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Bullshark Diving

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.

  • Schedule

    The experience starts by meeting your guide at the dive center, reviewing your gear, and preparing for an unforgettable encounter with bull sharks.

  • Briefing & Preparation

    Receive a detailed safety briefing, get familiar with the equipment, and learn about the dive plan with your certified guide, including specific protocols for diving with bull sharks.

  • Diving (1 dive)

    Enjoy one guided dive alongside bull sharks, observing their powerful presence and graceful movements in a controlled and respectful environment.

  • Equipment storage & Snacks

    Exit the dive safely and enjoy a light snack while debriefing at the dive center, sharing your experience and reflecting on this unique shark encounter.

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

Do I need a certification to dive with sharks?
Yes, a minimum Open Water certification is required.
Is shark diving dangerous?
Shark diving is very safe when conducted with certified guides, following established rules and respecting depth limits and the diver’s experience level.
How deep are shark dives?

The maximum depth is 25–26 meters. Recreational dives always stay within safe limits.

Is the water cold?

Water temperature is usually between 27 and 30°C (81–86°F) year-round. A wetsuit is recommended for comfort.

How long does a shark dive last?

For the Attraction mode, the maximum time is 30–35 minutes, and for the Observation mode, 35–40 minutes.

What kind of behavior is expected from divers underwater?

Remain calm, follow the guide’s instructions, avoid sudden movements, and always respect the sharks and the surrounding environment.

Can I bring a camera or GoPro?

Yes, as long as it does not interfere with safety or harm the environment.

Why can’t I use sunscreen?

Most sunscreens and insect repellents contain chemicals that contaminate the water and damage fragile ecosystems.

Can I wear makeup or lotions before diving?

No. Makeup, lotions, and oils can contaminate the water.

What species of sharks can be seen in Playa del Carmen?

The main species observed is the bull shark, especially during the winter season.

What time of year is bull shark diving available?

The season usually runs from November to March, when sharks come closer to the coast.

Do I need previous deep diving experience?

It is not mandatory, but good buoyancy control and previous recreational diving experience are recommended.

Additional Information:

BUY YOUR BULLSHARK CATALOG HERE

Enjoy the opportunity to dive with groups of bull sharks that patrol Playa del Carmen's coasts.

Diving in Playa Del Carmen

Diving In Playa del Carmen

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

THE EXPERIENCE

  • a”One of the coolest dives — dramatic formations and excellent clarity”
  • “The depth and atmosphere here feel like a descent into time itself”
  • “Zapote is truly otherworldly — like diving on another planet”
  • Schedule

    Around 8:00 AM start your day by meeting your guide at the dive center, reviewing your gear, and traveling to the cenote by van.

  • Briefing & Preparation

    Receive a detailed safety briefing, get familiar with the equipment and learn about the dive plan and hand signals with your certified guide.

  • Diving (2 dives)

    Enjoy two guided dives through stalactites, tree roots, and haloclines, observing cave-adapted wildlife and the extraordinary visibility unique to cenotes. During surface intervale you will receive some snacks & refreshments.

  • Equipment storage & Snacks

    Exit the cenote safely, store your gear properly, and enjoy a light snack while debriefing before heading back.

  • Return

    Around 3:00 PM, we get back to the dive center, sharing your experience and reflecting on your adventure.

Diving In Playa del Carmen

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Water

  Round trnasportation

  Snacks

  Fruits and refreshments

Lamps, weights & tanks

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Cenote entrance fee

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

Diving in Playa del Carmen

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a certification to dive in cenotes?
Yes, open water certification is required as minimum. 
Is cenote diving dangerous?

Cenote diving is very safe when done with certified guides, following the rules within established limits for depth, light, and experience level.

How deep are cenote dives?

Depth varies by cenote. Recreational dives stay within safe depth limits, while deeper dives require advanced or technical certification.

Why do cenotes charge an entrance fee?

Cenotes are privately owned, and the entrance fee is collected by the owners. The fee helps cover maintenance, safety, conservation, and guide services, ensuring that the cenote remains protected, accessible, and well-managed for visitors now and in the future.

Can I bring a camera or GoPro?

Yes, as long as it doesn’t interfere with safety or damage the environment. Some cenotes may require special permission. And may have extra costs

Are cenotes saltwater or freshwater?

Cenotes are primarily freshwater, though some have haloclines where freshwater and saltwater meet.

Is cenote diving better than ocean diving?

It’s different. Cenotes offer incredible visibility, unique geology, and light effects, while ocean dives offer marine life and currents.

Can I wear makeup or lotions before diving?

No. Makeup, lotions, and oils can contaminate the water. Most cenotes require guests to rinse before entering.

Do cenotes have fish or wildlife?

Yes. You may see small freshwater fish, turtles in open cenotes, and unique cave-adapted species such as blind fish and shrimp in deeper areas.

Is the water cold?

Water temperature is usually around 24–25°C (75–77°F) year-round. Wetsuits are suggested for comfort.

What will I see underwater?

Crystal-clear freshwater, limestone formations, stalactites and stalagmites, natural light beams, tree roots, and sometimes haloclines.

Do I need previous cavern experience?

No, for recreational cavern dives that stay in the light zone (60 meters from entrance). 

How long does a cenote dive last?

Most dives last between 40 and 60 minutes, depending on air consumption and dive profile.

Is cenote diving suitable for claustrophobic people?

Most recreational cenote dives take place in wide, open caverns with visible exits and natural light, which many people find comfortable.

Do cenotes have currents or waves?

No. Cenotes are freshwater systems with no waves and almost no current, which makes diving calm and controlled.

