Playa Del Carmen Dive shop

[scubaNYC16]

Hi-

Heading to PDC in mid July and would like a recommendation on which shop to use out there. Also, what sites do you recommend?

Thanks!

 

[paulw]

I have used the Abyss and they have been great Playa del Carmen Diving with The Abyss Dive Center
I have heard that Jason at Fantasea Dive is great also, I am planning a trip down in August and so sent him a message about a week ago but I have not received a response yet but here is his site Playa del Carmen Diving, Dive Packages and Fishing in Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and the Riviera Maya, Mexico - Fantasea Dive

 

[Dirty-Dog]

Without a doubt, Ben and Jorge from ScorpioDivers.com have the largest fan-base here on SB. I've never dove with them, but their reputation is solid gold.
I personally recommend Alvaro from AlwaysDiving.com. We've done 20+ dives with him and cannot say enough good things about him.

 

[Ed Hatfield]

There is a dive shop on every corner and several of them A1. I sent you a PM with my thoughts on that. The dive sites I feel free to share as I think everyone can benefit from this information. To the south you need to see Punta Venado. It is the southern most of the reefs frequented by the PDC dive shops. Because it the farthest south it also does not see as much traffic and is therefore the most preserved reef. You need to dive Sabalos to see the Tarpons at this time of year. Last year I saw a sailfish and 4 marlin during my safety stop at Sabalos. To the north is Los Arcos. This is a deep dive, with a strong current on most days, but it is the only PDC dive that resembles the reef at Cozumel. Those are the top three in my opinion but I still enjoy all the usuals..Tortugas, Baraccuda, Cerebros ect... Plan at least one day in the cenotes. With your 100+ dives I would skip Dos Ojos and head to something a little more exotic. Your dive op will be able to advise you best once you get there.

 

[Scubasteve1982]

I've never stayed in Playa but I've done 4 cenote dives with a shop called Aquanauts that isn't too far south of that area. I'm pretty sure they do ocean dives as well as cenotes/cave diving. Always had a good time with them. They seem very skilled and safe. Might be worth checking out.

 

[RU4SKUBA]

I used Scuba Playa and would probably try Geofish if I went back...

 

[Spratman]

If you're planning on cenotes, I would recommend Dennis Weeks down there. Nearly dove with him one time, but couldn't coordinate the transportation from Cancun. Sterling reputation on the board. Goes by Pez Diablo here on SB.

 

[Nautical Dreamers]

After 25 years of diving, I can honestly say this is the worst dive operator I've been around. Their one bright spot is Martin. A very professional guy, personable and safe. Other than that, I have nothing good to say about their operation. I have used several operators down there, and this was ultimately a disappointment. Go a little further south and hook up Akumal Dive Center.

 

[Ed Hatfield]

There are two distinctly different dive shops in PDC that are regularly confused. The previous post for 'Playa Scuba' should not be confused with 'Scuba Playa'.

Playa Scuba is on 15th Avenue between 2nd and 4th Streets.

Scuba Playa is on 10th Street between 1st Avenue and 5th. They have been there a long time and have a good reputation. I think Playa Scuba tried to use a similar name to maybe earn some business off the good reputation of Scuba Playa.

 

[DeerCreekers]

We just got back from PDC and used Eco Diving tours ( Ecodivingtours@gmail.com ). Did several days of cenote diving with them. They contract with a cenote dive guide named Victor, who was outstanding. Great guy, very knowledgeable about cenotes. We got great service from Eco dive, good prices, they picked us up from our hotel (Xcaret), provided us with awesome sandwiches, yummy snacks, water and soft drinks and let us pick our cenotes. The pre trip email contact was fantastic and email back and forth while there kept everyone up todate as we changed times and such. They really just rolled with the flow. Could not have been any happier. We will use them again in April for more cenote diving.