12 Things to KNOW Before Going Scuba Diving in Tulum

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Did you know that Tulum has a secret? And it’s not a very well-kept one!

When I first visited the city, I was wowed by the amazing restaurants in Tulum, the range of beautiful hotels, and all the epic things to do here. But it wasn’t until I asked around about trying out scuba diving in Tulum that I realized that there is a secret, but undeniably beautiful, underwater world that’s just waiting to be explored.

After having been scuba diving in Cancun and Isla Mujeres, I was picturing gorgeous reefs and dates with colorful fish, but I quickly found out that this is only a small part of the dive scene here.

So what’s the difference? Well, one word. Cenotes! These natural sinkholes are a real treat to visit, but it’s not until you go diving there that you get to see a whole other magical side to them. In a way, that’s a pretty good way to describe Tulum in general!

Nowadays, Dan and I are pretty regular visitors to Tulum, so we feel we’ve got a great grasp on the scuba scene here and what you can expect. For this blog, I wanted to give you all the juicy info you need to get stuck into the scuba diving scene here, from the best cenotes to visit, to the epic reefs, and much more.

If it’s not obvious already, visiting Tulum is one of my all-time favorite things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula, and I’m sure it will be the same for you too!

Don’t have time to read the full article? Get ready to be awestruck by an unbelievable underwater world in Tulum. If you’re looking for a fun-filled day, we suggest this scuba diving tour which includes views of a cenote and barrier reef, plus a delectable lunch that you won’t soon forget.

1. About scuba diving in Tulum

Situated along the breathtaking Caribbean coastline, Tulum offers an incredible mix of reef and cenote diving that is perfect for all skill levels. Just a stone’s throw from the shore lies the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is actually the second-largest reef after the world-famous Great Barrier Reef in Australia!

Diving here is, to put it shortly, pretty much everything a diver could ask for! There’s a mind-blowing array of colorful coral formations and a hugely diverse cast of marine life. From speedy tropical fish to graceful sea turtles, every dive will introduce you to new finned friends and unforgettable places.

The water here also remains between a comfortable 24-29°C (75-84°F) all year round, which is honestly a bit like taking a dip in a nice relaxing bath.

You’ll hear me talk a lot about the cenotes in this blog too – they’re the stars of the show when it comes to scuba diving (and snorkeling) in Tulum, with each one offering its own unique layout, ecosystem, and fun things to see!

Note: My personal tip? Bring a waterproof camera with you. There’s something super special about photos taken from underwater in the cenotes – it must be a trick of the light!

2. Why do I love scuba diving in Tulum?

Tulum is legendary in the diving community, so you can bet that I wanted to visit and give diving here a go myself! I actually first went diving here a few years ago, so I feel I know the area pretty well now, but that being said, I do feel like every time I come back, I’m experiencing something completely new.

Of course, it’s the combination of the stunning coral reefs and mysterious cenotes which makes Tulum stand out as a unique scuba diving destination. In many ways, the cenotes here are like more interesting swimming pools, full of fish, plants, and other wildlife to explore. That’s not to say that some cenotes aren’t complex – some of them have sprawling underwater systems that seem to go on forever!

On top of that, Tulum has one of the most incredible diving communities I’ve ever come across, with skilled instructors ready to guide you every step of the way. If it’s your first time diving, there are tons of discovery dives like this small-group discovery tour, and if you’re a more advanced diver, then you really have your pick of epic dive sites.

Related Read: Scuba diving is one of my favorite things to do in the Riviera Maya, but there’s also tons more to explore here like taking a catamaran tour from Tulum!

3. When is the best time to go scuba diving in Tulum?

One of the best parts about Tulum is that you can go scuba diving here pretty much year-round! While the reefs are governed a bit more by the seasons, you can swim in the cenotes pretty much for the majority of the year.

