Diving in the Mayan Riviera

Who said that learning a new language is all work and no play? Our Spanish school in Playa del Carmen, Mexico is located next to some of the best diving on the continent!

Playa del Carmen, or just “Playa” to the locals, started off as a sleepy fishing village best known for its ferry base to the world-renowned island of Cozumel. But over time visitors began to realize that Playa has the same gorgeous beaches and turquoise waters as nearby Cancun, but without all of the congestion. The city is now known as one of the most peaceful places in the region to spend a day on the beach, as well as the city with all the best diving spots.

The second largest barrier reef in the world is just offshore of Playa del Carmen, and the water is brimming with marine life and vibrant corals. The Caribbean waters are warm year round and the visibility is amazing. It is common to see sea turtles, and lucky divers are often surprised to have one swim up alongside them. And if that isn’t enough, between June and September, snorkeling and diving trips can be made to swim with the resident whale sharks in their natural environment!             

One of the hardest questions facing visitors is what kind of diving they would like to do. Playa offers an abundance of choice that will fit the needs and comfort level of every type of diver from a first-time snorkeler to an experienced reef diver, and in a large variety of settings. In addition, classes and scuba diving certification programs are taught with PADI or NAUI certified instructors. 

For the most adventurous, there are at least five locations where one can scuba dive in caverns, known in Spanish as “cenotes”. The land around Playa is made of porous limestone rock and has a large underground river system below it that feeds into the ocean. Minerals that pass through the limestone form huge stalactites and stalagmites in this river system, and it is possible to dive among these natural wonders.   

      

Taking Spanish classes in the morning and diving in the afternoon is the perfect combination to explore both the rich cultural and physical beauty of Playa del Carmen. Our Spanish school is located six blocks from the beach, and students learn in open air classrooms surrounded by exotic gardens. From the classroom a quick stroll takes you into town to eat a traditional Mexican lunch before heading out into the water. And, of course talking about the hundreds of varieties of fish makes for a great conversation starter with your host family or with the locals.              

No matter which combination of classes and dives that you make, you cannot go wrong. The mystery and magic of the underwater world just off the shore of Playa del Carmen is not to be missed. At the end of the day, after learning Spanish from native teachers and swimming with tropical fish the best way to unwind is to drink a margarita on the beach with your new ViaSpanish friends!