We’ve all heard of Cozumel as a remarkable scuba diving destination, but very close-by is a lesser known but equally remarkable destination for Scuba diving known as Playa Del Carmen.

Originally an old fisherman village located on the coastal stretch of the Caribbean Sea, known as the Riviera Maya and a short 35 minute ferry journey from Cozumel to the mainland, Playa Del Carmen has transformed into a thriving tourist destination that is popular with not only outside tourist but with the locals as well. You generally fly into Cancun airport then transfer to Playa Del Carmen, which is only an hour’s drive away.

There are two reasons why this destination makes the ideal dive vacation, firstly the sheer variety of scuba diving Playa offers ranging from reef dives to cavern/cenotes enough to interest every kind of diver, and secondly there is so much to do beyond diving which makes it the ideal dive vacation rather than just a dive destination.

Playa Del Carmen is dotted with numerous timeshares, bed & breakfasts, and hotels, some interesting shopping and breathtaking stretches of white sandy beaches. The after hour clubs swing into action after midnight and divers can enjoy not only crystal clear water and stunning reefs, but also engage in numerous on ground activities as well.

Most open water diving here takes place along the Mesoamerican (or the Mayan) Barrier Reef, which is the second largest barrier reef in the world, that extends along the Yucatan Penninsula and include the Belize Barrier Reef. The reefs are so close to the shore that most dive sites are only quick trips in the dive boat and since dives can be easily completed in the morning, it leaves you with the whole day to enjoy the other activities on offer. The reef is home to the most stunning variety of marine life ranging from Manta Rays, Turtles and barracuda to corals and sponges seen nowhere else in the world.

In the months of May to September, one can witness a once in a lifetime experience and dive with Whale Sharks in their own environment near the island of Holbox near Playa del Carmen.

Cenote or cavern diving is a special attraction for those who want to try something different and get away from the open water. Cenotes are caves and underground fresh water rivers formed naturally along the coast line and this stretch of Mexico is renowned for the number of Cenotes it possesses. Diving in a cenote is an unforgettable experience, and those with no cavern diving experience can visit these underground rivers by taking up a cavern diving course. An interesting fact is that the 3 largest underground rivers in the world are all located in Riviera Maya. Read: Cenotes: The Underwater Caves of The Riviera Maya, Mexico

Due to its proximity with Cozumel, divers can spend a couple of days diving around Cozumel which is only a short ferry ride from the mainland to have the complete diving experience.

*Photo Credits: photos by Daquella manera, nonperturbative, Ignatius244, Noticaribe on flickr

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