Yucatan Peninsula

Mexico is a country of colour, culture, history, spectacular coastlines, landscapes and architecture and nowhere captures this better than the Yucatan Peninsula. Consisting of three Mexican States (Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo), as well as parts of Belize and Guatamala, the Yucatan Peninsula separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea. Each of the states offers something different with plenty to see and do.

Yucatan is situated on the Gulf of Mexico side with archaeological reminders of the Mayan past. There are Mayan communities dotted throughout the state along with several pyramids and temples, the most famous of all being Chichen Itza. Flamingos and other exotic birds and wildlife can be found here too.

Quintana Roo is on the Caribbean Sea side where most of the beach life is in Mexico. The Riviera Maya is home to the famous resorts of Cancun, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen and there are a large number of hotels to choose from. Blessed with beautiful, long white sandy beaches and crystal clear water the coastine here is idyllic and to top things off there is also access to the world’s second largest barrier reef – The Great Mayan Reef. While the reefs may offer some wonderful diving, it is the Cenotes cave systems that are the main draw for divers to this area. 

The Cenotes are a vast network of stunning subterranean rivers and caves that have been formed from limestone erosion, creating sinkholes which offer entry to some of the most spectacular diving in the world.  There are many different Cenotes in the Yucatan, some are vertical shafts while others are caves with pools and passageways, lined with stalagmites and stalactites.

Other diving highlights in this part of the world include Sailfish Run, Whale Sharks, Bull Sharks and wreck dives. There are also excellent reef dives accessible from the resorts along the Maya Riviera and diving on the reef walls of neighbouring Cozumel Island.

How to get there
Gateway into the Yucatan Peninsular is through Cancun International Airport. British Airways offer a direct route from London Gatwick, or you can choose from a range of airlines that transit through  the US via such cities as Dallas.

On arrival into Cancun, it takes only around 1hr 15 minutes or so to get to the Playa del Carmen area, from which you have a selection of good dive resorts to choose from.

Exploring Mexico
Mexico offers world class diving on both its Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. There is something for everyone here, and at all diver levels. Visit our Mexico section for an introduction to where to go throughout this country, including Guadalupe Island, the Sea of Cortez, the Socorro Islands and the Yucatan Peninsular.

Essence at the Fives Beach, Playa Del Carmen
Essence at the Fives Beach is a stunning 5 star luxury beach resort with a host of incredible facilities. Situated on a white powder beach with crystal clear water and nestled amongst tropical mangroves and beautifully landscaped gardens. Ideal for singles, couples, families & groups looking for a first-class resort experience with diving. Located just south of the town of Playa Del Carmen.
For full details, click on the image above.

The Fives Downtown Playa Del Carmen
Beautiful, stylish, modern Curio Collection by Hilton branded resort. With dive shop, RoMarley coffee shop, traditional style tequila bar, roof top bar and restaurant with 2 giant infinity pools. & Ground floor gym. Ideal for the diver / groups that enjoy the party atmosphere of downtown Playa Del Carmen, whilst staying in a 5-star resort, set just back from the main strip and with great ocean views from the rooftop bar. 
For full details, click on the image above.

Located further south of Playa del Carmen is the town of Tulum. If you are looking for a resort that is adults only, then we can recommend the Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach & Spa Resort. This all-inclusive resort comprises of 288 comfortable villas, surrounded by native jungle trees, local plants, mangroves and Cenotes. You can see images of this hotel in the gallery to the right.

Diving from Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach & Spa Resort is conducted by Pro Dive International, which have a fleet of dive boats to offer diving throughout the Riviera Maya reefs, the Cenotes and Cozumel National Marine Park.