If you’re eager to explore the open water reefs, visiting in the dry season from November to April is the way to go. I went diving during this time, and let me tell you, the visibility was mind-blowing! Visibility here was around 100 feet (30 meters) which made for some pretty cool underwater shots, so you can bet I had my camera out a lot.

Now, if you’re looking for a less crowded adventure with still great visibility, consider planning your Tulum dive trip between May and November. This is the rainy season, but guess what? The rain doesn’t affect visibility much in the cenotes, as they’re generally pretty well sheltered from the elements.

4. What can you see when scuba diving in Tulum? 

Tulum is full of such an amazing variety of cool environments and incredible creatures that it’s impossible to list them all here! That being said, you can get a pretty good idea of what you can see here by splitting up the cenotes and the reefs.

The cenotes themselves are a bit like underwater caves with ancient rock formations all around you – they’re honestly like something straight out of a fantasy story! Some cenotes are pretty straightforward, aren’t too deep (like Casa Cenote), and are full of colorful fish – perfect for beginners. On the other hand, others have narrow passages, hidden chambers, and more mysteries waiting, which are a joy to explore.

On the other hand, the reefs in Tulum are bursting with life and all kinds of vibrant colors. Imagine swimming alongside turtles, like the Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtles that make their nests on the golden sandy beaches. They do this between June and September, which is a sight you definitely won’t want to miss if you’re visiting during this period.

But of course, that’s not all! Tulum is also a playground for all kinds of other marine animals, like manta rays, lobsters, and even whale sharks! I actually went swimming recently with whale sharks in Playa del Carmen, and it was honestly one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done. These gentle giants are completely harmless, but sure do take your breath away.

Related Read: To swim with turtles, head to the nearby Akumal Beach!

5. What are the best dive spots in Tulum? 

Casa Cenote

If you’re feeling a little bit nervous about diving and are looking for where to start, then Casa Cenote will be perfect for you. In fact, many discovery dives take place here, as the winding cenote is full of magical things to see and has a maximum depth of 25 feet (7.6 meters). It’s a very comfortable (and most importantly, extremely safe) dive that gives a good mix of freshwater and saltwater environments.

This cenote first-time diving experience is a fantastic place to start if you’re looking to get into scuba diving – the guides are so welcoming and patient! There’s also a maximum of 4 participants per trip, so you’ll have their undivided attention throughout the whole dive.

Dos Ojos Cenote

Full to the brim with stalactites and stalagmites, colorful fish, and ancient fossils, it’s no wonder that Dos Ojos is another of the most popular cenotes that’s a 20-minute drive from Tulum! It actually got its name from its two eye-shaped holes which hide a system of caves and caverns which are a ton of fun to explore.

I wouldn’t say that Dos Ojos is a particularly difficult dive – it’s definitely not too complex when you’re with a guide helping you navigate. To explore the most of what this cenote has to offer, I’d suggest booking a place on this half-day adventure in Tulum for certified divers, which requires a level one certification and includes transport to and from your hotel.

Related Read: Dos Ojos is one of the most popular day trips from Tulum!

Explore the reef

While the cenotes are the big crowd-pleaser here in Tulum, I definitely think that the reefs here deserve a lot of love too. You’ve got super easy access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef from Tulum, it’s a simple case of chartering out a boat or going as part of a tour and you’re there.

The reefs here are absolutely full of colorful coral, fish, and all kinds of other incredible marine animals! Keep an eye out for rays, turtles, and lobsters. One spot I definitely recommend checking out is Cuevitas (AKA “Little Caves”), which is a gorgeous spot just 10 minutes away from Casa Cenote. It’s made up of an impressive series of small caves and arches, where fish like to dart in and out of, making an amazing spectacle.

This 2 tank barrier reef and cenote experience will have you exploring both Casa Cenote and the nearby reef, plus you also get a beautiful lunch, a boat ride, and all equipment included in your ticket!

Cenote Angelita

Last, but certainly not least, is the third cenote that’s made the list! Cenote Angelita is definitely one for the more experienced divers out there, at around 204 feet (66 meters) deep, although most dives only go to around 131 feet (40 meters).

