Dive Zihua

Located in the heart of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Dive Zihua operates as a dedicated PADI Eco Centre. The centre is positioned near the colourful Zihua letters, making the pier the primary meeting point for morning departures at 9 a.m.

Founded in 2017 by a marine biologist and PADI instructor, the centre has quickly established itself through a commitment to environmental stewardship. They work directly with local conservation projects, including 'Habitat Marino' for sea turtle monitoring and the Zankas coral reef project.

The team is led by Maude, a marine biologist and PADI instructor, and Simeon, a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and US Coast Guard veteran. This combination of biological expertise and maritime safety experience defines the centre's approach to every excursion.

The staff is multilingual, providing instruction and guidance in English, Spanish, and French. This allows for a personalised experience whether you are completing a certification or simply exploring the local reefs.

For younger divers, the centre offers various programmes including PADI Seal Team and Bubble Maker. They also run a 'Biologist for a tour' programme during whale watching excursions to engage children with marine science.

A comprehensive range of PADI courses is available, catering to everyone from absolute beginners to professional divers. You can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Open Water Diver course and progress through to Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster.

Specialty training is also a core part of the curriculum. This includes PADI Nitrox Diver, Deep Diver, Night Diver, and Peak Performance Buoyancy, as well as more niche options like Fish Identification and Underwater Naturalist. For those needing to refresh their skills, the Re-activate Scuba Review is offered.

Excursions are conducted using panga boats, which depart from the local pier. These boats are operated by experienced crew, including Divemaster Angel, ensuring efficient transit to the various dive sites around the coast.

On board, you will find water, snacks, and refreshments to keep you hydrated between dives. The boats are equipped to handle both daytime explorations and night dives.

The centre provides full equipment hire for those not travelling with their own kit, including masks, snorkels, and fins. Complete rental sets are also available for those needing a full rig.

Safety is a priority on shore, with oxygen availability and emergency protocols in place. For those looking to extend their diving capabilities, Nitrox is available on site.

The local waters are home to a diverse array of pelagics and reef residents. You can regularly spot eagle rays, mobula rays, dolphins, and various species of stingrays. Schools of fish, angelfish, and butterflyfish provide constant movement across the reef flats.

For those interested in macro life, the area offers plenty to see, including octopus, seahorses, nudibranchs, and pufferfish. Moray eels and various species of anemones also inhabit the crevices of the rocky structures.

Seasonality plays a role in what you might encounter. Between June and October, sea turtles are frequently seen, while humpback whales visit the area from December to March.

The best time to visit for diving is between November and March. During this period, you can expect water temperatures ranging from 20°C to 31°C.

Water visibility is generally good, typically ranging between 10 and 30 metres. Currents can change throughout the year, so your guide will assess the conditions at each site before you enter the water.