Diving with Sharks in Mexico

The Mexican coast offers sports and attractions for all tastes: from a quiet retreat on a secluded beach to extreme emotions, full of adrenaline. For lovers of the latter, an ideal activity is diving with sharks. In Mexico, there are over one hundred different species of sharks and basically, there are two areas where diving is practiced with these fascinating creatures: one is the area of the Baja California peninsula and its surroundings, while the other is the part of the Caribbean Sea near Quintana Roo. Some characteristics of these zones are mentioned in this article.


Caribbean Sea (Playa del Carmen, Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres)

In these waters you can see the Bull Shark, which is the only animal of its species that can swim in fresh water while measuring up to 3.4 meters. It is territorial and is one of those that gets the closest to the divers. You may NOT NEED to cage dive in order to see them, and conditions are great for filming because the visibility of the water is very good. The best time to go is between November and February (winter), so the water temperature is of approximately 20 degrees Celsius. In the area there are several specialized agencies and many provide interpreters. Most rates are in dollars.

Much less frequently, but also in the area, you can see the Lemon Shark, which is distinguished by its yellow-green appearance, though not very impressive since it measures on average less than five feet. Also during the summer you may see the greatest of all fish on the coast of Quintana Roo who, unlike the previous ones, is very peaceful and feeds on plankton and small fish: The Whale Shark, who is perfect for watching on the surface or to freely swim by his side.


Baja California (Guadalupe Island)

Away from the noisy coast, this place and its surroundings provide an opportunity to watch the Great White Shark closely, a fish which can reach well over 6 meters in length! This species has the strength in its jaws of more than 300 times the human jaw! So the diving here is REQUIRED to be inside a cage. During the summer the water temperature reaches a maximum of 22 degrees Celsius and you can go to the island by boats that depart from the peninsula of Baja California or even from San Diego, California. It is advisable to visit the island in mid-summer or early fall. Again the prices here are in dollars. Read the article about this specific island within the “Explorando México” site at: Link


Notes and recommendations

• If respected, Sharks won’t attack. So our recommendation is to never try to catch them or corner them, as they will instinctively act to defend themselves.

• Snorkeling should not be practiced with any of the shark species (except for the whale shark). And while in the Gulf there are more species of sharks than in other areas, it is not possible to dive with them for the fact that they live in open sea.

• Never force a person to enter the water against his will, because if he gets nervous, predators will be attracted to him.

• You should not make quick sudden movements near sharks, plus it is advisable to wear dark clothing when diving.

• You must not leave the cage or the group that you are diving with. In an emergency, it is always good to be around someone who can help you or get help for you.

• Always check the equipment in which the boat is working with, and NEVER use equipment that looks old or is in poor condition.

By taking these precautions and following the instructions of the tour guides, there should be no setback, and therefore you will be able to enjoy a unique and memorable activity with these fascinating creatures called Sharks!