Why Cancun Is a Great Location for New Scuba Divers August 3, 2025     By Roxie Bastida If you’ve ever thought about trying scuba diving but felt unsure where to start, let me make this easy for you—go to Cancun. Cancun is hands down one of the best places in the world for beginner scuba divers. The conditions are ideal, the prices are reasonable, and the marine life is beautiful and accessible. But it’s not just about the location. It’s about the experience—and that’s something I’ve gotten to know really well. I’ve been diving in Cancun about a dozen times now. It’s where I took some of my very first dives and where I keep coming back to every chance I get. And every single time, I dive with Best Dive Cancun, an independent, small dive company that has earned my full trust. So if you’re thinking about taking the plunge into scuba diving, here’s exactly why Cancun should be your first stop—and what makes it such an amazing place to start. The Conditions Are Practically Made for Beginners Cancun makes it easy to fall in love with diving. Warm water year-round (78°F to 84°F) Excellent visibility, often between 50–100 feet Minimal currents, especially at beginner sites   These conditions help new divers feel more comfortable and less overwhelmed. You’re not dealing with cold temperatures or fighting strong waves—you’re just floating, breathing, and enjoying the view. Beginner-Friendly Dive Sites Are Close and Easy Most of Cancun’s beginner dive spots are: Shallow: 30 – 50 feet deep Vibrant: Full of coral, fish, and turtles Accessible: Just a short boat ride from shore   Popular sites include: Manchones Reef Punta Nizuc MUSA – The Underwater Museum of Art   You’re typically in the water within 20–30 minutes of leaving the dock. That means less time commuting, more time diving. It’s Affordable to Get Started Scuba diving in Cancun is surprisingly affordable compared to many other destinations. Typical costs: Discover Scuba Dive (no certification needed): Typically around $110–$160 USD Open Water Certification (PADI): Typically around $450–$500 USD Most packages include instruction, gear, boat rides, and dive time. Wildlife Encounters Are Incredible (Even in Shallow Water) Even if you’re only diving 20 or 30 feet down, you can still see: Sea turtles Colorful reef fish Lobsters Nurse sharks  Coral gardens Rays and eels You don’t have to go deep to experience the magic. Cancun’s marine life shows up for beginners, too. Cancun Is Easy to Get To Cancun International Airport is only about 25-30 minutes from the Hotel Zone, with tons of affordable flights from the U.S. and Canada. You can: Fly in on a Friday Try scuba on Saturday Be exploring reefs by Sunday morning Most dive shops offer hotel pickup, and many instructors speak English fluently, making logistics super simple. MUSA Is a Must-See for New Divers One of Cancun’s most unique experiences is the Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA)—an underwater museum filled with over 500 life-sized sculptures. It’s shallow, calm, and incredibly photogenic. Sculptures of people, homes, and animals sit silently on the seafloor, slowly becoming part of the reef system. You won’t find anything like it anywhere else. I Only Dive with Best Dive Cancun (And Here’s Why) “It’s run by an independent instructor with 37 years of diving experience and 29 years as a certified instructor—thorough, safety-focused, and highly respected.” Thorough equipment safety checks Detailed pre-dive briefings Fluent English speaker Patient with new divers Respects wildlife and reef preservation Keeps groups small for better safety and focus If you’re nervous, this is exactly the kind of guide you want by your side. I never feel rushed or pressured and every dive starts with a clear dive plan so I know exactly what to expect. That peace of mind makes all the difference. Book Here Final Tips Before You Dive ✔️ Choose a reputable dive shop (read reviews!)✔️ Don’t be afraid to ask questions—good instructors welcome it✔️ Bring reef-safe sunscreen or wear a rash guard✔️ Avoid drinking alcohol the night before✔️ Relax. You don’t have to be perfect. Just breathe.

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Punta Sur on Isla Mujeres, Mexico Updated 5/30/25 – By Roaming with Roxie One of the most unforgettable stops during our time on Isla Mujeres was Punta Sur. Perched on a cliffside where the Caribbean Sea crashes against rugged rocks, this breathtaking location is more than just a scenic viewpoint—it’s a place that feels sacred, peaceful, and powerful all at once. What Is Punta Sur? Punta Sur (which translates to South Point), is known for its dramatic coastal cliffs, panoramic ocean views, and ancient ruins. It is located at the southern tip of a small island called Isla Mujeres, which sits about 8 miles off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. It’s home to the remains of a Mayan temple dedicated to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility and the moon, making it a place of historical and spiritual significance. The area also features a sculpture garden showcasing striking works by international artists, including a well-known fertility statue at the entrance.   How To Get To Isla Mujeres You’ll need to take a boat or ferry to get to the island. We chose the Xcaret Ferry service because their tickets also include admission to the Scenic Tower in Cancun’s Hotel Zone—a fun bonus. Alternatively, you can take the Ultramar Ferry or book a private or group excursion to reach the island.  The ride takes approximately 30 minutes by ferry, offering stunning views along the way. How To Get To Punta Sur Once You’re On The Island  Once we arrived on the island, we chose to skip the taxis and rent a golf cart like many people do—highly recommended. It gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace and made the day extra fun. Tip: If you walk a few blocks away from the ferry terminal, you’ll often find better deals on the rentals than those offered right at the dock. Don’t forget, in Mexico, it’s perfectly normal (and expected) to negotiate a little on prices.Also, you can reach Punta Sur by public bus. The local bus costs around $2 USD per person and drops you off just a short five-minute walk from the entrance. You can hop on the bus right next to the ferry terminal. If you choose to take a taxi, make sure you agree on the fare before you get in. How Much Does It Cost? Punta Sur does have a small entrance fee (about $5 USD) if you want to access the full trail that takes you down to the cliffside walk, sculptures, and Mayan ruins. However, you can also enjoy some nice views for free near the entrance. Trust me—it’s worth paying to walk the full path and go all the way to the end. Why You Should Visit Punta Sur There’s just something about Punta Sur that makes it feel different from other places. It’s not just the views—though those are incredible—but the overall atmosphere. It feels calm, untouched, and deeply meaningful, even if you can’t quite explain why. The sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs, the open sky, the ancient Mayan ruins, and the sculptures scattered along the trail all come together to create a space that feels both peaceful and powerful. It’s the kind of place where you automatically slow down, take a deep breath, and just take it all in. Whether you’re into nature, history, or just looking for a quiet spot to get away from it all, Punta Sur leaves a lasting impression. It’s not flashy or crowded—it just feels real.