Itinerary Summary
The trip lands at Cancun (CUN) and bases in the Riviera Maya, with a ferry to Cozumel for two boat dives at Palancar, a snorkel through the MUSA underwater sculpture museum off Isla Mujeres, a cavern…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Cancun arrival and a dive-shop gear fitting on the Riviera
14:00
2.5h
Arrival at CUN and transfer to Puerto Aventuras
Take a pre-booked transfer south on the federal road, roughly 75 km and 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. Settle in, then walk the marina to get your bearings before dinner.
📍 Cancun Airport to Puerto Aventuras
17:00
1.5h
Dive centre paperwork and gear fitting
Show your certification card and logbook, fill in the medical questionnaire and try on a wetsuit and BCD for the next days. Confirm boat times and whether nitrox is available for the Cozumel trips.
📍 Puerto Aventuras dive shop
💡 Pro Tip: Puerto Aventuras and Akumal are the usual bases for this route, both sitting between Playa del Carmen and Tulum with easy access to cenotes. Bring your certification card and logbook, as dive shops ask for both and for proof of recent dives. Riviera Maya runs on UTC-5 all year. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Mexico visa section, and buy dive insurance before you travel.
Days 2-6 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$1,02035%
Dive-friendly beach hotels, 5 nights
Food & DiningUS$58020%
Beach clubs and local restaurants
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certification do I need for the Cenote Dos Ojos cavern dive?+
Cavern diving at Dos Ojos follows fixed light lines and requires at least open-water certification plus a cavern briefing from a specialist guide. Full cave certification is only needed if you plan to leave the daylight zone. Open-water divers can snorkel or dive the open sections with an instructor.
When is the best time for diving around Cozumel and Tulum?+
The guide targets June to August, when water sits around 26-29C and visibility is good. December to April is drier and calmer on land but busier and pricier. September to November is hurricane season, when operators may cancel boat days; build a flexible day into your plans.
How do I plan the Cozumel ferry and two-tank dive day from the Riviera Maya?+
Take an early ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, as the crossing takes roughly 30-45 minutes and dive boats leave mid-morning. Book the two-tank Palancar trip with a Cozumel operator in advance and confirm whether tanks, weights and a divemaster are included. Leave a buffer for the return ferry.
Can beginners snorkel the MUSA underwater museum near Isla Mujeres?+
Yes. The MUSA sculptures sit in shallow water and most visitors see them by snorkel or glass-bottom boat rather than dive. Sea conditions decide whether the crossing runs, so book a day or two ahead and keep the morning free. Certified divers can add a deeper section of the gallery.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 6 days
- Budget: Upscale · approx. $2,390–3,440 (≈ €2,080–2,990), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: Diving & Water Sports
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