Angelita is pretty famous for the cloud of sulfur that sits on the surface of the water, although once you dive in, you’ll realize that visibility is pretty impressive once you’re through it! It’s a pretty surreal experience looking up and seeing water that’s murkier than what’s below.

6. Is scuba diving in Tulum safe?

As one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in Mexico, you can bet that Tulum is full of certified professional divers who take safety extremely seriously. We’re talking about thousands of hours of experience using the equipment, honing their skills, and most importantly – keeping their students safe!

We always keep an eye out for how safe we think an experience is, which is why we never recommend any tours where we think safety procedures are lacking, or the guides aren’t giving due care. That being said, I can’t think of a single time in Tulum where I felt that was the case, everyone here was so professional and keep your safety as a priority.

7. What is a Discovery Dive in Tulum? 

If you’ve never been scuba diving before but are interested in giving it a go, you’re probably wondering what the best way to get into it is… The short answer? Discovery Dives!

These are basically diving experiences which are specifically designed for complete beginners, providing a taste of scuba diving without the need to commit to a full certification course right away. You’ll receive theory lessons as well as a pool session or shallow water dive to learn the basics, while being guided by experienced instructors every step of the way.

The best part about these types of dives is that everyone taking them is assumed to be a beginner, so you don’t need to worry about taking too long, as you can go exactly at your own pace. Here in Tulum, you’ve got so many great beginner-friendly spots like Casa Cenote, which are perfect for discovery dives – you’re literally spoiled for choice!

There are two discovery dive experiences that I’d recommend here in Tulum. One is the first tour in the next section, and the second is this 5-hour discover scuba diving tour, with a maximum of 5 participants per tour. With almost 100 5-star reviews on Viator, it’s safe to say that the friendly guides know exactly what they’re doing! Tickets for this experience cost $155 USD per person (including equipment) and can be booked online here.

8. What are the best scuba diving tours in Tulum?

Cenote Diving for First-Time Divers

Tulum is one of the most popular spots to scuba dive in Mexico, so the tours here that make this list really do have to be the best of the best. First up, we have this small-group discovery tour that takes you to the beautiful Casa Cenote, where you’ll enjoy around 40 minutes of magical scuba diving.

It’s like a whole new world down there – you’ll be savoring every moment! There’s the mysterious mangrove roots which snake through the water, where schools of tropical fish dart in and out, as well as small caves and caverns which practically shout adventure.

My favorite part about this tour has to be the fact that it’s capped to just 4 participants per trip – it really feels like you’re receiving round-the-clock personal attention. This is exactly what you need if you’re just starting out diving and are getting used to the ropes.

Tickets for this dive cost $145 USD and can be booked either in the morning or in the afternoon, perfect for fitting around a tight schedule. You don’t need any diving experience, although I’d suggest booking in the morning, as crowds will be a lot thinner at this time! You can book this tour online here.

2-Cenote Diving for Advanced Divers

This one is for the more advanced divers out there. If you’re lucky enough to have your level 2 (advanced) certification, then I’d highly recommend trying out this 5-hour scuba diving experience, which takes you to two incredible cenotes which are each totally unique.

The first cenote you’ll visit is known as the Pit, which extends down to a sulfur cloud at 25 meters (82 feet) deep. Keep an eye out for caverns and little nooks in the walls, you never know what sort of magical (and totally photogenic) surprises are waiting down there!

After this, you’ll be transported across to the nearby Dos Ojos cenote, which is a real treat to explore, whether it’s your first time visiting or your tenth. I really enjoyed getting to know our instructor Alex, who was super patient and really goes the extra mile to make sure you feel comfortable at all times.

At $187 USD per person, this advanced diving experience is so worth it if you’ve got the certification, and if you’re looking to get certified in Tulum, then this should be the first dive you try out after!

To ensure you get the best date, I’d suggest taking a look online and securing your spot in advance here.

