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Dive centre · Riviera Maya · Mexico
4.9158 Google reviewsSmall-group reef diving from Mahahual with SSI-certified instructors, featuring easy access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
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Alux Divers has been operating in the Mexican Caribbean since 2006, providing a reliable base for divers exploring the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Situated in Mahahual, the centre is ideally positioned for those arriving via the nearby Costa Maya cruise port, offering logistical flexibility that is essential for those on a tight schedule.
The centre focuses on small-group, high-quality reef diving. Whether you are looking for shallow, calm dives or more remote excursions, the emphasis is on personalised attention and safety in a professional environment.
The team consists of experienced, SSI-certified professionals dedicated to small-group instruction. To ensure a safe and controlled environment, the centre maintains a ratio of no more than three divers per guide.
All training and supervised dives are conducted under the direct oversight of qualified instructors. The team is experienced in handling various diver profiles, from those taking their very first breaths underwater to seasoned divers looking for specific skill development.
The centre offers a comprehensive curriculum through SSI, catering to everyone from absolute beginners to advanced divers. You can start with Discover Scuba Diving or progress through the Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver certifications.
For those looking to expand their skills, the centre provides Advanced Adventurer, Nitrox, and Deep diving courses. They also offer specialised training in Navigation, Boat diving, Perfect buoyancy, Search and recovery, and managing Waves, tides and currents.
The dive boats depart from the pier in Mahahual, reaching the local reef sites within a 5 to 10 minute transit. This proximity allows for a full diving experience even when time is limited.
On board, you will find water and snacks provided to keep you hydrated and energised between dives. Nitrox is available for use on these trips, allowing for extended bottom times on the reef.
Alux Divers provides a full range of rental kit for those not travelling with their own equipment. This includes all the essentials required for a comfortable dive in the Caribbean.
Nitrox is available on-site, making it easy to plan decompression-limit-extending dives without needing to carry your own cylinders.
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is just a short boat ride away, offering vibrant coral formations and a variety of pelagic life. It is accessible to all certification levels and is a reliable spot for seeing sea turtles and eagle rays.
Local sites such as Acuario, Bahía, and Dos Ojos are all shallow, beginner-level locations with maximum depths of around 12 metres. These sites are ideal for those working on buoyancy or completing initial certifications.
Banco Chinchorro is a remote, certified-only destination known for its untouched reefs and pristine waters. It is a significant excursion for divers seeking a more secluded and unspoiled reef experience.
And some of the dive sites the centre runs.
The reefs are home to a diverse array of Caribbean fish and larger pelagics. You will regularly encounter sea turtles, eagle rays, and various species of Caribbean fish patrolling the coral structures.
Fixed life is abundant across the reef systems, with healthy colonies of hard corals, sponges, and sea anemones (Actiniaria). These structures provide the essential habitat for the local marine community.
In the sandy areas and reef edges, look for moray eels (Muraenidae), spiny lobsters (Palinuridae), and garden eels (Gorgasia). You may also spot jack (Carangidae) and larger inhabitants like the nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) or even tarpon (Megalops) passing through the area.
The dive sites near Mahahual are generally characterised by calm, clear waters, making them suitable for a wide range of experience levels. The local reef sites are located very close to the shore, ensuring minimal travel time.
For those heading out to Banco Chinchorro, conditions can vary, so the expertise of the guides is essential for navigating the open water to reach these remote reefs.
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