10 Reasons to Scuba Dive Mexico's Riviera Maya

This prime stretch of the northeastern Yucatan offers drifts, walls, reefs, sharks, caves and — topping it all off — fish tacos. Need we say más?

Angelita Cenote
Giant-stride into the blue water and descend past barelimbed tree trunks to about 95 feet to reach an incredible hydrogen-sulfate cloud. You’ll drop through the cloud into the zone of otherworldly blackness below. The view looking back up is unforgettable. prodivemex.com

Xaak
It’s well worth investing your time in a half-day two-tank excursion to this site north of Akumal that teems with turtles, rays and nurse sharks. The coral fingers are especially impressive here, stretching 30 feet from their base in the seabed.

Laguna Bacalar
It’s a surprise, after being surrounded by so much jungle, to come upon this crystal-clear lake with a white sandy bottom south of Riviera Maya near the border with Belize. Kayak trips are optimal for soaking in all the colors and scenery.

Moc-Che Deep
Drop down to the reef, and settle in for an exciting drift dive along a sheer wall that plunges to 100 feet. Moc-Che Deep’s currents scream at times, and that’s what keeps the abundant corals and sponges awash with nutrients that lure big groups of turtles, grouper and more. thereefmarina.com

Spanish lessons
Pairing your Mexican vacation with a few hours of language classes will let you experience the Yucatan in a deeper way. Meztli Spanish Language School in Tulum offers short and sweet morning classes.

Cobá Maya Ruins
Most tourists flock to the Maya ruins at Tulum, but the ancient civilization left its mark across the Yucatan. And the ruins at Cobá are particularly impressive. Climb 120 steps up the Nohoch Mul Pyramid for jaw-dropping views of the surrounding jungle and lake.

Fresh-seafood feast
Where fresh fish tacos, guacamole and margaritas meet, a diver is bound to find topside solace. Los Aguachiles restaurant remains one of Playa del Carmen’s most beloved stops for favorites and the chilispiked Mexican shrimp ceviche called aguachiles.

Coco Bongo Show & Disco
Your night at this legendary nightlife hot spot is bound to be memorable. Picture a Vegasstyle party mashed up with ’70s, ’80s and ’90s music on the set of a Cirque du Soleil-esque venue, and you’ll get the idea.

Casa Cenote
The meeting point between the Nohoch Nah Chich cave system and the ocean, Casa Cenote is where fresh- and saltwater creatures mingle. Certified cave divers can finish with a thrilling exit — a swim through the cave opening into the ocean. cavetrainingmexico.com

Tortugas Reef
The site’s namesake – turtles, the hawksbill variety in particular – are regularly seen at this thrilling deepwater dive off Playa del Carmen. phoceamexico.com

SCUBA DIVERS GUIDE

Average water temp: Low to mid-80s

What to wear: Skin or shorty

Average viz: 70 feet

When to go: Year-round

More info: sportdiver.com/riviera-maya