2 Tank Scuba Dive Casa Cenote & Barrier Reef + Lunch

For a full-day scuba diving experience, it really doesn’t get much better than this 2 tank cenote and reef dive! One of my favorite parts about the diving scene in Tulum has to be the fact that you’ve got tons of epic cenotes AND easy access to some gorgeous reefs. That’s why I think that this tour (which combines scuba diving at both) is so epic!

Over the course of 6 hours, you’ll get to experience both freshwater and saltwater diving, enjoy a boat ride out to the reefs, and even get to chow down on a traditional Mayan lunch with the freshest fruit you could dream of.

At first, I thought this tour might feel a bit rushed – there’s a lot to do, after all! But actually, the guides do a fantastic job at keeping the experience flowing nicely, with no wasted time and all the logistics worked out behind the scenes. Honestly, it’s magic how they figure it out.

Tickets for this experience cost $180 USD, which I’d say is pretty awesome value considering it also includes boat fees, entrance to Casa Cenote, and all the equipment you’ll need. You can check your dates and book your spot on the tour online here.

Yoga + Diving in Two Cenotes

Now it’s time for something a little different! It’s so easy to lose track of time when you’re on holiday, letting the time slip away – before you know it you’re on the flight back home! This 5-hour yoga and scuba diving experience is designed to help you relax and feel present in the moment, helping you to savor the moment and feel at one with the nature around you.

This tour begins in a beautiful area surrounded by lush vegetation, where you’ll try out some helpful breathing exercises and give yoga a go. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried it before, as Alejandro does a wonderful job at tailoring the exercises to your needs!

Once you’re feeling present and ready, you’ll then head out to explore two nearby cenotes, which themselves are really magical, but even more so when you’re present in the moment.

You can secure your spot on this experience for $137 USD per person – it is limited to certain days of the week though, so make sure to book in advance, so you don’t miss out!

Related Read: If you’re after even more adventure, don’t miss an ATV tour in Tulum! These tours also typically include cenote swimming (if you haven’t had enough!) and ziplining.

9. Can you learn to scuba dive in Tulum?

Out of all the places I’ve dived in, I’d have to say that Tulum has one of the friendliest and most welcoming diving communities I’ve ever been a part of! In fact, it’s just that, you’ll be a part of the community from your very first dive, whether you’re a regular diver or heading out on your very first discovery dive.

The city is full of top-notch instructors, and there’s a huge range of cenotes and reefs to explore, each with varying degrees of complexity, so you can dive to your skill level.

When it comes to certifications, PADI (or Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the most widely recognized qualification in the world, so if you’re serious about getting your certification, this is the one I’d go for! Once you have your open-water certification, you’ll have all the knowledge and skills required to dive up to 59 feet (18 meters) wherever you are in the world – now that’s a good thing to have on your resume!

There are tons of fantastic diving schools here where you can grab your certification (which normally takes around 3 days), but two of my favorites are La Calypso Dive Center and Koox Diving both have great reviews and instructors, so I’d say take a look and see which one you prefer! You can expect a standard 3-day course to cost anywhere from around $400-$550 USD depending on the number of dives involved.

10. Is scuba diving in Tulum suitable for children? 

Scuba diving is one of the best activities for kids to build confidence and develop a passion for all things underwater, so I’d say that’s a resounding – ‘Yes!’.

Although, I wouldn’t recommend it for super young kids though, as the minimum age for diving in Mexico is 10 years old. While teens can get their full certification from 15 years old, those aged 10 to 14 can still participate in discovery dives and even obtain their own PADI Junior Open Water certification, which enables them to dive under the supervision of an adult instructor.

With a junior certification, children aged 10 or 11 can dive up to 12 meters (39 feet), while those aged 12 to 14 can explore depths of up to 18 meters (59 feet), the same as certified adults. All the while, they’ll be obtaining useful skills for when they’re older and perhaps kindling a lifelong love of diving!

