Diving in the Mayan Riviera

[sphelps]

I will be going to the Mayan Riviera shorty and was wondering if anyone knows of any good dive shops/sites and snorkeling sites? Thanks.

[Piscez]

Akumal Bay has Sea turtles, there is a tour but you can go for free if you take your own snorkeling gear and just make your own way, there is a local bus you can take to Akumal from the station on 5th Ave in down town Playa Del Carmen. There is some rather commercial snorkeling in Xel-ha park which has swimming with dolphins and floating down the river on tubes. Also a decent Dive shop in Playa, this should help, have fun!

http://www.diveshopmexico.com/

[Treebeard]

Definitely go to Akumal Bay. We used the Akumal Dive Center (http://www.akumaldivecenter.com/) which is located next door to the hotel we stayed in. You also should do a cenote (http://www.bluecaribe.net/english/dive-cenote-akumal-riviera-maya.html)dive. Taj Mahal is short drive from Akumal and the guys at the Akumal Dive Center take you right there.

Snorkeling in Akumal Bay is ok. Last time we were there it was kind of silty though. Half Moon bay is a short walk or bike ride north of Akumal Bay and the snorkeling there was much better, lots of coral and fish!

Xel Ha is good but it's not cheap. I would stick to the free stuff in Akumal. There is lots of good info on Loco Gringo (http://www.locogringo.com/index.cfm). I have booked both of my Akumal stays with them and they are great!

Here are some snorkeling pics (http://good-times.webshots.com/album/561004564QlZoyF?start=0) from our trip two years ago. These are in Akumal Bay where there are lots of turtles, but like I said, Half Moon Bay has lots more coral and fish.

[sphelps]

Thanks for the information. I will post some pics of snorkeling with the whale sharks when I return :mrgreen:

[Carmen]

Take a trip to Cozumel by Ferry from Playa Del Carmen - cheap and easy! The snorkelling trips from there are INCREDIBLE! Sharks, rays, Barracuda, Dolphins, Turtles, grouper! TONNES to see! I don't have a particular boat/tour group to give you but I am sure you can find many to take you offshore there. Or snorkelling right off the Cozumel island at Chankanub park was neat. Saw Lobster, tangs, parrotfish, etc.
I second Akumal though! Really a neat place with the turtles and off to the left of the turtle area is a HUGE shoal of fish! Ask the locals, can't miss em! HUGE!
HAVE FUN!! I'm jealous!

[Treebeard]

The fish ball! Did you see Barry the barracuda Carmen? It is very cool to watch him circle around the fish ball looking for an easy meal.

Here is a link to a downloadable movie of the Barry and his Fishball. (http://www.lifewithalazydazerv.com/Fishball/default.htm)


Really a neat place with the turtles and off to the left of the turtle area is a HUGE shoal of fish! Ask the locals, can't miss em! HUGE!
HAVE FUN!! I'm jealous!http://www.frontiernet.net/~mxtraveler/IMG_7019A.JPG

[Treebeard]

Here is what you are in for sphelps: Akumal Beach Webcam (http://www.locogringo.com/Upload/akumal-beach-cam.html) It is a live webcam mounted on the front of the Lo Ha beach bar, which is next door to the dive shop. Looks like a great day for diving today!

[Carmen]

Ah Man! I can't believe someone has a video of it! That is it exactly! And yes that barracuda (or a few of them:wink:) hang out there ALL the time so it's really something to see! QUITE spooky when you suddenly turn around and there's a 6 foot barracuda only 4 feet away from you in 3 feet of water!! WOW how I want to go back!

[ned]

Take a whole day for Xel-ha.

[Snappy]

Steve,
if you want to see fish dive around Cancun & for more coral/sponge focused dives Cozumel. You'll see a good mix most places but that is my take on it. Palencar caves are a great site.

[Treebeard]

If you go back, try snorkeling in Half Moon Bay. It is just a short walk (although we rented bikes) from Akumal Bay. The variety of fish and corals there is amazing! I had a very curious Parrot Fish following be around and brushing against my toes. Wish I would have had a camera.


Ah Man! I can't believe someone has a video of it! That is it exactly! And yes that barracuda (or a few of them:wink:) hang out there ALL the time so it's really something to see! QUITE spooky when you suddenly turn around and there's a 6 foot barracuda only 4 feet away from you in 3 feet of water!! WOW how I want to go back!

