Bull Shark Season in Playa del Carmen: Guide for Divers Staying in Tulum (2024–2025 Update)
Every year, from November to February, the warm Caribbean waters of the Riviera Maya welcome some of the ocean’s most powerful and misunderstood animals: bull sharks.
And although the dive happens in Playa del Carmen, many divers staying in Tulum come specifically for this experience — combining the serene beauty of cenote diving with the adrenaline of swimming alongside one of the ocean’s most iconic predators.
If you're staying in Tulum and want to dive with bull sharks this season, this is the complete guide you need — created by the team at Mexidivers, your local dive center with over 20 years of experience in the region.
Why Bull Sharks Come to Playa del Carmen
From November to February, pregnant female bull sharks migrate to the region seeking:
Warmer water
Safe, shallow nursery areas
Stable conditions
Abundant food
These factors create the perfect environment for observing these animals in a calm, natural, non-feeding setting.
This migration is unique — there are very few places on Earth where divers can reliably experience bull sharks in such clear water, at such comfortable depths.
When Is Bull Shark Season?
The first sharks usually appear in:
Early to mid-November
Peak season is:
December – January
Last sightings usually happen:
Late February
If you’re visiting Tulum anytime during these months, you’re in the perfect window.
What the Dive Is Actually Like
The bull shark dive is a static observation dive, not a drift or recreational tour.
Dive Profile:
Depth: 20–25 meters
Time underwater: 35–45 minutes
Visibility: Often 20–30 meters
Experience needed: Advanced Open Water or equivalent
Water temperature: 26–28°C
Divers kneel or hover in a line on the sandy bottom while the sharks make slow, elegant passes.
No chaos.
No chasing.
No feeding bowls.
Just a respectful encounter with massive, majestic animals.
Is Bull Shark Diving Safe?
Yes — when the dive is organized responsibly and divers follow proper procedures.
At Mexidivers, safety and animal respect are always the priority. Our team has many years of experience coordinating bull shark dives and understands how these animals behave in the local environment.
We follow strict safety guidelines that include:
No touching
No chasing or harassing
No baiting or feeding
No sudden or disruptive movements
No damaging the marine ecosystem
Maintaining controlled diver positioning at all times
Our instructors and guides are experienced in these dives and know how to read shark behavior, manage group positioning, and ensure a calm, respectful interaction for both divers and the animals.
Who Can Join This Dive?
Bull shark diving is recommended for:
Advanced Open Water divers
Divers who are comfortable at 25 meters
Divers with good air consumption
People who remain calm and still underwater
If you’re not sure you’re ready, don’t worry — you can warm up with:
A cenote dive → improves buoyancy and trim
A reef refresher → rebuilds confidence
A private guide → available anytime
Photography Tips for Bull Shark Diving
If you're bringing a GoPro or underwater camera:
Stay low to avoid sand
Keep your movements slow
Use natural light first
Switch to video when sharks come close
Keep elbows tight for stability
This dive produces some of the most dramatic footage you’ll ever shoot.
Logistics for Divers Staying in Tulum
Meeting in Tulum
The day begins at 7:00 AM at the Mexidivers Dive Center on Tulum Beach (or optional pickup if arranged).
Here you’ll complete check-in, prepare your equipment, and make sure everything is ready before heading to Playa del Carmen.
Check-In & Briefing
Check-in is done at our shop in Tulum in the morning.
Once we arrive at the dive site in Playa del Carmen, your guide will give you a full safety and dive briefing before entering the water.
This ensures you’re fully prepared and understand the dive plan, shark behavior guidelines, and safety procedures.
Transportation
We organize the entire transfer to Playa del Carmen (45–50 minutes).
No taxis, no guessing, no stress — everything is planned.
The Dive (2 dives total)
Your dive day includes two dives:
Bull Shark Dive (20–25 meters)
A deep, controlled observation dive where you watch large female bull sharks glide calmly through the water.Second Reef Dive (12 meters)
After the shark dive and surface interval, you’ll enjoy a shallower reef dive at around 12 meters, giving you a more relaxed and colorful Caribbean experience.
This combination makes the day exciting, complete, and perfectly balanced.
Return to Tulum
After the two dives are completed, we begin the return trip to Tulum.
Typical arrival back at our shop:
Between 1:45 PM and 2:30 PM, depending on ocean conditions and departure timing.
Equipment
All scuba equipment is included in the price, so you don’t need to bring anything unless you prefer to use your own gear.
Perfect 2-Day Plan
Many divers staying in Tulum like to combine:
Day 1: Cenotes — The Pit + Carwash
Day 2: Bull Shark Dive in Playa del Carmen
This is one of the best combinations in the Riviera Maya — a mix of deep light beams, cavern formations, Caribbean reef life, and the incredible bull shark encounter.
Bull Shark Dive Price
Prices vary slightly each season, but your bull shark dive day includes two dives:
1 tank bull shark dive (20–25 meters)
1 tank shallow reef dive (12 meters)
Scuba equipment included
Marine park fees Not included / Tobe covered by yourself directly at the dive spot in playa del carmen
Round-trip logistics from Tulum
Experienced guide and safety supervision
Contact us directly for the updated 2024–2025 price and availability.
Why Book Through Mexidivers?
Divers choose Mexidivers because we offer:
Personalized service from a family-run center
Complete logistics from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
A respectful, non-feeding, ethical approach to shark diving
Guidance from instructors with many years of local shark experience
Full preparation (cenotes, refreshers, buoyancy coaching)
Small groups, clear communication, and a safe dive structure
Over 20 years diving in the Riviera Maya
We make the entire bull shark experience safe, smooth, personal, and unforgettable.
Ready for Bull Shark Season?
Bull shark season is officially here — one of the most powerful and humbling underwater encounters in the world.
If you’re staying in Tulum this winter and want to experience this incredible migration:
📩 Book your bull shark dive with Mexidivers
👉 www.mexidivers.com
We can help you plan the perfect two-day combination of cenote, reef, and shark diving — all from the heart of Tulum.
Bull Shark Diving FAQ
Are there bull sharks in Tulum?
No — bull sharks are not found in Tulum. They appear in Playa del Carmen, about 45 minutes north. Many divers staying in Tulum book this dive because it is one of the most accessible shark experiences in the world.
Is bull shark diving safe?
Yes. When done with proper procedures, controlled positioning, and responsible guidelines, the dive is safe. Mexidivers ensures respectful, non-feeding interactions and clear safety protocols.
How many sharks will I see?
It varies, but during peak season divers usually see 5–15 large female bull sharks during a single dive.
Do I need to be an advanced diver?
Yes. The bull shark dive reaches 20–25 meters, so Advanced Open Water certification is required. We can help you warm up with cenote or reef dives beforehand.
How long is the bull shark dive trip from Tulum?
The full trip usually lasts from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, including logistics, two dives, and travel time between Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
Can beginners dive with bull sharks?
No, this dive is for certified Advanced divers only. Beginners can enjoy cenote dives, shallow reef dives, snorkeling, or take a PADI course with us.
Is equipment included?
Yes — full scuba gear is included in the price.
Can I bring a GoPro?
Yes. The bull shark dive is excellent for photography and video. Just maintain stable buoyancy to avoid stirring sand
Why book the bull shark dive through Mexidivers?
Because we offer complete logistics from Tulum, experienced guides, small groups, ethical diving practices, and over 20 years of experience in the Riviera Maya.