BULL SHARK DIVING
IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN
November to March, minutes from the beach.
A guided dive with the pregnant female bull sharks that return to Playa del Carmen every winter.
Check availability How the dive works
3 hours · 20 m (66 ft) · 15+ logged dives · Hotel pickup
Shark Point · Playa del Carmen
The bull sharks of Playa del Carmen
Every winter, pregnant female bull sharks gather off Playa del Carmen, a short boat ride from the beach. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can dive with them in calm conditions, kneeling on the sand while they pass a few meters away.
We dive with a full briefing, a small group and strict procedures. The season runs roughly from November to March, the same months as kite season, so you can combine both in one trip.
- SeasonRoughly November to March
- Who can joinCertified divers with 15+ logged dives
- The dive3-hour experience · 2 tanks · around 20 m (66 ft)
- IncludedMarine park fee, dive gear, boat, guide and hotel pickup
Step by step
How the dive works
- BriefingOn the boat we go over shark behavior, hand signals and the rules for the dive.
- DescentWe descend with the current, regroup on the bottom and swim together to the observation point.
- WatchAt around 20 meters (66 ft), the group forms a line and kneels on the sand for about 15 minutes while the sharks come and go.
- Shallower finishIf air allows, we finish in shallower water, where sharks often keep cruising around.
- AscentWe come up with safety stops at 12 and 5 meters (40 and 15 ft).
When to come
Bull shark season
The sharks usually arrive in November and stay until around March. Exact dates change from year to year, so we confirm the season once it starts.
The sea has to be calm for the boat to go out. If the port is closed, we move your dive to the next good day. That’s why we recommend booking it early in your trip, so there’s room to reschedule.
Respect first
Safety and respect for the sharks
Bull sharks can reach close to 3 meters (9–10 ft). We observe them in their own habitat, without chasing or touching them, and your guide keeps the group tight and calm the whole time.
Everyone stays in position on the sand, follows the guide’s signals and keeps hands close to the body. Respecting the rules is what keeps the dive safe for divers and sharks.
Your guide
Dive with an authorized bull shark guide
Our bull shark dives are led by an authorized bull shark guide who knows the site and the sharks’ behavior, with a small group and a full briefing before every dive.
FAQ
Questions before you dive
Is bull shark diving dangerous?
Any dive with large predators has risks. We manage them with a full briefing, a small group, a fixed position on the sand and a guide who knows the site and the sharks’ behavior.
What certification do I need?
You need to be a certified diver with at least 15 logged dives and be comfortable diving with current.
How deep is it and how long does it take?
The dive is at around 20 meters (66 ft). The whole experience takes about 3 hours.
When is the season?
Roughly November to March. We confirm exact dates each season.
What happens if the port is closed?
We move your dive to the next good day. Book early in your trip to leave room for that.
How do I book?
Message us on WhatsApp with your dates, number of divers and certification. Dives are paid in advance to secure your spot.
Ready to meet the bull sharks?
Send us your dates, how many divers and your certification level. We’ll find you a spot.