Afuera

Best time to dive

May to September; July to August

What you might see

• Whale sharkLikely

Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.

Certification & difficulty

Open Water

Snorkelling

Snorkel-friendly - Yes - snorkeling only; scuba diving is not permitted at this site

Safety notes

Boat propeller strikes are the primary safety risk; unlicensed "pirate" operators that ignore conservation rules pose additional risk

Permits & fees

Licensed tour permit required; regulations include a guide requirement, mandatory life vest or wetsuit (wetsuit use requires skin-diver certification), maximum 2 snorkelers in the water at a time, a 2m minimum distance from sharks, and bans on touching, sunscreen, and flash photography

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Location

Nearest hub: Isla Mujeres