What Basic Gear Do You Need for Snorkeling or as A Beginner Diving in Playa del Carmen, México?
Playa del Carmen, the gem of the Mayan Riviera is ideally located to explore the wonders of the underwater world.
The Mayan Riviera is renowned as paradise for underwater exploration, from the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean sea, to the mysterious fresh water cenotes. There are so many magical underwater sites that it would actually be impossible to explore all the cenotes and reef sites!
There are over 6,000 documented cenotes with even more unmapped, undiscovered and hidden within the jungle. Located on the Mesoamerican Reef there are 300 kilometers of barrier reef in Mexico stretching over 1,000 km along the Caribbean coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.
The Mesoamerican Reef is the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second-largest in the world rich in biodiversity with over 600 species of fish, 400 species of coral, manatees, sea turtles, and the world's largest congregation of whale sharks!
To help you narrow down all the options we have put together a list of must-do’s and the gear that you will need to get you going.
Snorkeling or Diving?
If you are new to the world of water sports you might be unsure of what the differences are between snorkeling, freediving and scuba diving. Let’s go through the different activities and what equipment is required.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a great family friendly activity that is easily accessible for people of all ages. There is no formal training or certification required to snorkel. You should be comfortable in the water and although you do not need to be a strong swimmer it is recommended to have basic water safety skills. Remember to always use a life jacket or floating buoy, don’t go alone and stay within your skill limits.
If you are looking for an exclusive snorkeling experience in Playa del Carmen, we offer a private tour that takes you to Punta Inah or Maroma Reef, located just 25 minutes away by boat. With a private guide and boat, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, discovering the beauty of the underwater world. Swim among colorful schools of tropical fish, stingrays, and, if you’re lucky, spot sea turtles in their natural habitat. Perfect for families, couples, groups, this adventure offers a personalized and unforgettable experience in the waters of the Caribbean.
Freediving
Freediving is the most ancient form of diving and the term “free” means without equipment as divers rely on their body and breath hold techniques called apnea to dive at depth. Although basic equipment like fins, mask and snorkel are required, you do not use a tank or alternative source for breathing underwater.
Freediving is not something you should try without proper training and a buddy. There are many agencies like AIDA, PADI, Molchanovs, and SSI that offer freediving certifications. You can also do a one day freediving experience without completing the certification, that will allow you to experience the underwater world at depth, safely.
Xico Dive Shop offers a full range of equipment for freediving including fins, wetsuits, masks, snorkels, belts and socks.
SCUBA diving
Scuba diving allows for longer and deeper exploration of the underwater world. The word SCUBA is an acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. This term describes the equipment divers use to carry their own independent air supply underwater, enabling them to breathe and explore without relying on surface-supplied air. Unlike freediving or snorkeling, scuba diving is more gear intensive, training is mandatory and it is not an activity you can undertake alone. There is an Open Water Certification required to become a scuba diver, but you can also try a one day discovery scuba dive experience without being certified.
Playa del Carmen is a world class location for diving:
Reef Diving: The reef diving in Playa del Carmen offers diverse marine life and stunning coral formations. With an abundance of shallow and deep sites, you won't tire of diving here.
Cozumel: explore Cozumel diving while being based in Playa del Carmen, this means exploring two world-class diving locations in one trip!
Cenote Diving: Explore the underwater world through the magical cenotes that offer incredible geological views in crystal clear freshwater.
Bull Shark Diving: From November to March, experience the thrill and awe of diving eye to eye with the majestic bull sharks.
The best thing about Playa del Carmen is that the conditions are consistent all year, with warm waters, clear visibility, and consistent sunny weather. With a variety of shallow and beginner friendly dives it makes the perfect location to start or continue your diving journey!
Sea and Cenotes
Reefs show you life; Cenotes show you light.
Every visit to the Mayan Riviera should include tours and exploration of the Sea and Cenotes. The Mayan Riviera area of Mexico is a mecca for underwater explorers from around the world, for its ease of access to the Sea and Cenotes, which means you never have to miss a day of diving for inclement weather and will never run out of locations to explore.
