2-Tank Reef Dive at Puerto Morelos, Cancun: Full Review
Already snorkeled Cancun and ready to go deeper? The 2-tank reef dive at Puerto Morelos Reef National Park is the natural next step — same UNESCO Biosphere Reserve reef, twice the depth and twice the marine life. Limited to 6 certified divers per departure, it holds a perfect 5.0-star rating. Here's the full breakdown. (Looking for snorkeling instead? See all Cancun snorkeling tours on the homepage.)
About This Activity
Up to 24h in advance — full refund
Book today, pay nothing until later
Two dives, morning or afternoon
PADI Open Water or equivalent required
Ultra-small group — maximum guide attention
All dive equipment included
What to Expect — Two Tanks at Puerto Morelos Reef
What You'll See That Snorkelers Miss
What's Included — and What's Not
Included
- Two tank dives at Puerto Morelos Reef National Park
- All dive equipment (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, tank, weights)
- Certified divemaster guide
- Boat transport to and between dive sites
- Surface interval on the boat
Not Included
- Hotel pickup — self-transport to Puerto Morelos pier required ($15–20 taxi from Hotel Zone)
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen for the surface interval
- CONANP national park access fee (~$5–10 USD cash at the pier)
- Tips for the divemaster
- Dive certification card — you must present this at check-in
Important Things to Know
What to pack
- Dive certification card (PADI, SSI, NAUI or equivalent Open Water minimum)
- Logbook (recommended — divemaster may ask to verify experience level)
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen for surface time
- Cash for park fee ($5–10 USD) and divemaster tip
- Towel and dry change of clothes
- Small dry bag for valuables on the boat
What to leave behind
- Chemical sunscreen — banned in the national park
- Gloves — not permitted at this reef (touching coral is strictly prohibited)
- Expectant mothers — diving is contraindicated during pregnancy
- Anyone without a valid dive certification — this tour does not offer discover scuba for beginners
Insider Tips for the Puerto Morelos 2-Tank Dive
Who Is This Tour Best For?
Not ideal for:
- Non-certified divers — Open Water certification is mandatory, no exceptions
- Snorkelers — this tour is exclusively for scuba diving; see tours 1–7 for snorkel options
- Divers with fewer than 10 logged dives who are uncomfortable descending quickly to 40+ ft
FAQ — 2-Tank Reef Dive Cancun
What certification level is required?
PADI Open Water (or SSI, NAUI, CMAS equivalent) is the minimum. Advanced Open Water is recommended for the second, deeper tank (50–80 ft). Rescue Diver or higher is not required. You must present your certification card at the pier — no card, no dive.
Can I rent dive equipment in Cancun if I don't have my own?
All dive equipment is included in the tour price — BCD, regulator, wetsuit, tank and weights. You do not need to bring or rent anything separately. If you own a preferred mask or computer, you are welcome to bring it.
How does this compare to diving in Cozumel?
Cozumel (1 hr by ferry from Playa del Carmen) is generally considered the premier dive destination in the Mexican Caribbean — particularly for drift diving in Palancar and Santa Rosa Wall. Puerto Morelos is considerably closer to Cancun (30 min vs 1.5+ hrs travel) and the reef quality is excellent, if smaller in scale. Puerto Morelos suits divers staying in Cancun who want a quality 2-tank experience without a full-day commitment.
What Divers Say
Best diving I've done in Mexico outside of Cozumel. The second tank on the outer wall at 70 ft had eagle rays, a massive green moray and a nurse shark all within the same 10-minute stretch. Small group of 5 meant the guide could take us to exactly the right spots.
The divemaster was exceptional — read the conditions perfectly and took us to a section of the wall I've never seen on any dive map. Puerto Morelos reef is seriously underrated. This should be on every certified diver's Cancun itinerary.
Morning departure, water was glassy, visibility 60+ feet. Saw a hawksbill turtle on the second tank hovering near a barrel sponge — just sat there while we watched. The quality of the reef here surprised me after a decade of diving in Southeast Asia.