Luxury Diving Holidays in Mexico

In Depth 

Starting from the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula running through the Caribbean Sea down to the Bay Islands of Honduras, the Mesoamerican Reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world stretching nearly 700 miles in total. Off the coast of the Yucatan, the reef comes into its own in the form of plunging walls off Cozumel abundant with flora and fauna. With visibility often reaching 50m, divers can see up to 500 species of fish, 60 species of coral and 350 molluscs. Drift diving is the order of the day in Cozumel, with turtles, eagle rays and barracuda often seen cruising along in the blue.  

Whilst coastal diving in the Yucatan is good, uniquely some of the best dive sites are found inland in the form of cenotes. The Yucatan Peninsula is relatively flat with no rivers but below the surface runs two of the largest underground water systems in the world. This has resulted in the formation of extensive cave systems, which in turn has formed natural sinkholes where cave ceilings have collapsed, also known as ‘cenotes’. These cenotes are fed by rainwater that is filtered through the ground, resulting in fresh, crystal-clear waters. They take on many different forms from open sinkholes to caverns, with the waters ranging from emerald green to intense blue. Ancient Mayans had a strong connection with the cenotes, believed to be the entrance to the underworld as well as a source of water. Scuba diving in the cenotes is an experience not to be missed and one like no other. ‘Taj Mahal’ has water so crystal clear that it feels like floating in air, with shards of sunlight piercing through the cavern ceiling in sapphire blue. Stalactites and stalagmites line the cave system as the dive progresses and a halocline creates a hazy effect as the fresh water meets salt. ‘El Pit’ can be reached by rocky track in the jungle and whilst gear is lowered down by a pulley system, divers will jump through the open sinkhole, gearing up in the water. The cenote is 40m deep with a spectacular laser beam of turquoise sunlight cutting through the clear water and a hydrogen sulphide layer at 30m.