Every winter, something extraordinary happens just off the coast of Playa del Carmen. From November through February, pregnant female bull sharks migrate to the warm, calm waters of the Riviera Maya. This allows divers and advanced snorkelers to safely observe one of the ocean’s most powerful predators in its natural environment — a rare and thrilling experience.
If you’re visiting Playa during shark season, here’s everything you need to know to swim with the bull sharks safely and responsibly.
🦈 Is It Safe to Swim or Dive with Bull Sharks?
Yes — when done with professional, licensed dive operators who follow strict safety protocols.
Bull sharks in Playa del Carmen are accustomed to divers and typically calm. You never dive alone, and guides maintain strict positioning rules to keep both you and the sharks safe.
This is not a DIY swim and not something you attempt from shore. You must go with a certified operator.
📅 Bull Shark Season in Playa del Carmen
Bull sharks arrive in:
✔ Late November
and remain until
✔ February or early March
Peak season is December–January.
The sharks are adult females, many of them pregnant, attracted to Playa’s warm sand channels.
🐬 Who Can Participate?
There are two types of bull shark experiences:
1. Bull Shark Scuba Dive (Most Popular)
- Requires Advanced Open Water or proof of recent diving experience
- Depth: 22–28 meters (70–90 ft)
- Time underwater: ~35–45 minutes
- You remain kneeling on the sandy bottom while sharks glide past
2. Bull Shark Snorkel / Surface Swim
Less common and available only with select operators — but a good option for non-divers.
You stay at the surface while watching sharks below.
🛥️ What the Experience Is Like
1. Safety Briefing
Your guide explains:
- Dive plan
- Hand signals
- Where to position yourself on the bottom
- What to do if a shark approaches closely
- No reaching out, no sudden movements
2. Boat Ride to the Shark Zone
The dive site is very close — usually only 5–10 minutes from Playa’s shore.
3. Descent
You descend with your instructor to a sandy area where sharks naturally pass.
4. The Shark Encounter
This is the unforgettable part.
The sharks — usually 5 to 20 of them — cruise gracefully in slow loops around the divers. They are huge, muscular, and curious, yet calm.
5. Return to Shore
Most operators include a second tank after the shark dive, usually on a reef like Tortugas or Barracuda.
🧭 Recommended Bull Shark Dive Operators (Playa del Carmen)
These operators are well-reviewed and specialize in shark-season safety protocols.
Phantom Divers
One of the original bull shark dive operators in Playa.
Website: https://phantomdivers.com
Scuba 10
Popular shop known for small groups and personalized service.
Website: https://scuba10.com
Blue Life Diving
Highly rated operator offering bull shark dives and advanced training.
Website: https://bluelife.com
The Reef Marina (inside The Reef hotels)
Good choice if you’re staying in Playacar.
Website: https://thereefmarina.com
About the Author
Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.
From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.
Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.
North American Standards (NAS Playa)
Property Management • Rentals • Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
🌐 www.nasplaya.com 🔑 Rentals: rentals@nasplaya.com
📊 Ventas: buy@nasplaya.com 🏘 Property Management: bookings@nasplaya.com
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