Dorado Buceo

Located in the heart of Puerto Morelos, Dorado Buceo Caribe brings over two decades of diving experience from Veracruz to the vibrant reefs of the Riviera Maya. Since opening this branch in 2015, the centre has established itself as a professional hub for divers looking to explore the diverse marine environments of the Mexican Caribbean.

The centre is ideally positioned for those wanting to combine diving with local life, situated just a short walk from the beach and the main park. For those looking to stay close to the action, they offer accommodation at the Azul Mar apartments, which are located only two blocks from the beach and within walking distance of the dive centre.

As a PADI-affiliated dive centre, Dorado Buceo Caribe focuses on professional, personalised service for every diver, from those taking their first breaths underwater to seasoned professionals. The team is built on a foundation of extensive experience in Mexican waters, ensuring a high standard of safety and local knowledge.

The centre operates with a strong commitment to environmental protection, adhering to the regulations of the Puerto Morelos National Marine Park. This includes strict policies such as prohibiting the use of sunscreen and ensuring safety through the use of life jackets for snorkellers within the protected area.

Dorado Buceo Caribe offers a complete syllabus of PADI courses, catering to every stage of a diver's progression. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or work through their Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications.

For those looking to advance their skills or career, the centre provides training for Rescue Diver, Divemaster, and various PADI Specialties. They also offer the Nitrox Diver course to help you make the most of your time on the reef.

The centre provides a full range of equipment hire for divers who prefer not to travel with their own kit. This includes everything required for a complete dive, from regulators to wetsuits and fins.

For those looking to extend their bottom time or dive more safely, Nitrox is available on-site. The centre is well-equipped to handle the needs of both recreational divers and those pursuing more advanced training.

The reefs are home to a diverse array of tropical fish and larger pelagics. You can regularly observe Eagle ray (Aetobatus), sea turtles, and various schools of tropical fish navigating the coral structures.

The hard and soft coral life provides the backbone of the ecosystem, with Sea fan (Gorgoniidae) and various other corals creating complex habitats for Grouper (Epinephelus) and Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda). You may also spot Southern stingray (Hypanus americanus) on the sandy patches.

From November to March, the area becomes a destination for those seeking bull sharks. These encounters can take place in their natural habitat, providing a significant highlight for experienced divers.

Diving in the Puerto Morelos area often involves moderate to strong currents, particularly during drift dives and bull shark encounters. These conditions require a certain level of buoyancy control and experience.

The centre operates within the Puerto Morelos National Marine Park, where specific environmental regulations are in place to protect the delicate reef ecosystem.