Playa del Carmen Shore diving

[Dokidiver]

The wife (non-diver) and I are planning a two week vacation in May/June 2011 @ a time share in PDC. This is my tropical dive vacation (usually dive Central Calif Coast) and would like to get in as much as possible.

I did a package in 2010 which include cenote, PDC, and Coz which I enjoyed (although between PDC and Coz, I did like Coz better)

Most of the dive centers have 2 tank boat dives for about $70 which I think is pretty reasonable (and plan to take advantage of those);however, I was curious about renting shore diving for some of the closer in parts of the reef.

Also, since (as mentioned at first) the wife is not a diver, I could use some ideas for finding a diving buddy for the shore dives. The boats aren't usually a problem as they usually pair everyone up and everyone stays in the group.

Some ideas for Cozumel would be cool too, since it may be feasible to ferry over and spend a day off the beach there.

 

[ffdiver]

I don't think shore diving is very popular in that area, the reefs are kinda far in relation to the beach, and the current usually make all the dives drift dives.

I think you be better off getting in as many cenotes as possible, so even you non-diving wife might be able to snorkel in some of them and in the least be able to explore the area a bit.

 

[Dirty-Dog]

The reef in that area starts about a mile off shore. Quite a surface swim, but I guess if your navigation skills and endurance are up to it...

 

[Geofish Dive in Playa]

There is actually no shore diving here in Playa. The reason is due to boat traffic, drift, and as FFDIVER and Dirty-Dog said, the reefs are quite a swim out. There are too many Jet ski's, dive boats, and fishing boats that would be crossing your path on your way out the reefs. There are a few that are reachable by swimming, we actually do that in the Summer for free dive spear fishing, but we do this with big buoys so we don't get taken out by a passing boat. So unfortunately the only place for shore diving is in Cozumel. Enjoy your stay in Playa and Happy Diving!

 

[Dokidiver]

Thanks for the info. I'll check out some of the Cozumel side as well.