Underworld Tulum

Located in Tulum, Underworld Tulum serves as a dedicated hub for divers looking to explore the unique underwater landscapes of the Riviera Maya. The centre is positioned to provide easy access to the world's most famous cavern and cave systems, as well as the nearby Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Whether you are starting your journey with a Scuba Discovery Program or pushing your limits in deep sinkholes, the facility is designed around the specific needs of the diving community. The centre manages all the logistics of a Mexican diving adventure, providing a structured environment for both recreational and technical exploration.

The centre is led by Lanny and Claire Vogel, a team with deep roots in the local diving community. Lanny has been an instructor since 2003 and has specialised in technical diving since 2005, holding multiple agency qualifications. Claire is an instructor for introductory cave diving, ensuring the team can support divers at every stage of their progression.

Instruction is delivered through several major agencies, including TDI, SDI, BSAC, IANTD, PADI, and CMAS. To maintain safety and a personalised experience, the centre operates with a maximum ratio of three divers per guide. All guides are experienced instructors and active cave divers themselves.

The training programme is extensive, covering the entire spectrum of diving disciplines. Beginners can start with the Scuba Discovery Program or Open Water Diver courses, progressing through Advanced Diver and Rescue Diver certifications. For those interested in the unique local environment, specific cavern and cave training is available, ranging from Introductory Cave Diver to Full Cave Diver and Multistage Cave.

Technical divers will find a robust curriculum including Nitrox, Helitrox, Advanced Nitrox, Decompression Procedures, and Advanced Recreational Trimix. The centre also offers specialised training for sidemount, rebreather (CCR) users, and DPV (scooter) pilots, including CCR Cave training.

The centre provides a wide range of high-quality rental kit, including regulators, wetsuits, fins, and computers. For those looking for more specialised setups, they stock sidemount configurations, wings and backplates, and rebreathers. Divers can also hire scooters (DPVs) and torches for cave and night diving.

To ensure a quiet and relaxed atmosphere for guests, the centre uses a reputable local filling station rather than an on-site compressor. For technical divers, Nitrox and Trimix are available, and the centre is fully equipped to support rebreather operations.

In the ocean environments near Tulum, you can find Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and various species of snapper schools. During the season from November to early March, Bull sharks (Carcharhinus) may be encountered, while the months from June to September bring the possibility of seeing Whale sharks.

Within the reef and coastal areas, look out for Moray eel (Muraenidae), including the Green moray (Gymnothorax funebris), as well as various species of Angelfish (Pomacanthidae) and Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae). You may also spot Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), Parrotfish (Calotomus), and Southern stingray (Hypanus americanus).

Macro life and smaller inhabitants include various cave-adapted crustaceans and freshwater crabs. In the more tropical reef sections, you will find Lobster (Homaridae), Tarpon (Megalops), and a variety of juvenile reef fish and tropical fish.