Bullshark Diving
Playa del Carmen, home to Bull Shark “Mommas”
Located between Cancun and Tulum at the heart of México’s Mayan Riviera, Playa del Carmen has become one of the world’s top diving destinations. The reefs sheltering its beaches are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, our planet’s second largest and home to a great variety of corals and marine life. Eagle rays, sea turtles, nurse sharks and a multitude of colorful species –including angel, parrot, box and drumfish– share its turquoise waters with large moray eels, crabs and lobsters hiding under wrecks and reef overhangs.
From mid-November to March, Playa del Carmen becomes an important hub attracting divers, scientists and shark experts from all over the world. Starting in November, the brave-hearted have the opportunity to dive with groups of female bull sharks –many of them pregnant and spanning up to 3 meters in length– that patrol Playa’s coasts.
THE EXPERIENCE
- “Feel your heartbeat slow as the ocean’s top predators glide by “
- “An encounter that challenges your limits and stays with you forever.”
Shark dives in Playa del Carmen are thoroughly regulated by the CONANP (México’s Commission for Natural Protected Areas) and local dive associations to guarantee the animals’ welfare and conservation. We strictly abide by these guidelines and offer shark dives in 2 modalities:
1. ATTRACTION:
Divers remain at the bottom of Shark Point during their dive observing sharks’ natural behavior. Every group of 6 divers is accompanied by 1 shark guide.
2. OBSERVATION:
Divers remain at the bottom of Shark Point observing sharks’ behavior as an experienced feeder attracts them with bait. Every group of 8 divers is accompanied by 1 feeder, 1 safety diver, and 2 shark guides.
Important: Our shark dives are preceded by a workshop where local experts share their knowledge about the species’ biology, migratory cycle, behavior, and interaction patterns with humans.
Bullshark diving
Playa del Carmen, home to Bull Shark “Mommas”
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Water
Fruits and refreshments
Weights & tanks
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Equipment rental
Photos and videos
Gratuities
Recommendations
Get a Good night’s sleep
Hydrate properly in advance
Eat a light, balanced meal
Do not drink excessively the night before
Insect repellent & sunscream are not allowed
bullshark diving
Playa del Carmen, home to Bull Shark “Mommas”
Frequently Asked Questions
The maximum depth is 25–26 meters. Recreational dives always stay within safe limits.
Water temperature is usually between 27 and 30°C (81–86°F) year-round. A wetsuit is recommended for comfort.
For the Attraction mode, the maximum time is 30–35 minutes, and for the Observation mode, 35–40 minutes.
Remain calm, follow the guide’s instructions, avoid sudden movements, and always respect the sharks and the surrounding environment.
Yes, as long as it does not interfere with safety or harm the environment.
Most sunscreens and insect repellents contain chemicals that contaminate the water and damage fragile ecosystems.
No. Makeup, lotions, and oils can contaminate the water.
The main species observed is the bull shark, especially during the winter season.
The season usually runs from November to March, when sharks come closer to the coast.
It is not mandatory, but good buoyancy control and previous recreational diving experience are recommended.
Additional Information:
