Yucatán Peninsula Diving Holiday: An Overview

Playa del Carmen and Cancun offer quite a specific view of what the Yucatán Peninsula is like, but there is so much more to this part of Mexico, from the historic towns and ancient Mayan Ruins of the Riviera Maya to the blanket of jungle jam-packed with wildlife and some seriously exclusive boutique hotels throughout.

The truly outstanding feature of the diving here is the incredible variety. There is something for everyone, from the novice to the advanced diver, and if the weather gets rough, or you just want to try something different, the incredible 'Cenotes' or sink holes await.

Cenotes are inland freshwater caves where you can dive surrounded by surreal scenery of stalagmites often in water that is totally transparent - cenote diving is a unique experience.

Back in the sea, the only type of diving that is not available is genuine wall diving. What is on offer is a series of gently sloping plateaus and shallow reef ledges. These harbour a thriving ecosystem with colourful corals, both hard and soft, varied and plentiful fish life, yellow rays, sting rays, lobsters and all the usual suspects that go to make up a healthy reef. Some sites offer giant sponges and large Green and Hawksbill turtles.

At Puerto Aventuras, you have the chance to snorkel with dolphins, sting rays and manatees. In short, whatever your particular thrill is underwater, this coastline delivers. From June to September you are virtually guaranteed to be able to snorkel with whale sharks too which is reason enough alone to come here.

Beyond the attractions of the hotels and diving there are the fabulous Mayan ruins at Tulum and Chichen Itza, plus activities such as horse riding through the jungle, deep-sea fishing, sailing and even sky-diving. With the recent opening of the superb new spa, the resort really lacks for nothing.