

Best for beginner divers, 8-14m, boat entry.
Esquela is a reef site located off Akumal, Mexico, offering a calm environment suitable for beginner divers. The site features depths ranging from 8 to 14 metres and visibility between 10 and 30 metres. Divers can encounter common species such as Blue Tang and Sergeants, alongside less frequent sightings of French Angelfish, Chupare Stingray, Great Barracuda, Chain Moray, Atlantic Tarpon, various wrasses, Schoolmaster Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, French Grunt, Bluestriped Grunt, Hermit Crab, and Long-spined Sea Urchin. Access is by boat, with typical dives lasting 40 minutes. Maintain neutral buoyancy to avoid contact with sharp coral and rocks, and remain vigilant for boat traffic during surface intervals and ascents.
20.49630, -87.21973
Watch your buoyancy carefully around the reef structure, as the coral and rocks are sharp and contact causes damage to both the reef and you. Stay aware of boat traffic at the surface when you ascend, and hold your safety stop position before surfacing.
Access info coming soon
Recorded at this site
Depth
8-14m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
27-30°C
Current
None
Typical Dive
40 min
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Divers frequently encounter Blue Tang and Sergeants. Less common sightings include French Angelfish, Chupare Stingray, Great Barracuda, Chain Moray, Atlantic Tarpon, wrasses, various snappers and grunts, Hermit Crab, and Long-spined Sea Urchin.
Yes, Esquela is well-suited for beginner divers due to its calm conditions and manageable depths.
The reef depth at this site ranges between 8 and 14 metres.
Esquela requires boat access.
The main hazards are boat traffic at the surface and sharp coral and rocks on the reef structure. Divers should maintain buoyancy to avoid contact with the reef and stay aware of boats when surfacing.
Diving at Esquela in Playa del Carmen requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A rashguard or 2mm shorty is recommended for diving at Esquela in Playa del Carmen. Water temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C.
The best months to visit Esquela in Playa del Carmen are May, June, July, August, and September. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Visibility at Esquela in Playa del Carmen typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.