Before you book

Requirements are part of the experience.

Bull shark diving is for certified divers. It is not a Discover Scuba Diving activity.

The dive is handled through an established Playa del Carmen dive operation with 28 years of local experience, PADI 5 Star credentials, multilingual staff, and 800+ guest reviews averaging 4.6.

When this operator runs the shark dive, the group gets its own site window. Other boats and dive groups are not allowed to drop nearby during that window, so the encounter is not several shops sitting on top of each other underwater.

Bull shark diving booking requirements

15+

Minimum age

The listed minimum age for the bull shark dive is 15 years old.

OWD

Certification

PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent certification is required.

1 year

Recent dive

The last logged dive should usually be within one year. Ask if you need a refresher.

Cash

Local fee

Bring 200 pesos cash for the Saving Our Sharks Project and marine park fee if required before boarding.

Not included

Dive equipment is normally not listed as included, and hotel transfer is not included. Guests staying at Sandos Caracol, Sandos Playacar or Palmaia may have a separate boarding and transportation fee.

Always confirm current details before booking because operations, fees and conditions can change.

Safety behavior

Look, breathe, stay still. Do not touch.

During the shark encounter, follow the guide's position instructions. Keep your hands on the rope or close to your body, stay low and calm, and never reach toward a shark for a photo or reaction.

Simple rule

This is exactly what not to do.

You are there to watch the sharks, not to touch them. Stay low, keep your hands in, and let the guide control the encounter.

Stay low

Stay positioned with the group.

Hands in

Keep hands on the rope or close to your body.

No touching

Do not reach toward a shark.

No chasing

Let the animals move.

Follow the guide

The briefing is part of the dive.