you be interested in exploring a cenote that requires mastery of buoyancy control. Expect every site to include a detailed dive briefing from your guide that outlines the dive path, profile, turn policies, and other safety precautions and procedures.