Playa del Carmen is dive central

There are many dive shops in Playa del Carmen and you can see wonderful sealife on the reefs up and down the coast from the town. Ask to see a school of 6 foot tarpon at Xcaret, or try for sharks and eagle rays.

The Cyan Ha Dive Shop is the longest running dive shop in Playa del Carmen. They take out small groups of divers from their dive shop near the Shangri La Hotel. Tank Ha Dive Center is well organized and offers daily dives. The Abyss dive shop at the Blue Parrot Hotel at the Blue Parrot Inn is also popular.

Xcalak and back

There are dozens of great dive spots off of the coast. The further south of Cancun the better. If you like short boat rides try out Paamul. There are also several dive shops at the Puerto Aventuras resort - check out Aquanauts or ask around for Fred DeVos if you want a super instructor.

If you are adventurous and have gotten away from Playa del Carmen, Akumal offers great reefs with lots of turtles, rays and medium sized fish.

If you have some extra time, it is a 4 hour drive from Playa to Xcalak, the jumping off point for the Chinchorro Banks. Diving in Chinchorro only takes place on perfectly calm days, due to the 2 hour boat ride to get out to the reef. Don't attempt it in some dingy, or you will be uncomfortable. Several of the dive shops have larger boats, including XTC Dive Center (formerly Aventuras Chinchorro Dive Shop) 983-831-0461 www.xcalak.com.mx/, but call ahead for reservations. Dive trips last all day and cost around $125. There are some $100 a night cabañas in town, but the $8 a night Hotel Caracol is fine for a few nights.

Adventure Guide to the Yucatan, Cancun and Cozumel Out of the way towns and ruins, and eco traveler recommendations.