From the biodiverse Sea of Cortez to far-flung volcanic islands and crystal-clear cenotes, Mexico's dive sites are a broad-ranging bunch. So, where to begin? Whether you'd rather meet friendly manta rays, swim among stalactites or explore a decades-old shipwreck, take the plunge with our expert pick of the best dive sites in Mexico…
Cenote Angelita, Yucatan Peninsula
Bored of diving in the deep blue? Unlikely. However, if you fancy a change of underwater scene, then cenote diving is just the ticket. These natural sinkholes are a common feature throughout Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, comprising a vast network of caves and caverns filled with freshwater.
Cenote Angelita is our pick of the lot, offering advanced divers the chance to descend to depths of 40m. On bright, sunny days (which aren't in short supply), beams of light shine through the water's surface to illuminate the underwater world, which includes a mystical hydrogen sulphide cloud at around 30m deep. This magical layer resembles an eerie underwater river, punctuated by tree trunks and branches. Gliding through this fog is an unforgettable experience that deserves a spot on every diver's bucket list.
El Bajo, the Sea of Cortez
Next up on our roundup of the best dive sites in Mexico is El Bajo in the Sea of Cortez, one of the most biodiverse oceans on Earth (and a UNESCO World Heritage site). This dive site boasts three underwater pinnacles that are known to attract a variety of pelagic species, including tuna, amberjack, giant manta rays, whale sharks and even whales. While in the past divers would've seen schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks at El Bajo, sadly, sightings have become less common. Still, you might just get lucky (we'll keep our flippers crossed).
This dive is best suited for advanced divers only, as the seamounts are subject to strong currents in the exposed, open ocean. It's usually considered a drift dive, with depths ranging from around 16-30m.
Cabo Pearce, Socorro Island
Fancy hanging out with some of the world's friendliest manta rays? Head to Socorro Island, a small volcanic isle in the remote Revillagigedo Archipelago, 370 miles from mainland Mexico. Our favourite dive site here is Cabo Pearce, a narrow rock formation that juts out into the ocean. While this sensational site might be best known for its lively manta cleaning stations, divers can see plenty of other pelagic species too.
Strong currents create a superhighway for the ocean's greatest giants, so keep your eyes peeled for everything from silky sharks and schools of hammerheads to playful pods of dolphins. Simply take shelter from the currents alongside the rocks and await the arrival of myriad marine mammals (it won't take long).
Cenote Dreamgate, Yucatan Peninsula
This next one is pretty special. Dreamgate, the second cenote to make our list of the best dive sites in Mexico, is an intricate cavern-like sinkhole renowned for its fascinating rock formations. Weave among delicate stalactites, stalagmites and columns as you explore this otherworldly watery world.
Thanks to this challenging topography, diving at Dreamgate is reserved for experienced divers only. Dark corners and confined spaces are at every turn, so it's not recommended for those who are claustrophobic. However, this setup will sound like a dreamy dive scenario to others, and since not many people know about Dreamgate, you'll likely have the cenote all to yourself…
Palancar Reef, Cozumel
As part of the marvellous Mesoamerican Reef (one of the largest barrier reefs in the world), Palancar offers divers around three miles of exploration. Located in the bright blue waters surrounding Cozumel Island, this site boasts a winning combination of rich marine life and fascinating underwater topography. A highlight includes Palancar Gardens, a dramatic coral wall with swim-throughs and caverns. Expect to spot eagle rays, turtles, colourful reef fish, nurse sharks and the splendid toadfish (endemic to Cozumel).
Another superb section of the reef is the Palancar Caves, which is best suited to intermediate and advanced divers (beginners should stick to the Gardens site). Drift with the current to explore a network of coral-encrusted tunnels, canyons and caves.
El Vencedor, Cabo Pulmo Marine Park
Last but not least of the best dive sites in Mexico is El Vencedor, a 40-year-old sunken fishing boat in Cabo Pulmo Marine Park, a protected marine reserve (and UNESCO site) in Baja California. Today, the wreck is a lively artificial reef home to masses of marine life, where divers can expect to see schools of snapper, garden eels, moray, huge grouper, stingrays and pufferfish - to name just a few.
Eager to spy something a little bigger? The shipwreck is known for its bountiful bull shark population, so keep your eyes peeled for these impressive predators (from a safe distance, of course). Even better, with excellent visibility, gentle currents and accessible depths of up to 13m, El Vencedor is well-suited to beginner divers.
