Diving Cancun
Cancun is the starting point of the second longest coral reef in the world, the path of which can be traced all the way to Belize, which offers a variety of dive sites. Depths range from 30 to 80 feet (10 to 25 m) and there is a truly spectacular abundance of marine life.
One of the most unique diving activities in this part of Mexico is to dive the jungle cenotes. Cenotes are sinkholes. The whole Yucatan peninsula consists of limestone. During the ice age, the water level sank and the rainwater permeated the porous stone, forming caves, passageways, and huge domes. These cenotes are actually underground rivers and form the largest interconnected cave and cavern system in the world. The attraction of diving the cenotes is the waters are crystal clear and around 75°F (24°C) all year round.
Best time to dive
Year-round offers great diving. September and October are the rainy months, which can reduce visibility.
Visibility
Visibility is often 50 to 100 feet.
Water temperatures
Water temperatures are typically around 76 to 80 °F (28 to 30 °C)
Weather and climate
Cancun and the whole Yucatan peninsula are home to one of the world’s most sunny climates. Occasionally there are strong winds and rain during the months of September, October, and November. The average annual temperature of Cancun and the Riviera Maya is 78 degrees F (25.5 degrees C), with fluctuations of 5 to 7 degrees. From November to April, there are usually blue skies and a cool northern wind. Cancun has an average of more than 200 sunny days a year and has less annual rainfall than the Virgin Islands or the Bahamas. Usually a light breeze blows across the island, keeping things cool.
Language
Spanish and Mayan
Passport/Visa requirements
U.S. and Canadian visitors can enter Mexico with a valid passport or with a birth certificate accompanied by photo ID. Travelers from other countries may need a visa and should check with their country before departure.
Currency
Peso – Get exchange rates at http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Electrical current
110 volts is supplied in most places. It is recommended to use surge protectors with sensitive equipment.
Capital
Mexico City
General information
Cancun is comprised of three distinct but integrated areas: the City of Cancun, a raffish boomtown of 300,000 people, popular for shopping, dining, less expensive accommodations; the ecological reserve with lagoons and mangroves; and the resort zone, an island. The Yucatan Peninsula is where Mayan culture flourished for centuries prior to the Spaniards’ arrival in 1519. Over 1,200 archaeological sites are scattered within a few hour’s drive from Cancun. Many sites have been restored, while others are still shrouded by tangled jungle vegetation. Cancun’s ultra-modern resort zone harbors ruins dating to the 12th century. Shopping is top notch, with over a dozen American-style shopping malls. Dining options (there are over 200 restaurants) include every fast food chain along with gourmet seafood, Asian, Caribbean, American, and Mexican specialties.
Map
Get a map of Mexico from WorldAtlas.com.