The German-speaking diving centre Deep Dive Mexico in Playa del Carmen offers unique experiences for divers and snorkellers who want to observe sharks in their natural habitat respectfully and safely. Whether bull shark, Atlantic nurse shark or whale shark – here, encounters with large fish become a life-changing adventure.
Diving with bull sharks – the supreme discipline
Diving with bull sharks is the highlight for all adventure-seekers who are looking for something special. They come to the coast of Playa del Carmen between November and February. Deep Dive Mexico allows you to get very close to these impressive animals – without bait, without feeding, but with maximum respect.
The tour starts early in the morning at 7:00 am. After a detailed safety briefing, in which behaviour towards the animals is also discussed, we take the boat to a nearby dive site: the so-called “Bullshark Point”. This is located in an extensive, sandy area at a depth of 22-25 metres, where visibility is often over 30 metres.
The dive is calm, almost meditative: the divers sink to the seabed in a controlled manner, kneel on the sand with their arms folded and slow down their breathing. The bull sharks glide towards them without any provocation or lure – curious, but never aggressive. They usually keep a distance of 5 to 6 metres and quickly lose interest when they realise that there is no danger from humans.
The water is crystal clear, visibility is ideal – and safety is paramount. No diver or snorkeller has ever been attacked by a bull shark in the entire region. Deep Dive Mexico attaches great importance to a natural and respectful approach to the animals – no show diving, but an authentic encounter with one of the most impressive sea creatures on our planet.
For certified divers, NITROX is available free of charge to enable longer bottom times and additional safety.
Anyone who has ever dived with bull sharks never forgets the experience. Many guests report that this encounter has permanently changed their image of sharks – and their relationship with nature.
Diving with Atlantic nurse sharks
While bull sharks occur seasonally, Atlantic nurse sharks can be seen all year round. These calm, nocturnal bottom sharks can often be seen on reef dives.
Nurse sharks are particularly suitable for beginners as they are peaceful, slow and shy. They rest under overhangs or in caves during the day and are easy to observe when their behaviour is calm – ideal for relaxed dives without adrenaline, but with great fascination.
Snorkelling with whale sharks
Another natural wonder awaits you between May and September: snorkelling with whale sharks – the largest fish in the world. During this time, whale sharks gather north of the Yucatán Peninsula to feed on plankton.
Deep Dive Mexico offers special German-speaking snorkelling tours to the whale sharks every Monday and Friday during the season. In small groups and with experienced guides, we travel by boat to the hotspots.
Despite their gigantic size – whale sharks can grow to over 12 metres in length – they are completely harmless. Snorkelling takes place under clear conservation conditions, with respect for the animal and at a safe distance. This tour is also suitable for families and non-divers – a fantastic opportunity to experience marine biology up close.
