AWA Scuba Tours Riviera Maya

Located in the Riviera Maya, AWA Scuba Tours operates as a gateway to some of the most diverse diving environments in Mexico. The centre's location allows for easy access to both the Caribbean reef systems of Cozumel and the intricate freshwater cave networks of the Yucatan Peninsula.

The operation is built around exploring these distinct habitats, from the colourful coral gardens of the reef flat to the silent, limestone formations of the cenotes. With a focus on local expertise, the centre provides a structured approach to exploring these environments safely.

The centre is a PADI affiliated diving operation, providing instruction and guided dives for a wide range of experience levels. The team is composed of local expert guides who specialise in the specific requirements of both reef and cenote diving.

Communication is made easy for international divers, as the team speaks English, Spanish, and French. This multilingual approach ensures that safety briefings and technical instruction are clearly understood by all guests.

For those looking to progress their skills, the centre provides a full spectrum of PADI training. This includes everything from the initial Discover Scuba Diving experience through to professional Divemaster certifications.

The training programme covers the entire PADI progression, starting with Discover Scuba Diving and the Open Water Diver course. For those looking to extend their depth and navigation limits, Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver courses are available.

Specialised training is also a core part of the curriculum, including the Nitrox Course, Sidemount Specialty, and a Digital Underwater Photographer Course. Professional divers can work towards their Divemaster certification through the centre.

The centre utilises speedboats for excursions, typically carrying between 10 and 12 passengers per trip. These vessels are used to reach the offshore reefs of Cozumel, providing a direct route to sites like Palancar.

Onboard, guests are provided with water, soft drinks, and snacks to sustain them between dives. Nitrox is available for those who require it during their boat trips.

A full range of diving equipment is available for hire, allowing divers to travel light. This includes essential kit such as regulators, BCDs, and exposure suits.

For those planning to dive the cenotes or the reefs, the centre provides all necessary equipment to ensure comfort and safety in different environments.

The reef environments around Cozumel and Playa del Carmen are rich with tropical fish and large marine life. You will regularly encounter sea turtles and rays moving across the reef flats and sandy sections.

In the cenotes, the environment is defined by the stillness of the water and the unique limestone architecture. While the fauna is different from the salt-water reefs, the clarity of the water makes every detail of the rock formations visible.

Seasonal encounters include the opportunity to observe Bull sharks, which are available upon request depending on availability. The reef is also home to various species of coral and a wide array of tropical fish that inhabit the crevices of the Palancar Reef.

Diving in the region varies between the open ocean reefs of Cozumel and the sheltered freshwater cenotes. The cenotes offer highly controlled environments, though they require specific buoyancy skills for navigating tight spaces.

Reef diving, particularly around Cozumel, can involve navigating currents, especially during drift dives along the reef wall.