11. Scuba diving vs snorkeling in Tulum

Ah, the age-old question. Scuba diving or snorkeling? In short, it really depends!

My personal pick of the two would be scuba diving, as I feel this really helps you get immersed in the underwater world. And when you’re in a place as gorgeous as Tulum, this underwater world is extra special! On the other hand, scuba diving can be a bit pricier than snorkeling, and does require that you learn about how to use the gear and other safety requirements.

On the other hand, snorkeling in Tulum is super easy to pick up and go, and is suitable for most degrees of fitness. Many cenote tours in Tulum will also include snorkeling. You get a pretty good view of what’s going on from the surface, although I must say – it’s not quite the same as diving!

At the end of the day, which one you pick will depend on what your preferences are, your budget, and how adventurous you’re feeling. Whether you go snorkeling or scuba diving, you’re sure to have a blast and make some lasting memories.

Snorkeling Options in Tulum

As for snorkeling, here are a couple of my favorite snorkeling tours in Tulum:

When it comes to the sheer range of places to see, it doesn’t get much better than this 4-hour triple adventure tour in Tulum, where you can explore no less than three gorgeous cenotes: Casa Cenote, Grand Cenote, and Cenote Zemway. With tickets including all snorkel equipment and bottled water, don’t forget to bring your camera to grab some shots along the way!

This 2-hour snorkeling tour is great for those who are a bit tighter for time or on a budget, where you’ll visit Tulum’s beautiful reef, and even get to see some ancient Mayan architecture along the way! With a maximum of 10 participants per tour, it’s also a pretty small group, so the waters you explore won’t feel overcrowded.

12. Is scuba diving in Tulum worth it?

If you’re lucky enough to be enjoying some time over in this wonderful destination, I say absolutely go for it! Scuba diving here really is a one-of-a-kind experience, from the gorgeous reefs all the way to the mysterious cenotes. All of the instructors I have met have been absolute stars, so I can’t imagine a better place to enjoy a scenic and enjoyable dive.

Other Activities to do While You’re in Tulum

Scuba diving is one of my all-time favorite activities to try in Tulum, but it’s also a great idea to mix in some other fun activities to see more of what this awesome city has to offer! Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Tulum:

• Check out the Tulum Ruins – Honestly, if you don’t do anything else while you’re here, make sure to check out the Tulum Ruins! This is an amazing place to get a glimpse into the area’s Mayan history, and with a 90 pesos ($5 USD) entrance fee, it’s also pretty inexpensive too. For the best experience, I’d recommend going with a private guide, which also includes early access to beat the crowds! Plus the incredible Mystika Immersive experience is right next door!

• Explore Tulum’s epic foodie scene – ‘Mexico’ and ‘good food’ might as well be synonyms, no matter where you go, you’ll find out-of-this-world food – Tulum really is no exception. Whether you fancy learning how to cook your own authentic Mexican meal or sampling some of the best local spots on this walking food tour, it’s all up to you!

• Relax with some yoga – When you’re having a ton of fun scuba diving and exploring as much of the city as you can, it can be really easy to let the time fly by. That’s one reason I always recommend trying out yoga (especially in Mexico where it’s so good!), as you feel much more present and in the moment. Two of my favorite places to do it here are Azulik Maya Spa and Nomade Tulum.

• Try a Temazcl ceremony – Another fun and authentic way to experience Mayan culture is to try a Temazcl ceremony, which is a bit like a sauna where a shaman helps you rejuvenate and cleanse the body! I’ve tried one before in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala and had a blast. I’d recommend this Temazcal tour for Tulum, which offers both shared and private tours, great for bringing along friends for the journey.

• Go ziplining – Traveling with kids? Or maybe you’re a big kid like us and still get a huge kick out of swinging through the trees? You’re never too old to let your hair down, and this 4-hour ziplining, rappelling, and cenote tour is a whole lot of fun! At $80 USD, I’d say this is great value and would make for an epic half-day out. While it doesn’t include transport, you can easily arrange this for about $15 USD from Tulum.

