Cancun: Scuba Diving in Puerto Morelos for Beginners 2 Dives

Exploring the underwater world of Puerto Morelos with a beginner-friendly scuba experience promises more than just basic snorkeling. From vibrant coral formations to encounters with rays, turtles, and nurse sharks, this tour offers a chance to see Mexico’s renowned reef system up close in a controlled and enjoyable setting.

Our review focuses on the value for money, the quality of the guides, and the overall experience. We love how accessible and well-organized this tour appears, especially with its emphasis on safety, conservation, and extended dive times. However, it’s important to note that it requires a minimum Open Water Diver Certification, which might rule out complete beginners.

This experience is especially well-suited for travelers who want to try scuba without commitment or extensive training, and those seeking an authentic reef adventure in the calm waters of Puerto Morelos. If you’re eager to explore the Caribbean’s marine life with knowledgeable guides and in a small group, this is a solid choice.

Good To Know

• Ideal for certified divers looking for a relaxed yet immersive reef experience
• Includes full equipment and certified guidance for safety and comfort
• Offers extended bottom times, allowing more relaxed exploration
• Located within a protected marine park, ensuring vibrant coral and marine protection
• Small group sizes help personalize the experience and foster safety
• Weather and water conditions remain relatively stable year-round, with minimal seasonal impact

You can check if your dates are available here:

Discovering the Puerto Morelos Reefs: What to Expect

The tour begins at Scuba & Adventours in Cancun, where safety briefings and instruction are provided before heading out on the water. You’ll then hop onto a speedboat for a quick 15-minute ride to the protected reefs in Puerto Morelos National Marine Park.

Once at the dive sites, you’ll enjoy two dives lasting approximately 3 hours in total—more than enough time to comfortably explore the reefs. The dive sites are known for longer bottom times, meaning you won’t feel rushed, and you’ll have the chance to really soak in the vibrant coral structures and the teeming marine life.

Safety and Instruction

An important aspect is the requirement for a minimum Open Water Diver Certification. This ensures all participants are comfortable and capable of handling the underwater environment. If you haven’t been diving in the last six months, the team recommends informing them to provide a smooth, comfortable experience. The guides, who speak both Spanish and English, are known for being friendly and attentive, with specific mention of their professionalism and patience.

Marine Life Encounters

You can expect to see a diverse array of marine species, including turtles, rays, nurse sharks, and a variety of reef fish. The reefs themselves are a vibrant mosaic of coral formations, teeming with life at every turn. During the winter months, lucky divers might witness the migration of eagle rays, a spectacular sight that’s highly praised by previous participants.

The Underwater Environment

Because the tour takes place within the Federal Protected Area, the reefs are well-preserved and vibrant. This protection translates into better visibility and healthier marine ecosystems. The water temperature remains warm year-round, around 78-82°F (25-28°C), making a 3mm wetsuit sufficient regardless of the season.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Itinerary in Detail

• Starting Point: You’ll gather at Scuba & Adventours for your safety briefing and gear check, which lasts about 1.5 hours. This phase is crucial for understanding the dive plan and safety procedures.
• Speedboat Transfer: The 15-minute boat ride is a short, scenic journey that gets you to the reef quickly, reducing fatigue and maximizing dive time.
• First Dive: Expect to spend around 1.5 hours exploring the coral formations, with chances to encounter eels, rays, and even nurse sharks. The guides ensure everyone is comfortable and aware of marine life behaviors.
• Break & Preparation: After the first dive, there’s a brief rest period where drinks and snacks are available, allowing you to recharge.
• Second Dive: The second deepening allows further exploration, often with extended bottom times, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy the vibrant underwater scenery.
• Return: You’ll head back to the starting point, usually within 6 hours of your initial departure.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The price of $229 per person covers a lot of essentials: full diving equipment, a certified guide, conservation and dock fees, and water onboard. This comprehensive package ensures no hidden costs, making it easier to budget your trip.

Photographs and videos are not included, but the guides often recommend bringing your own waterproof camera if you wish to capture the vibrant scene. The bad weather refund warranty adds peace of mind, as cancellations due to weather are fully refundable if conditions aren’t suitable.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Compared to other diving experiences in the Caribbean, this tour strikes a good balance between cost and quality. The extended bottom times and small group size (limited to eight participants) mean more personalized attention, which is vital for a satisfying dive.

On top of that, the location within a marine protected area ensures your efforts contribute to reef preservation, adding an eco-conscious aspect to your adventure. The inclusion of full gear and guiding eliminates worries about extra costs or inexperienced guides, making it a safe choice for certified divers.

A Note for Non-Certified Divers or Beginners

While this tour isn’t designed for complete novices, those with Open Water Diver Certification will find it a perfect way to explore Mexico’s marine environment without the need for extensive preparation. If you haven’t dived for six months, just notify the organizers to help keep your experience comfortable.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Puerto Morelos scuba tour is best suited for divers with certification looking for a relaxed, well-organized reef experience. It suits travelers who appreciate extended bottom times, well-preserved coral reefs, and small, friendly groups. If you’re after vibrant marine encounters and the chance to explore healthy coral ecosystems, this is a solid choice.

For those who want a professional, safe environment with excellent guides and the flexibility to book and pay later, this tour offers good value and peace of mind. It’s particularly appealing to travelers who prefer active adventures but within a manageable, eco-friendly setting.

However, if you’re a complete beginner without certification or prefer less structured activities, you might want to consider snorkeling or introductory options first.

FAQ

Do I need to be a certified diver to join?
Yes, a minimum Open Water Diver Certification is required to participate in this tour. It’s designed for those who are already certified and comfortable underwater.

Can I book this tour in advance?
Absolutely. You can reserve your spot now and pay later, which is perfect if you want to keep your travel plans flexible.

What if I haven’t been diving recently?
If you haven’t been diving in the last six months, it’s recommended to inform the team so they can ensure you’re comfortable and ready for the experience.

How long does the whole tour last?
The overall experience takes around 6 hours, usually scheduled in the morning, from safety briefing to returning.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation includes a short 15-minute speedboat ride from the starting point to the reef area.

What’s included in the price?
Full diving equipment, certified guiding, conservation and dock fees, and water onboard are included. Photos and videos are extra.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
It’s not suitable for children under 10 years old, pregnant women, or those with health issues like heart or respiratory problems.

What seasons are best for this experience?
While the reefs are accessible year-round, the dry season from November to April offers more predictable weather, but May to September can also be enjoyable with fewer crowds.

To sum it up, this guided scuba experience in Puerto Morelos offers a combination of safety, comfort, and marine wonder. With its focus on conservation, extended exploration time, and small group setting, it provides a meaningful way to discover the Caribbean’s underwater treasures. Whether you’re looking to deepen your underwater skills or simply want a memorable reef experience, this tour is well worth considering.

You can check if your dates are available here: