Flying Fish Tulum

Located in the heart of Tulum, Flying Fish Tulum has spent over a decade helping divers navigate the unique underwater landscapes of the Riviera Maya. The centre is positioned for easy access, situated only 500 metres from the central ADO Bus Station, making it a practical base for those exploring the region.

While many dive centres focus solely on the coast, this team has carved out a niche as cenote specialists. They bridge the gap between the Caribbean reefs and the intricate freshwater cave systems, providing a comprehensive look at the region's diverse aquatic environments.

The centre operates with a focus on small, manageable groups to ensure a personalised experience. They maintain a strict ratio of no more than four divers per guide, allowing for a more attentive approach to buoyancy control and navigation, which is particularly vital in the delicate environments of the cenotes.

Their team of experienced local guides possesses an in-depth knowledge of the local topography, from the mangrove lagoons to the deeper vertical shafts. This expertise helps them match the specific dive site to your current certification level and comfort, whether you are a beginner or an advanced diver.

Flying Fish Tulum offers a structured progression of PADI courses designed to build confidence in both reef and cave environments. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or work towards their Open Water Diver certification.

For those looking to advance their skills, the centre provides the Advanced Open Water Diver course. Their instructors are experienced in guiding divers through the specific challenges of the local sites, helping you transition from open water to the more technical environments of the cenotes.

The centre provides a full range of rental equipment for those not travelling with their own kit. This includes everything required for a complete dive setup, ensuring you can arrive ready to head straight to the water.

For cenote excursions, the centre takes care of the logistics. Their tours include transport to the sites, as well as equipment, lunch, snacks, and water, allowing you to focus entirely on your dive profile.

The marine life varies significantly between the coastal reefs and the freshwater cenotes. On the reefs, you will encounter a vibrant array of tropical fish, moray eels (Muraenidae), and various species of turtles. You may also spot Southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) and large schools of fish moving along the coral structures.

In the cenote systems, the fauna is more specialised. You might encounter freshwater crabs, small fish, and cave-adapted crustaceans. At Casa Cenote, the resident crocodile, Panchito, is a notable inhabitant of the mangrove lagoon.

Seasonally, the region offers a unique opportunity between November and March. During these months, female bull sharks gather near Playa del Carmen, providing a rare chance for Advanced Open Water divers to observe them in their natural habitat.

Diving in the cenotes is largely unaffected by surface weather, providing a consistent environment for exploration. However, the coastal reef dives can be influenced by the season; easterly trade winds can increase swell and make the sea more agitated, particularly during the winter and early spring.

While the reefs are accessible year-round, the best time for shark observations is specifically between November and March. In the cenotes, the water remains calm, though visibility can change depending on the specific site and its connection to the sea.