

Best for beginner divers, 8-12m, boat entry, mild current.
Shangrila is a beginner-friendly drift reef located 1500 metres off the coast of Playa del Carmen. Divers explore coral structures, including brain and gorgonian corals, at depths ranging from 8 to 12 metres. The site features a mild current and visibility between 10 and 25 metres. Marine life regularly encountered includes schoolmaster snapper, bluestriped grunt, barracuda, southern stingrays, and French angelfish. Divers may also spot green moray eels, hawksbill turtles, and spiny squat lobsters within the reef crevices. Because this site is accessed exclusively by boat, divers must remain vigilant regarding boat traffic and always deploy a surface marker buoy before ascending to ensure visibility to passing vessels.
20.62853, -87.06092
Because entry is by boat and the site sits in open water, keep an eye on the surface throughout your dive as boat traffic is a noted hazard. Always deploy your surface marker buoy before ascending so the crew and any passing vessels can see you clearly.
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Recorded at this site
Depth
8-12m
Visibility
10-25m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
27-30°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
Divers regularly encounter schoolmaster snapper, bluestriped grunt, barracuda, southern stingrays, and French angelfish. Green moray eels, hawksbill turtles, and spiny squat lobsters are also found among the coral structures.
Yes, Shangrila is considered a beginner-friendly site with a mild current and an average depth of 10 metres.
The reef structures are located between 8 and 12 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres.
Yes, Shangrila is located 1500 metres from shore and is accessed exclusively by boat.
The main hazard is boat traffic. Divers should maintain awareness of surface vessels throughout the dive and always deploy a surface marker buoy before ascending.
Diving at Shangrila 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 Shangrila in Playa del Carmen. Water temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C.
Shangrila in Playa del Carmen typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Shangrila in Playa del Carmen typically ranges from 10 metres to 25 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.