Mexico

Dive Site: Jardines

7–13 mBeginner Reef
© EsriSource: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar, GIS Community · Labels © Esri, HERE, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS

Which liveaboards dive Jardines?

About Jardines

Jardines is a renowned shallow reef dive located off the coast of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, nestled within the vast Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system. This vibrant underwater landscape is celebrated for its excellent conditions, making it an ideal entry point for new divers and a relaxing exploration for more experienced enthusiasts. The site features a gently sloping reef structure, primarily spanning depths of 7 to 13 meters. Divers navigate through coral ridges, sandy channels, and around numerous coral heads, encountering small caves and natural shelters that house various marine species. The topography lends itself to easy navigation and extended bottom times, allowing for thorough exploration of its intricate formations. Marine life at Jardines is diverse and abundant. You can anticipate sightings of colorful reef fish, spotted eagle rays, nurse sharks, and sea turtles. The reef is also home to stingrays, moray eels, and lobsters, all supported by healthy corals and sponges. While marine life is always present, specific encounters can vary, providing a unique experience with each visit. Typically dived as a shallow reef, Jardines is suitable for Open Water divers and often used for training dives or refreshers. Dives are usually part of a two-tank trip, with the exact site selection influenced by daily conditions, current, visibility, and diver certification. Its generally mild currents and clear waters contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable dive experience.

Highlights

Shallow coral reef formationsSpotted eagle raysNurse sharksSea turtlesVibrant reef fish schoolsSmall caves and sheltersHealthy corals and sponges

Season calendar

Best months to dive here
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good

Nov – Apr (Peak)

Socorro season open (Nov–May) for giant mantas and hammerheads. Cozumel bull sharks Dec–Mar. Cenotes excellent year-round. Best overall conditions.

May – Oct (Transition & Sea of Cortez)

Socorro closing, Cozumel still good. Whale sharks arrive at Isla Mujeres Jun–Sep. From August, the Sea of Cortez comes alive: Midriff Islands offer massive sea lion colonies and schooling mobulas. September and October bring world-class diving around La Paz and Cabo Pulmo with whale sharks, hammerheads, and bull sharks on the Explore Baja route.

Dive site facts: Jardines

Depth
7–13 m
Current
Mild
Entry
Liveaboard or dayboat
Level
Beginner
Dive type
Reef, Reef
Region / port
Mexico
Coordinates
20.8273° N, 86.8720° W

Conditions & Currents

Jardines is characterized by typically mild currents, making it an excellent site for beginners and relaxed diving. However, like many reef sites, currents can occasionally strengthen depending on daily conditions. Divers can expect good visibility, averaging around 21 meters, which enhances the enjoyment of the reef's rich marine life. The site is commonly dived using standard entry and exit techniques from a boat, without the need for specialized methods like negative entries or reef hooks due to its generally calm nature. Its accommodating conditions mean it's suitable for Open Water certified divers and is often chosen for training dives or refreshers, allowing for comfortable, extended bottom times.

Why dive Jardines from a liveaboard?

Jardines is one of Mexico's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.

Below are the liveaboards that include Jardines on their Mexico itineraries.

Liveaboards diving Jardines

These liveaboards may visit Jardines on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nautilus Explorer liveaboard at Jardines

Nautilus Explorer

Mexico

25 guests45 m
Valentina liveaboard at Jardines

Valentina

Mexico

20 guests38 m
Rocio del Mar liveaboard at Jardines

Rocio del Mar

Mexico

20 guests34 m
Nautilus Under Sea liveaboard at Jardines

Nautilus Under Sea

Mexico

19 guests32 m
Nautilus Belle Amie liveaboard at Jardines

Nautilus Belle Amie

Mexico

32 guests45 m
Quino del Mar liveaboard at Jardines

Quino del Mar

Mexico

20 guests36 m
Nautilus Gallant Lady liveaboard at Jardines

Nautilus Gallant Lady

Mexico

12 guests35 m

Dive sites similar to Jardines

Same character, same waters, six more sites divers love for the exact same reasons.Compare seasons, access and liveaboard routes, then pick the site that fits your trip best.
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

3 Fathom Wall

Cayman Islands

3 Fathom Wall is an exciting and fish-filled dive site located in the Cayman Islands, specifically at the intersection of the renowned Bloody Bay Wall.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Mild
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
≤ 3000 m
Theme
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© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

3 Riff

Dominican Republic

While specific details for a dive site named "3 Riff" are not present in the provided sources, general diving conditions and characteristics for the Dominican Republic…

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Mild
Access
Dayboat
Depth
30–55 m
Theme
Reef
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

3 Rocks

Dominican Republic

The dive site known as 3 Rocks is located off the coast of Sosúa in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, offering an accessible and lively underwater experience.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Mild
Access
Dayboat
Depth
2–8 m
Theme
Reef
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

4 Amigos

Honduras

4 Amigos is a notable dive site located in the Bay Islands of Honduras, an area renowned for its extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the world's second-longest.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
9–40 m
Theme
Reef
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

The dive site known as "6 Toed Cat" is not a recognized dive location in Mexico; rather, it refers to the polydactyl felines, many with six toes, that inhabit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Mild
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
—
Theme
Reef
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

Aaron's Backyard is a noted dive site within the Roatan Marine Park in Honduras, part of the extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
9–40 m
Theme
Reef

7 liveaboards run the Jardines route.

Three to four guided dives a day on Jardines and the other signature sites in Mexico, sleeping right above the reef.