SCUBA DIVING

Playa del Carmen has many marvelous spots to go snorkeling, scuba diving and even cave diving. Along the Great Mayan Reef, the second largest coral reef system in the world, you can dive among hundreds of multicolored fish and discover coral formations that have been around for more than 500 years. At the sinkholes (ponds connected to underground river systems) located in Playa del Carmen?s environs you can explore various caves and caverns full of stalactite and stalagmite formations, allowing you to take in sights of rare beauty that few people will have the opportunity to see.

Zona de Cenotes. This sinkhole zone is located west of Playa del Carmen. In this region you can dive among underground sinkhole formations such as those at Chac-Mool, La Ponderosa, Dos Ojos, Nohoch-Na-Chich, Gran Cenote, Car Wash, Chikin Ha, Taj Mahal and Angelita. In Playa del Carmen you?ll find touring companies that will teach you how to dive in sinkholes.

Parque Ecologico de Xpu-Ha. Located 32 km (20 mi) southwest of Playa del Carmen. At this place you can go snorkeling and scuba diving along the reefs off the coast. In its coves you can observe hundreds of multicolored fish.

Xel-Ha. Located 47 km (29 mi) south of Playa del Carmen off the Cancun-Tulum Highway 307. This is an ecological park where you?ll find coves, sinkholes (ponds connected to underground river systems), lagoons, caves with subterranean rivers and springs that empty into the sea. Open daily from 8:30 to 6:00. Tel. (998) 875-6000 www.xel-ha.com. At this ecological park you can go swimming and snorkeling on an impressive tour that allows you to admire underwater life in crystalline rivers and well-lit caverns. You can also do the Sea Trek, an exciting adventure tour that gives you the opportunity to witness marine life without having to be an expert scuba diver.

Parque Ecologico Tres Rios. Located 11 km (7 mi) north of Playa del Carmen off the Cancun-Tulum Highway 307. At this ecological park embedded in a subtropical jungle you can have the memorable experience of a close encounter with nature. The park is closed due to remodeling, but will reopen its doors in summer 2006. This ecological park has eight sinkholes where you can scuba dive with experienced guides. Among its services, the park offers diving classes for all skill levels and ages.

Xcaret. Located 8 km (5 mi) south of Playa del Carmen off the Cancun-Tulum Highway 307. At this place, among many other attractions, you?ll find archaeological ruins of one of the most important ceremonial centers of Mayan culture. You?ll also see plenty of natural beauty such as caves, underground rivers full of colorful indigenous fish, and a reef aquarium. Open daily from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm. Tel. (998) 883-0470. www.xcaret.com. Here you can go snorkeling and scuba diving on an unforgettable tour through 600 meters (nearly 2,000 feet) of caves and tunnels. Open daily from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm.