Playa del Carmen: MamaViña Wreck & Reef for Certified Divers

If you’re a certified diver eager to experience a sunken vessel and vibrant marine life in Playa del Carmen, the MamaViña Wreck & Reef tour offers a compelling option. Priced at $174 per person and lasting approximately 3.5 hours, this tour takes you to two dive sites: the iconic MamaViña wreck and an adjacent reef teeming with marine creatures. The tour is designed for experienced divers comfortable with deep and multilevel dives and strong currents, making it ideal for those seeking a slightly challenging but rewarding underwater adventure.

This tour stands out with its focus on wreck exploration combined with reef snorkeling, offering a well-rounded dive experience. It includes two dives, tank and weights, a certified guide, and safety provisions like conservation fees and dock fees. While the tour does not include equipment rentals or transportation, the small group size—limited to eight participants—ensures personalized attention from the guide. It’s perfect for divers looking to explore the intact MamaViña wreck and enjoy the marine biodiversity of Playa del Carmen’s waters.

Key Points

• Price: $174 per person for 2 dives and all standard gear and guide services
• Duration: 3.5 hours usually scheduled in the morning
• Experience Level: Open Water Diver certification required, suitable for advanced recreational divers
• Locations: MamaViña wreck at about 100ft (30m) depth and a vibrant reef
• Highlights: Wreck exploration, coral gardens, marine life including moray eels, rays, and sharks
• Facilities: Tanks, weights, and drinking water on board included; equipment rental costs extra

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Group Size

The tour begins in Playa del Carmen, with small groups limited to 8 participants. The small group setting promotes more personalized guidance and ensures plenty of space for comfortable diving. While transportation isn’t included, arrangements are available separately. This setup appeals to divers who prefer intimate group experiences and attentive instruction.

How the MamaViña Wreck Became a Dive Site

The MamaViña wreck is an intentionally sunk shrimping boat from 1996, situated just south of Xcaret. It rests at approximately 100ft (30m) depth, facing the main south-north current, which enhances the feeling of a dynamic underwater environment. The wreck is largely preserved in its original form, offering an almost intact structure for exploration. The site is known for its coral growth and is home to a variety of marine species.

What to Expect During the Two Dives

The first dive centers on the MamaViña wreck itself, where divers can observe coral-covered surfaces and the marine life that inhabits the structure. Expect to see moray eels, rays, and potentially sharks swimming nearby. The second dive takes you to a reef known for vibrant coral formations and abundant fish. Both dives are suitable for multilevel and deep diving, but caution is advised due to the depth and currents.

Diving Conditions and Safety Precautions

The MamaViña wreck is located in an area with strong currents, which adds a level of excitement but requires divers to be comfortable with overhead environments. The site is not challenging for experienced divers but is not suited for recreational divers without overhead environment training. The tour ensures safety with a certified guide leading the group, and drinking water is available on board to keep everyone hydrated.

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Included Services and Additional Costs

The tour price covers two dives, tanks, weights, a certified guide, and conservation and dock fees. It also includes drinking water to help you stay refreshed. However, diving equipment (regulator, BCD, mask, fins, wetsuit) is not included but can be rented for 400 MXN or 100 MXN per piece. Transportation to the dive site, photo and video services, and Nitrox tanks are available for an extra fee.

Booking Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

This tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility if plans change. You can also reserve now and pay later, securing your spot without immediate payment. The morning schedule suits those who prefer to start their diving adventures early and make the most of the day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for divers with Open Water Certification who want to explore a historic wreck and vibrant reef in Playa del Carmen. It’s ideal for those comfortable with deep dives and currents, looking for a small-group setting with personalized guidance. Divers without overhead environment training should exercise caution or consider options with shallower sites.

Limitations and Considerations

While the MamaViña wreck offers an almost intact and visually impressive structure, the depth (around 100ft) and currents mean it’s not suitable for beginners or those without advanced training. The lack of included transport may require planning separately, and equipment rental costs add to the overall expense if needed. The small group size and safety standards make this tour a reliable choice for experienced divers.

Playa del Carmen: MamaViña Wreck & Reef for Certified Divers — Final Thoughts

This tour delivers an exciting wreck exploration combined with coral reef snorkeling, perfect for certified divers seeking deep and multilevel dives. The MamaViña wreck provides a preserved underwater relic with abundant marine species, making each dive both visually stunning and adventurous.

While the depth and currents require advanced certification and experience, the personalized guide service and well-maintained site make this a trustworthy choice. Pricing is competitive, and the flexible booking options suit those with unpredictable schedules.

This tour offers an authentic dive into Playa del Carmen’s marine environment, with the added allure of an artificial wreck that’s both accessible and intriguing to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior experience required for this tour?
Yes, Open Water Diver certification is required to participate, as the dives involve depths of about 100ft and currents.

Are equipment rentals included?
No, equipment is not included in the price but can be rented on-site for 400 MXN for the full set or 100 MXN per piece.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility.

What makes the MamaViña wreck special?
The wreck is almost intact, dating from 1996, and hosts a variety of marine life including moray eels, rays, and sharks, offering a visual feast and an adventurous dive.

Is transportation to the site included?
No, transportation is not included but is available separately if needed.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby