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Because of the busy nature of Cancun with tourists always coming and going, the Discover Scuba course is especially popular. Those with an interest in diving are encouraged to advance their skills, however, thanks to the numerous local sites that advanced divers won't want to miss. From shallow 60 foot dives to much deeper shipwrecks waiting to be explored, there is a whole world of wonders off the coast of this resort town.
You'll find 11 dive operators and at least 8 good dive sites to choose from.
If you're ready to dive, you should consider Solo Buceo Dive Center. Over 25 years of experience guarantees that this dive center is prepared to handle any situation that arrives. Master trainers and underwater guides, you can't go wrong with Solo Buceo. They are located in Cancun Beach Hotel Zone, in eastern Cancun.
Another good option is Cancun Scuba Center. Since 1990, Juan Carlos Garrido has been taking visitors out to explore what lies beneath the surface of the Caribbean Sea. While many dive centers along the strip stick to diving nearby, this operation schedules regular trips to the surrounding areas of Isla Mujeres, Tulum, and Cozumel. They can be reached at (998) 221-6289.
A third good option is Scuba Cancun. One of the longest operating scuba centers in the area, Scuba Cancun opened over 30 years ago and has been training and diving with people from around the world ever since. The facility family owned and operated, with Captain Luis Hurtado at the helm -- a man who has been diving both commercially, for the military, and for sport for over 60 years. They're found in Cancun.
Some information regarding dive service operators can be seen in the table below.
| Name | Phone | Location |
|---|---|---|
| AquaWorld | 1-866-210-12-36 (US & Canada) | 6.3 mi. Southeast of Central downtown Cancun |
| Cancun Diving Adventures | (998) 202-4245 | 3.6 mi. North-Northwest of Central Cancun Beach Hotel Zone |
| Cancun Scuba Center | (998) 221-6289 | 3.9 mi. East of Central Cancun |
| Club Lagoon Tours | -- | 3.4 mi. North of Central Cancun Beach Hotel Zone |
| Dressel Divers Cancun | (+34) 963 561 496 | 8.7 mi. Southeast of Central Cancun |
| Manta Divers | (998) 849-4050 | 0.2 mi. North of Central Cancun Beach Hotel Zone |
| Nautilus Diving By Scuba Fred | (998) 880-3195 | 3.1 mi. North-Northeast of Central Cancun Beach Hotel Zone |
| Scuba Adventures | -- | 3.7 mi. North-Northwest of Central Cancun Beach Hotel Zone |
| Scuba Cancun | (998) 849-7508 | 3.5 mi. North of Central Cancun Beach Hotel Zone |
| Solo Buceo Dive Center | (998) 883-3979 | 3.4 mi. Northeast of Central Cancun Beach Hotel Zone |
| Squalo Divers | (998) 251-4068 | Downtown Cancun |
The following table has the typical cost of dive services in this area.
| Offering Type | Low Rate | High Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Discover Scuba | $ 85.0 | $ 110.0 |
| Double Tank Dive | $ 65.0 | $ 110.0 |
| Night Dive | $ 60.0 | $ 75.0 |
| Open Water Certification | $ 350.0 | $ 450.0 |
| Single Tank Dive | $ 50.0 | $ 75.0 |
The chart right below offers a few details concerning some of the area's better-known dive sites.
| Name | Quality | Experience | Max Depth | Latitude | Longitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aristos | Excellent | Open Water / CMAS * | 51.5 | 21.121 | -86.7415 |
| Chitales | Good | Open Water / CMAS * | 27.2 | 21.1657666667 | -86.73555 |
| El Meco | Fair | -- | 40.0 | 21.217 | -86.7953333333 |
| Grampin | Good | Open Water / CMAS * | 32.8 | 21.1407666667 | -86.7366333333 |
| Herradura | Good | Open Water / CMAS * | 53.5 | 21.1102166667 | -86.7435333333 |
| La Boya de los Locos | Very Good | Open Water / CMAS * | 39.4 | 21.0360833333 | -86.7699166667 |
| La Jardinera de la Esperanza | Good | -- | 49.2 | 21.0282666667 | -86.7815333333 |
| Punta Negra | Good | Open Water / CMAS * | 52.2 | 21.1278666667 | -86.7310333333 |
To learn more about diving, including useful tips and suggestions for both "old pros" and beginners, check out our extensive Caribbean scuba diving article.
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