Where to Stay in Tulum

When it comes to booking your accommodation in Tulum, you’re in for a real treat! The city has been gaining a lot of popularity over recent years, with tons of great resorts and boutique hotels opening their doors. Of course, this can lead to a bit of confusion over which places are overrated or just plain bad.

To help you decide which is best for you, here’s a hand-picked list of my favorite places to stay in the city, organized by budget!

Hostel Che Tulum – $

Who said you can’t stay in Tulum on a budget? In fact, if you’re considering taking your PADI dive course, or simply want to pack your itinerary with tons of activities, then more affordable accommodation can go a long way!

Hostel Che Tulum has super affordable beds and a great social vibe, perfect for solo travelers or simply for groups looking to make some new friends. The dorms here are air-conditioned and the rate also includes breakfast. Oh, and did I mention they have their own pool, and the hotel is in a really central location in town?

From just $19 USD (yup, that’s right!), you can book your stay here on Booking.com or at HostelWorld.com

XscapeTulum – $$

XscapeTulum is a moderately priced hotel, that’s super comfortable with huge rooms! It has a great location only a few minutes away from the city center, but it’s off of the main road, so it’s quieter at night. Plus, it has a beautiful pool and garden that feels like an oasis in Tulum!

It’s great for couples and families as you can even rent an entire apartment. Prices are really good starting at only $60 USD a night – even in the peak season! But to take advantage of this awesome deal, you’ll want to book online well in advance!

Joy Tulum Adults Hotel – $$

If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, it doesn’t get much more relaxing than the Joy Tulum Adults Hotel, which is adults-only and located just a little way out of town. That said, it’s an easy 5-minute taxi ride back to the center when you fancy going exploring!

My favorite part about this hotel has to be the outdoor pool, which is nestled away among the trees, a bit like a little oasis where is perfect for some much-needed relaxation. If you’re thinking of renting a car, there’s also free parking and free WiFi too.

You can get a room here at Joy Tulum from $33 USD, which is pretty amazing value, but rooms here do book up quickly so make sure to reserve your room in advance.

Joy Tulum Adults Hotel – For those looking for some peace and quiet in Tulum this is the place. No kids are allowed and a location slightly out of town makes for a quiet getaway. The outdoor pool is located among the trees. For $40-70 USD, you’ll get an entire double bungalow with a fan and included breakfast.

Hotel Boutique TerraNova – $$$

If budget isn’t so much of an issue, then you can enjoy a really incredible stay at one of Tulum’s stunning luxury hotels. My personal pick would be Hotel Boutique TerraNova, which is one of the top-rated in the city and really hasn’t cut any corners when it comes to comfort.

Hospitality really does have a capital H here, with the staff being so, so friendly and eager to help you however they can. As for the rooms, they’re super spacious and have air conditioning, as well as their own garden patio. There’s also a beautiful outdoor pool when you feel like relaxing, and the hotel is right in the center of town too!

Prices for rooms here at the Hotel Boutique TerraNova do fluctuate a bit depending on the season, starting from as low as around $319 USD in the high season, although this can rise to around $600 USD per night and beyond. This is why I really recommend booking in advance if you can, as this can help you make some pretty huge savings.

Renting a Car in Mexico

Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car. 

I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically. 

I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too. 

Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit. 

Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper! 

Thanks for reading!

Tulum is one of my all-time favorite places to go scuba diving in Mexico – from the beautiful cenotes to the gorgeous reefs, it’s got so much variety that it’s honestly mind-boggling! Whether you’re a beginner or a hardcore diver, there are tons of areas to explore that are perfect for all skill levels.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading and do let us know what you’re planning to do in Tulum! Here are a few more blogs that I’ve written at a glance which might also be useful for you:

Cancun Airport to Tulum – 9 Things you NEED to KNOW!

10 BEST Tours in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

22 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Chichén Itzá

21 BEST Mayan Ruins in Mexico and How to Visit Them