Divers UnderGround

Located in Playa del Carmen, Divers UnderGround serves as a dedicated hub for divers looking to move beyond recreational limits. Since 2008, the centre has established itself as a specialist facility for the exploration of the Yucatan's intricate freshwater systems. They focus heavily on the technical aspects of diving, catering to those moving through the cavern, cave, and decompression diving stages.

The centre is positioned to provide access to the most significant underwater landscapes in Mexico. Whether you are looking to explore the open cenotes or navigate the complex passages of the world's longest cave systems, the focus remains on structured progression and safety. From the reef flats of the Caribbean to the deep, dark galleries of the jungle, the training is built around the specific demands of these environments.

The team is led by Camilo Garcia, an Instructor Trainer, alongside Alfredo Sosa and instructor Martin. They are supported by Vivi, the instructor assistant, ensuring a professional and organised environment for all training and guided expeditions. The instructors are highly qualified, covering a broad spectrum of technical and professional disciplines.

Instruction is delivered in both English and Spanish, making it accessible for international divers. The centre operates as a 5-star TDI/SDI facility, which places a heavy emphasis on technical standards and professional development. This is a community built for divers who value precision in their training and a deep respect for the subterranean environments they visit.

The course catalogue is extensive, ranging from entry-level Open Water Diver to advanced technical certifications. For those looking to progress into the overhead environments, they offer TDI Cavern Diver, Intro to Cave, and the full progression through to Full Cave Diving, including Stage Cave and Cave DPV Diver courses.

Technical divers can access specialised training including TDI Sidemount, Decompression Procedures, Extended Range, and Trimix Diver courses. The centre also functions as a professional development hub, offering SDI/TDI Instructor Crossover, Assistant Instructor, and Divemaster programmes. For those interested in gas management and efficiency, Advanced Nitrox and Nitrox Instructor courses are also available.

The centre is equipped for technical divers, providing access to high-end brands such as Shearwater, BigBlue, and Razor. This includes specialised kit for sidemount and technical configurations. For those requiring rental, a range of equipment is available to suit different diving styles.

On-site, the centre provides Nitrox and Trimix capabilities to support decompression and extended range diving. They also stock a variety of diving accessories for purchase. While the centre can organise transport from your hotel to the various cenote locations along the Riviera Maya corridor, please note that entrance fees for the cenotes are paid directly to the local owners.

In the cenotes, you will find a variety of freshwater fish, invertebrates, and delicate ecosystems. The underwater gardens are often defined by roots, tree trunks, and clear water that highlights the intricate details of the limestone formations.

When diving the offshore reefs of Cozumel and Playa del Carmen, the biodiversity increases significantly. You will encounter schools of colourful reef fish, including Parrotfish (Calotomus), Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), and various Snapper (Lutjanus). Large groups of grunts and blue-striped grunts are common, alongside Angelfish (Pomacanthidae) and various species of Butterflyfish (Chaetodon).

The reef walls are home to larger pelagics and predators. You may see Eagle ray, Southern stingray (Hypanus americanus), and various species of Shark (Selachimorpha), including Reef shark (Carcharhinus) and Caribbean reef sharks. During the season from November to February, Bull shark may be present.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants are abundant throughout the area. Look for Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), various species of Moray eel (Muraenidae) such as the Green moray (Gymnothorax funebris), and Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda). The seabed and reef structures are covered in life, including Sponge (Porifera), Hard coral (Scleractinia), and Soft coral (Alcyonacea), alongside various crustaceans like Lobster (Homaridae) and Spiny lobster (Palinuridae).

Cenote diving is generally characterised by calm, still water with no swell or significant currents, making it an ideal environment for technical skill development and photography. However, when diving the offshore reefs near Cozumel, you should expect currents and swell to be present.

Seasonal changes can affect the marine environment; for instance, the presence of sargassum on the beaches can be a factor between April and September. For those seeking bull sharks, the best window is between November and February.