Headed to Playa in October and was wanting thoughts on Snorkling and diving. Can I see just as much cool things snorkling? Im the only one dive certified and everyone else just wants to snorkle so id be the only one diving. We are also staying at the Secrets Capri Riviera, anyone have experience there?
Snorkling or Diving in Playa?
- Thread starter batesdc
- Start date
ibanezgfx
New member
I've been down that way three times now and have dove and snorkeled each time.
First time i took a ferry to Cozumel. Absolutely worth it. It is beautiful.
Second time I went in the Cenotes which was very cool and worth it to try, but I prefer ocean.
Third time we went snorkeling in Akumal which was about a 45 minute ride south to a beach. There were turtles everywhere. I saw all kinds of turtles, squid, fish, etc...
I also did an ocean dive in Playa which was OK. The only reason i say OK is that I was the only one who had been on any dives. I went with my friend who was recently certified and there were two kids on the boat who were doing check out dives. I would have prefered to go deeper than 30 feet, but oh well, at least i was underwater.
There are lots of corals, plenty of fish and things to see. I definitely recommend.
I went with the Playa Scuba Dive center. A cool chick from North Carolina was our dive master. They're a tiny shop in downtown Playa. Very reasonable prices.
First time i took a ferry to Cozumel. Absolutely worth it. It is beautiful.
Second time I went in the Cenotes which was very cool and worth it to try, but I prefer ocean.
Third time we went snorkeling in Akumal which was about a 45 minute ride south to a beach. There were turtles everywhere. I saw all kinds of turtles, squid, fish, etc...
I also did an ocean dive in Playa which was OK. The only reason i say OK is that I was the only one who had been on any dives. I went with my friend who was recently certified and there were two kids on the boat who were doing check out dives. I would have prefered to go deeper than 30 feet, but oh well, at least i was underwater.
There are lots of corals, plenty of fish and things to see. I definitely recommend.
I went with the Playa Scuba Dive center. A cool chick from North Carolina was our dive master. They're a tiny shop in downtown Playa. Very reasonable prices.
I have taken the bus from Cancun to Playa and took the ferry across to Cozumel. I highly suggest it! PM if you would like a reputable dive shop on the island. Prices are more than fair. I'm actually coming down in a month and plan on doing 6 tanks worth (4 in Cancun and 2 in Cozumel). Also is you can I strongly suggest that you bring your own mask, life jacket and snorkels. We took ours last time and found out that there was a reef right in front of our hotel. Everyone (other tourist) had to rent everything but we have free snorkeling all day every day.
akumal has AMAZING snorkling, especially out by the reef, on the left near the opening the boats go in and out of. sharks, turtles, coral, the whole bit.
Dos Ojos Cenote is a MUST dive (good snorkle, too) they say it has "unlimited"vis, and i believe it, it seems you are literally floating in air, you can't see the water at all) there are many other good snorkle cenotes.
near akumal, there is a river/cenote (forget the name, but there are statues all over the property) that flows into the ocean, very cool to snorkle with freshwater fish, then out to saltwater fish/coral.
of, course Cozumel is great, be prepared to dive deep if going to some of the more famous spots (devils throat comes to mind, personally i think the dive above the reef is better than the dive "through the throat")
if you a very adventerous (like my wife and i) there are some REALLY good dive/snorkle spots from the shore, one has a big hole on the ground, about 30' deep where a freshwater cenote comes up in the ocean,,again really cool (DO NOT go in the underwater river unless you are VERY experienced with cave diving, not even to stick your head in and look around)
these can all be found with a little research (locogringo is a good one)
night dive is also a good option there...
Dos Ojos Cenote is a MUST dive (good snorkle, too) they say it has "unlimited"vis, and i believe it, it seems you are literally floating in air, you can't see the water at all) there are many other good snorkle cenotes.
near akumal, there is a river/cenote (forget the name, but there are statues all over the property) that flows into the ocean, very cool to snorkle with freshwater fish, then out to saltwater fish/coral.
of, course Cozumel is great, be prepared to dive deep if going to some of the more famous spots (devils throat comes to mind, personally i think the dive above the reef is better than the dive "through the throat")
if you a very adventerous (like my wife and i) there are some REALLY good dive/snorkle spots from the shore, one has a big hole on the ground, about 30' deep where a freshwater cenote comes up in the ocean,,again really cool (DO NOT go in the underwater river unless you are VERY experienced with cave diving, not even to stick your head in and look around)
these can all be found with a little research (locogringo is a good one)
night dive is also a good option there...
I did about half a dozen dives in Akumal. It was OK. Lots of turtles but reef not very impressive. I would certainly do it again but nothing to rave about. I did really enjoy the cenote. Do it last and it will be a nice fresh water rinse for your equipment! Do double check your gear etc. before starting a dive as the dm's there don't seem to babysit much. I hear the beaches at akumal and tulum are good for snorkeling. I did some snorkeling at our condo rental in akumal and it wasn't very good.
anemoneguy
New member
i took the ferry to cozumel last year when i was to playa. went on the worst day because the waves were really bad and made the 30 min ride terrible. so didn't feel anything like diving or snorkeling .just got back from Cancun and have snorkeled there 3 times. i like it cause there's a lot to see there as well. squid turtles coral etc.
I just got back from Playa Del Carmen Monday I had an awesome snorkeling experience while fishing with Ivan. I booked a four hour fishing and snorkeling tour with him for Wed the 7th. After catching a couple of Mahi Mahi we went to a local reef and snorkeled it was the nicest reef I have snorkeled in the area. Unfortunately it is only accessible from boat, but if you would like to do some fishing also this is a great option.
eran
New member
Could you pm what the cost was to do the fishing/snorkel trip? Thanks
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