Can children dive in cenotes?

Yes, depending on age, certification, and the specific cenote. Usually the minimum age is 15 years old.

Why are cenotes considered sacred?

For the ancient Maya, cenotes were sources of life and spiritual gateways to the underworld, giving them deep cultural significance.

Why can’t I use sunscreen or insect repellent in cenotes?

Most sunscreens and repellents contain chemicals that contaminate cenote water and damage fragile ecosystems. Cenotes are closed freshwater systems, so pollutants stay trapped and can harm aquatic life and formations.

Explore the crystal-clear waters and ancient Mayan secrets of Mexico's underground rivers

Diving in Cozumel

Diving In Cozumel

DISCOVERING JACQUES COUSTEAU’S LEGENDARY CORAL CITIES

The Caribbean island of Cozumel is located 8 nautical miles and a 45-min ferry ride from Playa del Carmen. Home to Mayan goddess of fertility Ixchel and a center of annual pilgrimage for centuries, Cozumel remains an important destination for travelers seeking clear turquoise waters and laid-back island vibes. When famed underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau visited Cozumel in 1961, he discovered the massive coral formations of Palancar and labeled the island “paradise”. 

Explore the miles-long reefs burgeoning with life as well as the plunging underwater cliffs of Palancar or Santa Rosa. A protected marine reserve since 1996 and, due to its strong currents, a crucial hub connecting Caribbean ecosystems, Cozumel’s reefs are home to a rich array of marine animals, from majestic eagle rays and timid nurse sharks to the endemic toadfish, a species found only in the island.

THE EXPERIENCE

  • a”One of the coolest dives — dramatic formations and excellent clarity”
  • “The depth and atmosphere here feel like a descent into time itself”
  • “Zapote is truly otherworldly — like diving on another planet”
  • Schedule

    Around 8:00 AM start your day by meeting your guide at the dive center, reviewing your gear, and traveling to the cenote by van.

  • Briefing & Preparation

    Receive a detailed safety briefing, get familiar with the equipment and learn about the dive plan and hand signals with your certified guide.

  • Diving (2 dives)

    Enjoy two guided dives through stalactites, tree roots, and haloclines, observing cave-adapted wildlife and the extraordinary visibility unique to cenotes. During surface intervale you will receive some snacks & refreshments.

  • Equipment storage & Snacks

    Exit the cenote safely, store your gear properly, and enjoy a light snack while debriefing before heading back.

  • Return

    Around 3:00 PM, we get back to the dive center, sharing your experience and reflecting on your adventure.

Diving In Cozumel

DISCOVERING JACQUES COUSTEAU’S LEGENDARY CORAL CITIES

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Water

  Round trnasportation

  Snacks

  Fruits and refreshments

Lamps, weights & tanks

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Cenote entrance fee

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

Diving In Cozumel

DISCOVERING JACQUES COUSTEAU’S LEGENDARY CORAL CITIES

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a certification to dive in cenotes?
Yes, open water certification is required as minimum. 
Is cenote diving dangerous?

Cenote diving is very safe when done with certified guides, following the rules within established limits for depth, light, and experience level.

How deep are cenote dives?

Depth varies by cenote. Recreational dives stay within safe depth limits, while deeper dives require advanced or technical certification.

Why do cenotes charge an entrance fee?

Cenotes are privately owned, and the entrance fee is collected by the owners. The fee helps cover maintenance, safety, conservation, and guide services, ensuring that the cenote remains protected, accessible, and well-managed for visitors now and in the future.

Can I bring a camera or GoPro?

Yes, as long as it doesn’t interfere with safety or damage the environment. Some cenotes may require special permission. And may have extra costs

Are cenotes saltwater or freshwater?

Cenotes are primarily freshwater, though some have haloclines where freshwater and saltwater meet.

Is cenote diving better than ocean diving?

It’s different. Cenotes offer incredible visibility, unique geology, and light effects, while ocean dives offer marine life and currents.

Can I wear makeup or lotions before diving?

No. Makeup, lotions, and oils can contaminate the water. Most cenotes require guests to rinse before entering.

Do cenotes have fish or wildlife?

Yes. You may see small freshwater fish, turtles in open cenotes, and unique cave-adapted species such as blind fish and shrimp in deeper areas.

Is the water cold?

Water temperature is usually around 24–25°C (75–77°F) year-round. Wetsuits are suggested for comfort.

What will I see underwater?

Crystal-clear freshwater, limestone formations, stalactites and stalagmites, natural light beams, tree roots, and sometimes haloclines.

Do I need previous cavern experience?

No, for recreational cavern dives that stay in the light zone (60 meters from entrance). 

How long does a cenote dive last?

Most dives last between 40 and 60 minutes, depending on air consumption and dive profile.

Is cenote diving suitable for claustrophobic people?

Most recreational cenote dives take place in wide, open caverns with visible exits and natural light, which many people find comfortable.

Do cenotes have currents or waves?

No. Cenotes are freshwater systems with no waves and almost no current, which makes diving calm and controlled.

Can children dive in cenotes?

Yes, depending on age, certification, and the specific cenote. Usually the minimum age is 15 years old.

Why are cenotes considered sacred?

For the ancient Maya, cenotes were sources of life and spiritual gateways to the underworld, giving them deep cultural significance.

Why can’t I use sunscreen or insect repellent in cenotes?

Most sunscreens and repellents contain chemicals that contaminate cenote water and damage fragile ecosystems. Cenotes are closed freshwater systems, so pollutants stay trapped and can harm aquatic life and formations.

Explore the crystal-clear waters and ancient Mayan secrets of Mexico's underground rivers
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