Once a tiny fishing village, Playa has turned into a booming city full of spiritual travelers.
Divers flock to Playa del Carmen because of the world-class dives in Cozumel, beginner-friendly reefs in Playa, and out-of-this-world cenotes deep in the jungle. With just about every type of diving available, it’s no surprise that Playa del Carmen is a diver’s paradise.
But some of us travel for more than just beautiful and excellent underwater experiences.
First, let’s dive into some of the diving Playa has to offer.
World-Class Diving at Your Fingertips
If you’re into diving or even just curious about it, Playa del Carmen is a stone’s throw away from Cozumel, which is renowned for its breathtaking underwater ecosystems. Imagine exploring vibrant reefs, swimming with tropical fish, or diving through stunning cenotes. It’s a fantastic way to take a break from your laptop and get lost in the beauty of nature.
1. Cozumel
- Often referred to as the best diving in the Caribbean, 70% of the island of Cozumel is protected. This helps keeps the island flourishing with life. Huge healthy corals and an abundance of tropical reef fish call this magical place home. If you love warm water overflowing with life, Cozumel is the best place in the Caribbean.
2. Cenotes
- If cave diving has ever crossed your mind, the cenotes might just be calling your name. An underwater cave system exists beneath the entire Yucutan Peninsula, with open air caverns revealing their secrets to the world. The Mayans referred to these springs as “gateways to the underworld,” and once you’ve entered them for the first time, you understand just how otherworldly they are. Teeming with stalagmites, stalagtites, and even ancient Mayan relics, a dive in these caverns is something you can’t experience anywhere else in the world – and is an experience you will never forget.
3. Bull Shark Diving
- Playa isn’t only known for its beautiful reefs. The winter season brings heavier currents, slightly cooler water (28 degrees), and big, pregnant bull sharks. Bull sharks return to this area every season to swim into the mangroves and give birth to their pups. The majestic, powerful sharks were once overfished to dangerous levels, but the diving industry has actually helped them return in astonishing numbers. Witnessing these 500-pound animals in their natural habitat is a special experience that just might change the way you think about these predators.
4. Whale Shark Season
- If there are bull sharks in the winter, then there are whale sharks in the summer. Known for migrating great distances, whale sharks cruise through the Riviera Maya during the warmer summer months. While we can’t dive with these animals in an effort of preservation, we can snorkel with them with various responsible companies.
5. Wreck Diving
- Okay, maybe you’re bored with reefs, and the cenotes didn’t quite get you. We still have the C-53 wreck. Formerly a US Navy ship in WWII, officials sunk the ship intact to create an artificial reef. Now, the wreck serves as an underwater playground for divers. However, the ship sits at 20-30 meters, meaning this dive site is only available to those with their advanced open water certification.
Life Above Water for Spiritual Travelers
The diving is one thing, but it takes more than only amazing diving for me to fully enjoy a place.
Luckily, Playa has so much more to offer above the waves. Situated in the Caribbean, Playa has a laid-back island culture. Contrarily, Playa is bustling with digital nomads, meaning there is no shortage of co-working spaces, coffee shops, and high-speed internet. However, while that is available for when you need it, the people here enjoy living life slowly and enjoy being in the moment.
Some claim the spiritual energy of the cenotes and the sea draws them into this town for its healing properties. Others have simply found home here with the collective of humans who value mental and spiritual wellness.
Yoga classes, sound healing, cacao ceremonies, and even temazcal ceremonies are easy to find for like-minded travelers.
The collective energy is contagious! So, if you’re pondering where to take your next remote working adventure, don’t sleep on Playa del Carmen. It’s got everything you need to work while exploring, diving, and connecting with amazing individuals. The beautiful town and people, coupled with insane diving, make this place a true gem!
Pack your bags and let Playa del Carmen be your home away from home. You won’t regret it!