Barracuda
Boat dive · Reef drift
Named for the schools of barracuda that gather here, this drift runs along reef fingers and sandy channels and works just as well as a night dive.
About this site
Barracuda Reef sits between Tortugas and Mama Viña, south of Playa del Carmen, at around 15 metres. It takes its name from the barracuda that school here, and the drift runs along reef fingers separated by pale sandy channels — an easy, enjoyable profile for open water divers and above. It is a lovely dive by day and, with a torch, an equally good one after dark.
Marine life spotted here
- Barracuda
- Reef fish
- Sea turtles (occasional)
- Nurse sharks (occasional)
More in Playa del Carmen & the Riviera Maya
Jardines
A relaxed coral garden with sandy channels, little or no current and plenty of small life — one of the best shallow reefs in Playa for newer divers, training dives and refreshers.
Sabalos
A marine-life focused drift over coral ridges and sandy channels, where big silver tarpon and barracuda hang in the current. Just a short boat ride from shore.
Tortugas
One of the most popular dives in the area — a relatively flat reef sloping from 15 to 40 metres, covered in corals and big barrel sponges, with turtles a regular sight.