Dive Maroma

Mexico, Riviera Maya

The Yucatan Peninsula in south-east Mexico separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea. On the Caribbean side, the coastline offers pure white-sand beaches and calm blue waters.

Cancun, with its international airport, is the jumping off point for the peninsula. South of Cancun stretches what is known as the Riviera Maya. It is here, set in an ecological reserve close to the Mayan ruins of Tulum, that the Hotel Maroma is to be found.

Diving at Maroma is done in small groups and conducted by what is probably the most knowledgeable dive team on this Caribbean coastline. There are some fifteen sites, and the dive team knows each of them intimately. Most of the sites are at most ten minutes away, unless you choose a day trip to more distant ones, in which case alternative arrangements would be made.

The truly outstanding feature of the diving here is the incredible variety. There is something for everyone, from the novice to the advanced diver, and if the weather gets rough, or you just want to try something different, the incredible ‘Cenotes’ or sink holes await. Cenotes are inland freshwater caverns where you can dive surrounded by surreal scenery of stalagmites – a unique experience. Back in the sea, the only type of diving that is not available at Maroma is genuine wall diving. What is on offer is a series of gently sloping plateaus and shallow reef ledges. These harbour a thriving ecosystem with colourful corals, both hard and soft, varied and plentiful fish life, yellow rays, sting rays, lobsters and all the usual suspects that go to make up a healthy reef. Some sites offer giant sponges and large Green and Hawksbill turtles. At Puerto Aventuras, a small town 30 minutes south of Maroma, you have the chance to snorkel with dolphins, sting rays and manatees. In short, whatever your particular thrill is underwater, Maroma will deliver.

Beyond the attractions of the hotel itself, there are the fabulous Mayan ruins at Tulum and Chichen Itza, plus activities such as horse riding through the jungle, deep-sea fishing, sailing and even sky-diving. With the recent opening of the superb new spa, the resort really lacks for nothing.