Explore Xico's local reef, wall, wreck and seasonal shark dive sites with maps, depth ranges and experience guidance. The final sites are selected each day around ocean conditions, port status and the divers in the group.
Use these groups as orientation, not as a guaranteed site assignment. Xico matches the dive plan to certification, recent experience and the actual conditions on the day.
Jardines, Shangri-La, Chun Zumbul, Cueva del Pargo, Moc-Che Shallow and Cerebros.
See shallow sites Reef DriftSabalos, Barracuda and Tortugas for classic local drift profiles and possible marine-life encounters.
See reef drifts Deep & WallLos Arcos, Pared Verde, Moc-Che Deep, Chun Zumbul Deep and Punta Venado.
See advanced sites Special DivesMama Viña Wreck and seasonal Shark Point for divers whose experience fits the conditions.
See special sitesDepths are practical orientation ranges, not a promise of the exact profile. Tap a site name to jump to its map and details.
| Dive Site | Depth | Experience | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jardines | 7–13 m | Beginner / Open Water / DSD | Shallow reef | Easy reef dives, training dives, refreshers and relaxed local diving. |
| Shangri-La | 8–11 m | Beginner / Open Water / DSD | Shallow reef | Relaxed shallow reef diving, easy drift and second dives. |
| Chun Zumbul | 8–11.5 m | Beginner / Open Water | Shallow reef | Long shallow reef, coral ridges and easy navigation. |
| Cueva del Pargo | 6–13 m | Beginner / Open Water | Shallow reef | Shallow reef, overhangs, coral heads and easy reef navigation. |
| Moc-Che Shallow | 7–14 m | Beginner / Open Water | Shallow reef | Coral ridges, sandy channels and easy reef exploration. |
| Cerebros | 12–15 m | Beginner / Open Water | Shallow reef | Large brain coral formations, easy reef navigation and checkout dives. |
| Sabalos | 8–15 m | Open Water / Intermediate | Reef drift | Tarpon, barracuda, reef ridges and marine life. |
| Barracuda | 11.5–15 m | Open Water / Intermediate | Reef drift | Barracuda, reef fingers, sandy channels and easy drift profiles. |
| Tortugas | 10–35 m | Open Water / Intermediate | Reef drift | Turtles, reef slope, varied depth profile and marine life. |
| Los Arcos | 21–35 m | Advanced / Experienced | Deep reef / wall | Arches, caverns, swim-throughs and deeper drift diving. |
| Pared Verde | 20–30.5 m | Advanced / Experienced | Deep reef / wall | Wall diving, sea fans, drop-off edge and pelagic sightings. |
| Moc-Che Deep | 20–30 m | Advanced / Experienced | Deep reef / wall | Deep reef, wall sections, overhangs and marine life. |
| Chun Zumbul Deep | 12–22 m | Open Water / Intermediate | Deep reef | Deeper coral ridges, sandy channels and relaxed reef exploration. |
| Punta Venado | 21–35 m | Advanced / Experienced | Deep reef / wall | Deep wall, coral plateau, drop-off edge and pelagic sightings. |
| Mama Viña Wreck | 18–30.5 m | Advanced / Experienced | Wreck / artificial reef | Wreck diving, artificial reef growth and schooling fish. |
| Shark Point | 24–25 m | Advanced / Experienced | Shark dive / sandy bottom | Seasonal bull shark diving, stone plateau and guided shark observation. |
Site requests are welcome, but never guaranteed. The captain and dive team may change the final plan for weather, current, visibility, port restrictions, diver experience or safety.
These sites generally offer shallower profiles and easier local reef diving. They may also be suitable for training, Discover Scuba Diving or refreshers when conditions and the instructor's plan allow.
Jardines is one of the best shallow local reef sites for newer divers, Discover Scuba Diving programs, Open Water training and easy certified dives. It usually offers a relaxed reef profile with coral gardens, sandy patches and good conditions for building confidence.
Shangri-La is a shallow reef site that works well for relaxed local reef dives, newer certified divers and easy second-dive profiles. It is a good choice when conditions allow a simple drift over coral heads and sandy sections.
Chun Zumbul is a long shallow reef with coral ridges, sandy channels and an easy drift profile. It is a strong option for certified beginners, relaxed local reef diving and easy second dives.
Cueva del Pargo is a shallow reef site with coral heads, sandy areas and a small cave or overhang-style feature. It can be a fun, easy local reef dive when conditions are suitable.
Moc-Che Shallow is a beginner-friendly version of the Moc-Che reef area, with coral ridges, sandy channels and a comfortable profile for certified divers who want an easier local reef dive.
Cerebros is known for large brain coral formations and a shallow-to-moderate reef profile. It can be a good site for newer certified divers, checkout dives and relaxed reef exploration.
These sites are popular for natural drift profiles and possible encounters with turtles, rays, morays, lobsters, barracuda, tarpon and schooling reef fish. Wildlife is never guaranteed.
Sabalos is a reef drift site where divers may encounter tarpon, barracuda, morays, lobsters, rays and reef fish depending on the day. It is usually better for certified divers who are comfortable with drift diving.
Barracuda is a reef drift site with reef ridges, sandy channels and the possibility of seeing barracuda, rays, morays, lobsters and reef fish. It can be a good second-dive profile for certified divers.
Tortugas is one of the most popular local reef areas for divers who want a chance to see turtles. The depth and profile can vary, so the dive plan depends strongly on daily conditions and diver level.
Depth, current, wall sections and swim-throughs can make these dives more demanding. Xico checks certification, recent experience and comfort before matching divers to the day's deeper plan.
Los Arcos is a deeper wall-style reef site known for arches, caverns and swim-throughs. It is usually recommended for experienced divers because of the depth, current and the need for good buoyancy control.
Pared Verde is a deeper reef and wall dive with sea fans, coral plateau sections and a drop-off edge. It is better for experienced divers who are comfortable with depth, current and drift diving.
Moc-Che Deep is the deeper version of the Moc-Che reef area, with wall sections, overhangs and a more advanced profile. It is a better fit for divers with recent experience and good buoyancy control.
Chun Zumbul Deep is a deeper reef profile with coral ridges, sandy channels and easy navigation compared with more advanced wall sites. It can be a good option for certified divers when conditions fit the group.
Punta Venado is a deeper wall-style reef site south of Playa del Carmen. It is more suitable for experienced divers because conditions, depth and current can be more demanding.
These are specialized local dive experiences, not standard beginner reef dives. Shark Point is seasonal from November 1 through March 31 and remains subject to conditions and local operating rules.
Mama Viña is the main local wreck dive option from Playa del Carmen. It is usually better for advanced or experienced divers because of the depth, current and wreck environment.
Shark Point is the seasonal bull shark dive site in Playa del Carmen. Xico\'s bull shark season runs from November 1 through March 31, subject to conditions and local operating rules. It is a deeper, more serious dive for experienced certified divers who meet the safety requirements and follow the guide briefing closely.
You can request a specific reef, but the safest and best dive plan is confirmed around the actual ocean and the divers on the boat.
Most local diving is planned as a two-tank outing. Xico considers the whole group rather than forcing a site that is unsuitable for the day's current, visibility or experience mix.
Useful planning answers before you choose local reef, wall, wreck or seasonal shark diving.
The best dive site depends on your certification level, recent dive experience and the daily ocean conditions. Newer divers often enjoy Jardines, Shangri-La, Chun Zumbul, Cueva del Pargo, Moc-Che Shallow and Cerebros. Experienced divers may prefer Los Arcos, Pared Verde, Moc-Che Deep, Mama Viña Wreck, Punta Venado or Shark Point during Xico\'s bull shark season from November 1 through March 31.
Yes. Playa del Carmen has several shallow reef sites that can work well for beginner divers, training dives, refreshers and relaxed certified dives. The dive team chooses the site based on daily conditions and diver level.
You can tell us which dive site you are interested in, but we do not promise one exact dive site before seeing the daily conditions. The captain and dive team choose the best sites based on weather, current, visibility, port status, diver level and safety.
Yes, turtles are possible on several local reef sites, especially Tortugas and other reef areas, depending on conditions and marine life activity. Marine life is never guaranteed.
Yes. Playa del Carmen has seasonal bull shark diving at Shark Point. Xico\'s bull shark season runs from November 1 through March 31, subject to conditions and local operating rules. Nurse sharks may also be seen occasionally on some reef sites.
Mama Viña Wreck is usually better for advanced or experienced divers because of the depth, current and wreck environment. Beginners are usually better matched with shallow reef sites first.
Playa del Carmen is great for local reefs, turtles, wreck diving and seasonal bull sharks. Cozumel is famous for larger reef walls and stronger drift diving. Cenotes are freshwater cavern dives and offer a completely different experience.
The easiest way is to contact Xico Dive Center with your certification level, last dive date and approximate number of logged dives. The team can recommend the best local reef, wall, wreck or seasonal shark dive based on your experience and the daily conditions.