Playa del Carmen is a beach front town with uninterrupted access to the Caribbean Sea. Located on the Mesoamerican Reef, which is the second-largest barrier reef in the world, stretching over 1,000 kilometers from the Yucatán Peninsula to Honduras. Renowned for marine biodiversity, rich coral reefs, abundance of fish, turtles, rays and sharks.
Cenotes are not exclusive to Mexico, though the word originated from the Mayan word dzonot, meaning "water-filled cavity” and the Yucatán Peninsula has the world's largest concentration.
Cenotes are natural pools that form when the area’s limestone bedrock gives way, creating sinkholes that fill with groundwater. Cenotes are sacred to the Mayan culture as they represent a pathway to the underworld, the duality of life and death. Cenotes are fresh water and are a site of geological wonder, you can explore the cenotes as a diver or snorkeling. We recommend spending a day to join our Cenote Discovery Tour to visit three unique and beautiful cenotes.
Sea Turtles and Sharks
Sea Turtles
Swimming with Sea Turtles is a must-do experience when visiting the Mayan Riviera. If this is on your bucket list you will want to check out Akumal. The Tulum, Akumal and Cenotes tour will give you an opportunity to explore the sea and cenotes all in one tour. Most importantly you will get eye to eye with awe inspiring Sea Turtles. If you are looking for a more adrenaline packed adventure The Turtle Snorkeling and Jungle Adventure, will give you the opportunity to swim with Sea Turtles, visit a Cenote and enjoy the thrill of ziplining over the jungle.
Sharks
The Mayan Riviera is an ideal location for the shark enthusiast. From May-September, experience snorkeling up close with Whale Sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. Or if you are looking for a bigger thrill experience diving with Bull Sharks from November-March.
Basic Equipment
If you are heading out on a tour, your basic equipment snorkel and mask will be provided. However for hygienic reasons and comfort many people choose to buy their own mask and snorkel.
Having your own equipment also means that you are free to explore the reef and cenotes at your own leisure at any time.
Mask and Snorkel Combo
Investing in a high quality mask and snorkel combo, means you will always have a perfect fit, no leaks and you will be free to go exploring whenever you want. Our pick is the new Athena Revo Combo, with a low volume mask you can use it for snorkeling, freediving or scuba. The tinted lenses provide sun protection and enhance the richness of colors at depth.
Our Pick: Bonassi Athena Revo Combo $1500 MXN
Fins
Having your own fins, means more power and propulsion in every kick and less strain on your legs. Purchasing your own fins means never having to struggle with rental fit and having the freedom to explore on your own. Our pick are the Tusa Full Foot Rubber Fins, lightweight, economical and travel friendly they are designed for snorkeling and scuba.
Our Pick: Tusa Full Foot Rubber Fins $800 MXN
Rash Guard
Whether you are joining a tour or exploring on your own you will want to choose sun protecting clothing. A rash guard with UPF protection will ensure that you protect your skin from sun, stings, scratches. Our Pick is the Xico Dive Center Rash Guards available in sizes S-XXL you will be sure to find your perfect fit.
Our Pick: Xico Dive Center Rash Guard in Psychedelic Blue, $1200 MXN
Dry Bag
When embarking on water adventures you will want to ensure that you have a place to keep your valuables protected from the water. A dry bag is a must have for stashing your phone, keys, wallet, change of clothes and other valuables. Our pick is the Scuba Supreme 5L Dry Bag.
Our Pick: Scuba Supreme 5L Dry Bag, $550 MXN
Reef Safe Sunscreen
The sun can be strong in the Mayan Riviera especially for people who come from Northern climates. Ensuring that you use proper sun protection, will save you from uncomfortable sunburnt skin. Many marine parks, reefs and cenotes in the area restrict the use of traditional sunscreens as they are damaging to our marine ecosystems. Our pick is Stream 2 Sea, Coral Care SPF 30 Sunscreen. This is the only sunscreen formulated to promote coral growth. It is safe for you and for our marine ecosystems.
Our Pick: Stream 2 Sea, Coral Care SPF 30 Sunscreen, $500 MXN
If you are ready to start your adventure, visit Xico Dive Shop, located just steps from the beach on Calle Flamingos in Playa del Carmen. We will get you fitted out with the right gear for your adventures.
If you are planning your vacation and not sure where to start, send us a whatsapp and we can help you put together the perfect tour itinerary for all your bucket list adventures!