Diving Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is part 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. With current speeds as fast as 1.5 knots, drift diving is the most popular form of diving in Playa del Carmen whereby divers make use of the constant ocean currents to make their way through the reefs.
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
Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen 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. Playa del Carmen 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
Originally named Xaman-Ha (waters of the north) Playa del Carmen is a living vibrant part of the Maya World (Mundo Maya). Located on the Mexicana Caribbean coast some 40 miles south of Cancun, Playa, as it is now, is the perfect base from which to explore the fascinating sites along the Cancun – Tulum Corridor of Quintana Roo (now called Mayan Riviera ). Playa del Carmen has many miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches and crystal-clear Caribbean waters.
Playa has many restaurants and an active nightlife with a resort-like atmosphere. Nearly every restaurant in Playa is directly on Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) or a block or two away. Prices are affordable and many establishments have Gringo or European owners.
Map
Get a map of Playa del Carmen from WorldAtlas.com