Akumal Bay Resort Dive Center

The Akumal Bay Resort Dive Center is situated in the coastal town of Akumal on the Yucatan Peninsula, positioned conveniently between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. This area provides direct access to the second largest barrier reef in the world, offering a diverse range of marine environments.

Beyond the saltwater reefs, the centre is ideally placed to explore the Riviera Maya's celebrated cenote systems. These freshwater cave networks offer a completely different diving experience, characterised by crystal-clear water and complex geological formations including stalactites and stalagmites.

The centre operates as a PADI affiliated dive shop, providing instruction and guided dives for both recreational and professional divers. All training and guiding is conducted in English.

The team covers a wide spectrum of diving disciplines, from introductory sessions for beginners to advanced technical training. This includes specialized instruction for sidemount diving and cavern diving to prepare you for the unique requirements of the local cenotes.

A comprehensive range of PADI courses is available, starting from Bubblemaker and Open Water Diver through to advanced certifications such as Advanced Open Water, Deep Diver, and Night Diver. For those looking to refine their skills, the centre offers Peak Performance Buoyancy and Underwater Navigator courses.

Professional training is also a core part of the programme, with pathways available for Divemaster and Emergency First Response Instructor. For divers interested in the specific requirements of the local environment, specialised training in Sidemount and Cavern Diving is provided.

The centre utilises a catamaran for its sea excursions. These trips cover a variety of environments, including open water reef dives, night dives, and trips to Cozumel. On board, refreshments are provided for those joining the fishing excursions.

The centre features a retail shop on-site, carrying a selection of diving equipment. For those who prefer not to travel with their own kit, a range of equipment is available for hire. Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time on reef or deep dives.

The coastal waters are famous for frequent sightings of turtles, which can be seen year-round, with nesting occurring during the summer months. You will also encounter a variety of colourful fish throughout the reef systems.

Seasonal visitors to the area include bull sharks, hammerhead sharks, and sailfish. These pelagics appear depending on the time of year, providing opportunities for more experienced divers.

The cenote environments offer a different biological profile, where the focus shifts to the unique geological structures and the clarity of the water within the cave systems.

The marine environment in this region is characterised by relatively gentle and easy currents, making it accessible for a wide range of divers. This makes drift diving along the reef or navigating through certain cenote passages more manageable.

While the sea offers open water conditions, the cenote dives are subject to the specific hydrological conditions of the freshwater systems, which can vary between different sites.