Akumal Dive Sites

This is a brief description of only a few of Mexico's Caribbean scuba diving sites waiting for you in Akumal. Come and enjoy them with The Akumal Dive Shop.

Shallow Sites.

CUEVAS DE TIBURONES: Meaning shark caves in Spanish, this site is named for the intriguing reef overhangs that have made a popular sleeping spot for nurse sharks. Under these structures you can also find familiar fish that have made it a permanent residence. With a maximun depth to 30 feet, bottom times can be extended to an hour or longer, while your non-diver friends can snorkel above you.

LAS REDES: This 40' to 60' site was named by the original explorers of the Akumal reef for the giant commercial fishing net that was found blanketing it. Now, the net has been removed, but the marine life still abounds. Las Redes is known for the abundant marine life, schooling fish, barracuda, stingrays, lobsters and when you're lucky, turtles.

DICK'S REEF: This site was name after Old Dick, the now semi-retired owner of The Original Akumal Dive Shop. At 40' to 50' this is the most topographically diverse dive site in Akumal with coral structures that reach 20' from the bottom to interspersed islands of coral in the sand. For you brave divers, ask Divemaster Beto to take you through the channels that cut under and through the reef. These short tunnels can sometimes bring encounters with sleeping nurse sharks and hunting barracuda, so, keep your Pacemaker powered up!

MOTORCYCLE REEF: At the shallow end of this 50' to 60' dive site, laying in the sand, is a 15 year old, coral overgrown motorcycle where you can always find schools of feeding fish, arrow crabs, and southern rays. This reef is laced with a large variety of soft corals, which makes it a good spot to see feeding turtles.

YAL-KU: Situated directly in front of Yal-ku Lagoon, this shallow dive site (20'-50') is the most famous feeding site around, due to it's constant flow of nutrients in and out of the lagoon. Under the extensive and climbing Elkhorn coral structures, there are various tunnels to swim through. Don't be surprised to see more lobster here than you can count.

Deep Sites

TZIMIN-HA: This 80'-90' site was named after the one and only "wreck" in Akumal; the 20' fishing boat that has since become an indistinguishable pile of boards with a window frame. Tzimin-Ha's colorful reef fingers are home to a variety of fish of all shapes & sizes. Occasionally, a large jew fish or grouper will check you out while you're admiring the profuse sponges which cover this reef.

TRIGGER FISH: 60-100 ft. This special site is a favorite deep dive of local residents. Widely separated coral patches make homes for a large variety of tropical fish not found at most other sites. The sandy white background brilliantly brings out the colors of the coral patches.

GONZALO'S REEF: 60-80 ft. Only a 4 minute boat ride directly in front of the Dive Shop, this site is decorated by large, vivid reef fingers. You are guaranted to see Hawksbill, Green, and Loggerhead turtles here feeding, playing, and checking out the visiting divers.

XAAK: This 60-90 ft. dive site, located about 15 minutes north, is a very special dive. Reef fingers reach up to 30 feet from the sea floor. Turtles, nurse sharks, rays, and a bright spectrum of fish are common sites here. Ask Divemaster Luis to take you on his half day, 2 tank Xaak excursion, including a surface interval at the ruins of beautiful Xaak beach.