[sphelps]

Well I'm back and unfortunately I didn't get any diving in. It was wedding with tons of good friends and no one else was certified so finding the time to sober up for diving just didn't happen.

I did get some snorkeling in, but was not overly impressed. I didn't care for Akumal Bay, the brackish water was terrible for visibility and the reef was poor, lots of fish but little coral.

The reefs between Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel obviously took a good hit from the recent hurricane as lots of coral was still buried in sand. This was another reason I didn't bother with the diving, I just didn't expect it to be that good.

Here's some pics, I have to say that I think Jamaica and Cuba offer better reefs than the Mayan.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_101.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_102.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_103.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_104.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_105.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_11.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_12.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_13.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_14.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_15.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_16.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_17.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_18.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_19.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_20.jpg

[sphelps]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_21.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_22.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_23.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_24.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_25.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_26.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_27.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_28.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_29.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_30.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_31.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_32.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_33.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_34.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_35.jpg

[sphelps]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_36.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_37.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_38.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_39.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_40.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_77.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_78.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_79.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_80.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_81.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_82.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_83.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_84.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_85.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_86.jpg

[sphelps]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_87.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_88.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_89.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_90.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_91.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_92.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_93.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_94.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_95.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_96.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_97.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_98.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/Mexico_99.jpg

[Treebeard]

Hmmm...I am not sure how you can say the diving in Jamaica and Cuba is better when you did not dive on your trip to Mexico. The Mayan coast has lots of world class dive sites. Each to his own I guess.

Like I said, when I was there in November the water was silty in Akumal bay, unless you got out there before all the boat traffic. And as I understand, the winds are generally stronger and more frequent in the spring, which would stir up the sand. But a short trip to Half Moon bay would have rewarded you with clear water, and tons of fish and coral.

Glad you had a good trip otherwise!

[sphelps]

Hmmm...I am not sure how you can say the diving in Jamaica and Cuba is better when you did not dive on your trip to Mexico. The Mayan coast has lots of world class dive sites. Each to his own I guess.

Like I said, when I was there in November the water was silty in Akumal bay, unless you got out there before all the boat traffic. And as I understand, the winds are generally stronger and more frequent in the spring, which would stir up the sand. But a short trip to Half Moon bay would have rewarded you with clear water, and tons of fish and coral.

Glad you had a good trip otherwise!
Well I based it on the reefs I saw snorkeling and the dive master at the dive shop said the reefs diving would be comparable. I was honestly just expecting better but when it comes down to it I simply saw more variation and healthier reefs in other places in the Caribbean. It depends how you look at it. Mexico had tons of the same stuff, but nothing that stands out. In Cuba for example you can dive down and look under a rock and see all kinds of stuff, Mexico there would be nothing. The reefs were 95% sea fans with very little hard coral, keep in mind I only took pictures of the nice stuff!

In Akumal bay it wasn't the sand causing low visibility it was the brackish water, there was a layer of fresh water on top of the salt water which made it impossible to see unless you dove under it which would also mix the layers and cause similar problems. I personally just wouldn't recommend that particular area. Plus not much to see unless a school of fish impresses you which you can see on the beach off the resort with a little bread.

I was a blast for sure though, actually the best snorkeling was in the cenotes

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/IMG_0959.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/IMG_0960.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Mexico/IMG_0969.jpg

[sphelps]

For comparison these are some snorkeling shots from Cuba

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Picture132.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_16.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_24.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_26.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_33.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_38.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_40.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_41.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_48.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_50.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_53.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_55.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_57.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_59.jpg

[sphelps]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_6.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_60.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_63.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_64.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_65.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_66.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_73.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_78.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_8.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_80.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_82.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_9.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/IMG_0267.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_70.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Dive%20Pics/Full%20Size/Cuba_18.jpg

And there was simply just more of everything

[Delphinus]

Sweet pics! :)

[Stones]

Impressive snorkeling pics Steve. Thanks for sharing.

[subman]

I've dove well over a hundred time in Jamaica and around 10 times in Cuba and they are comparable in my opinion. I only dove in Cozumel a handful of times and it was hands down better way more of everything, brighter, bigger, less scared....

I have never been to the Myan Riviera but that looks nothing like Cozumel to bad you couldn't make the trip up.

[sphelps]

I would have liked to see Cozumel, next time for sure. The locals there did say it took quite a beating from the huricane, has anyone been there since?

[Snappy]

Great pictures thanks for sharing them with us.