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Certified divers
Playa del CarmenSeason November – MarchAdvance booking · opens November
Bull shark feeding dive in Playa del Carmen
5.0★ · 242 Google reviewsThis is the most intense encounter in the catalogue. At around 25 metres, a specialist feeder in a chain-mail suit conducts a feed under strict protocol while the group holds a line formation, holding a rope on the sandy bottom, at a safe distance. The sharks approach directly and under control: you see the muscle, the skin, the eye. It is not for everyone, and it should not be.
What makes this dive different
- Close encounter with adult bull sharks
- Specialist feeder and a protocol with published limits
- Closed group formation at a controlled distance
- Dive at around 25 metres, in a line formation on the sand
- Modality officially recognised since July 2026
How the day works, step by step
- Meeting point. Playa del Carmen Marina.
- Safety briefing. The critical part: individual position and line formation, use of the bottom rope, buoyancy management, the feeder's signals, safety procedures and behaviour during the encounter.
- Descent. Controlled descent along the line to the feeding area.
- The dive. Divers form a line, all in a chest-down position, holding a dedicated rope laid on the sandy bottom. The position and formation are explained beforehand during the briefing. The feeder works ahead while you observe behaviour at close range.
- Ascent. Orderly ascent with safety stop and return to the boat.
- Wrap-up. Back to the marina. Total duration around 2 hours.
What you will see
- Adult bull sharks at close range
- Remoras and accompanying fish
- Jacks and barracuda drawn by the activity
What's included
- Guided dive
- Specialist feeder and staff
- Site fees
- Safety protocols
- Full dive equipment
What's not included
- Hotel transfer (quote available)
- Photos and video (service available)
- Gratuities
- Meals
Requirements
Advanced Open Water certification required. If you only hold Open Water: a minimum of 25 logged dives and a last dive within the previous 6 months, plus adequate experience and buoyancy control. Seasonal activity: November to March.
What to bring
- Swimsuit and towel
- Advanced Open Water card and logbook
- Dive computer
- Camera without direct flash
Gallery
Verified reviews
What our divers say
Real reviews published on our Google Business Profile.
★★★★★
“Excellent experience! Rene is a brilliant guide — you can tell he loves what he does and passes on his passion for the sea and marine life at every moment. His instructions and dive plan before every dive make you feel safe and let you enjoy the flora and fauna even more. Highly recommended, I already want to plan new dive trips!”
Judith Schramm FloresLocal Guide · 19 reviews
★★★★★
“I had an excellent experience with Scuba & Adventours Mexico starting my PADI Open Water Diver certification. Everything was explained very clearly and all my questions were answered along the way. Instructor René has a real talent for explaining things simply and clearly.”
Alejandro CorresPADI Open Water course
★★★★★
“My first time in the diving world! I'm so grateful because my experience with Scuba was incredible — the support and professionalism of René, Delfina and captain Larry make you feel safe at every step. I'll definitely be back with them to certify.”
VictoriaLocal Guide · 28 reviews
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Why is an Advanced Open Water certification required?
Because on this dive what matters most is mastery of your equipment, buoyancy, air consumption and your ability to react to an emergency or a problem. The dive runs at around 25 metres, in a line formation holding a rope: you cannot leave your position. A diver without that mastery puts the group at risk. If you only hold Open Water, we ask for a minimum of 25 logged dives and a dive within the last 6 months.
Is this a responsible practice?
It is run under professional protocol, with limited quantities and specialist supervision, prioritising the animal's welfare. If you would rather have a bait-free experience, the natural observation dive is the alternative.
Can I do the observation dive first?
That is exactly what we recommend: do the observation dive, see how you feel around the animals, and if you want to go further, book the feeding dive the next day.
Is controlled shark feeding legal in Mexico?
Yes. In July 2026 the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property granted the Geographical Indication «Tiburón Toro de Playa del Carmen», published in the Federal Official Gazette on 29 July. That file formally recognises both modalities of the activity, including attraction, in which specialist staff use small amounts of bait as a scent cue. It is Mexico's first geographical indication for a wildlife-watching and diving activity.
What limits does the protocol set?
The activity takes place inside the Bull Shark Public Use Subzone of the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve and follows a Code of Good Practice drafted between local dive centres, NGOs and government agencies. The limits: working depth of 23 to 27 metres, maximum bottom time of 20 minutes, a maximum of 2.5 kg of bait per dive in pieces of 30 cm or larger, the guide between 2 and 5 metres from the visitors, a maximum of 6 visitors per assistant guide, and no night diving.
Is feeding sharks ethical?
It is the fair objection to this activity and it deserves a direct answer. The main criticism is habituation of the animals. The argument in favour is economic and verifiable: the bull shark diving industry directly supports hundreds of families in Playa del Carmen, with income above what fishing produces in the same waters, and that is why these animals are still alive and still coming back every winter. If you would rather not take part, our natural observation trip uses no bait and is our main product.
Which should I choose, observation or controlled feeding?
If this is your first time with large sharks, the observation dive. You find out how you feel around the animals without the demands of a fixed formation, it is two dives instead of one, and it costs less. The controlled feed is for divers who already know they are comfortable and want close passes and photography. Plenty of divers do the observation one day and the feed the next.
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