The Reef Marina
The Reef Marina
5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
PADI Dive Resort located in Playa Del Carmen in Mexico Mayan Riviera, on the beach of the hotel All Inclusive “The Reef Playacar Resort & SPA”.The Reef Marina is a recreational and professional PADI dive center and school. Diving and snorkeling tours are available in Playa Del Carmen,the cenotes and Cozumel.
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
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Travelers' Choice
2023
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(72 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,251 reviews
Excellent
1,187
Very good
53
Average
5
Poor
5
Terrible
1
Gilberto DeSalvo
1 contribution
Sep 2020
Stephan and his team went above and beyond to make sure we had a great diving and snorkeling experience, and their pricing is comparatively the best among all the dive shops we checked out.
He was always reachable over WhatsApp which made booking dives, and he made organizing our experience to dive sites that matched what we wanted to see easy, even before we got on the ground.
The diving was outstanding, and really gave us a grand tour overview of the dives in the area. Even so there are many more sites that we would love to explore in the future.
Dani was a wonderful instructor to dive with, and knew all the sites very well. We ended up booking a photographer, Esther, through the dive shop to come with us on dives, which we recommend doing.
They took good precautions for covid, and overall did a great job on safety. I definitely recommend using them!
He was always reachable over WhatsApp which made booking dives, and he made organizing our experience to dive sites that matched what we wanted to see easy, even before we got on the ground.
The diving was outstanding, and really gave us a grand tour overview of the dives in the area. Even so there are many more sites that we would love to explore in the future.
Dani was a wonderful instructor to dive with, and knew all the sites very well. We ended up booking a photographer, Esther, through the dive shop to come with us on dives, which we recommend doing.
They took good precautions for covid, and overall did a great job on safety. I definitely recommend using them!
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Gilberto!
Thank you for this 5 stars review. We are glad that you had such an amazing experience and we had a great sharing this time with you and Julia!
Hope to see you soon for a night dive and much more unique dives :)
Sunny regards,
Lety & the Reef Marina's team
Written September 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrea F
Warrenton, VA7 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Jose runs this scuba business like a pro... went on 4 dives, new and old places we have already seen , but new sea life on every dive. Roman was incredibly nice as a five master, would recommend him a 1000 times for new or experienced divers. We brought our own equipment and they took care of it like it was their own. Highly appreciate the professionalism of all the team members of this organization, especially Adolfo and Marianne, who went out of thruway you make sure we were going to enjoy out adventures
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Andrea!
Thank you for the nice review and all the team of the Reef Marina was very happy to welcome you at the dive shop and share this dives with you.
Hope to see you soon again !!!
The Reef Marina's team
Written February 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alexandra R
Rangeworthy, UK1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Couples
We have been staying at the RIU Palace Riviera Maya for two weeks and knew that we wanted to dive on this trip. We are both newly qualified Open Water divers, but shortly before the holiday my partner perforated his eardrum and therefore was unable to dive. Having done loads of research we chose to visit The Reef Marina rather than use the dive shop at our hotel (fortunately The Reef Marina is based at the hotel next door to where we are staying and can be accessed easily from the beach, or through the hotel where reception will give you a band to walk through their grounds).
Our first interaction was with Matias who was instantly brilliant! He explained everything to us and listened to our concerns and we didn’t feel pushed into a sale at all which was also reassuring and felt genuine. We decided to book a morning dive in playa del carmen for me and then a trip to Cozumel which included snorkelling for my partner, this was something they kindly added on due to him being unable to dive and we were super grateful that they were so accommodating. Whilst there we filled in all the paperwork and got fitted for kit, which was handy because it then meant it was all ready for the dives. Matias also kept good contact via WhatsApp to answer any queries and make arrangements which is really helpful to avoid having to keep attending the centre.
The playa del carmen dives were from the dive centre, picked up on a boat from the beach and I had Verne as my instructor/dive buddy. Two fantastic dives, kit was all good and checks were carried out as expected. Verne was great and instantly eased my nerves, and we had so much fun!
Cozumel was a longer day with a pick up outside the hotel. For this one we had Lionel all day as our guide, sorting the ferry and taxis and ensuring we had everything we needed. The dives were everything I could have hoped for and more, again Lionel was a brilliant instructor/dive buddy and he really built my confidence. My partner was able to snorkel with a guide from the boat and we both had an amazing day!
We felt the prices for everything were very good and it was awesome to have a 1:1 experience diving with a qualified instructor each time, especially given my initial nerves being a relatively new diver.
Would highly recommend choosing The Reef Marina for diving around the Riviera Maya area as they have been fantastic throughout and it’s clear why they are a 5 star PADI dive centre.
Our first interaction was with Matias who was instantly brilliant! He explained everything to us and listened to our concerns and we didn’t feel pushed into a sale at all which was also reassuring and felt genuine. We decided to book a morning dive in playa del carmen for me and then a trip to Cozumel which included snorkelling for my partner, this was something they kindly added on due to him being unable to dive and we were super grateful that they were so accommodating. Whilst there we filled in all the paperwork and got fitted for kit, which was handy because it then meant it was all ready for the dives. Matias also kept good contact via WhatsApp to answer any queries and make arrangements which is really helpful to avoid having to keep attending the centre.
The playa del carmen dives were from the dive centre, picked up on a boat from the beach and I had Verne as my instructor/dive buddy. Two fantastic dives, kit was all good and checks were carried out as expected. Verne was great and instantly eased my nerves, and we had so much fun!
Cozumel was a longer day with a pick up outside the hotel. For this one we had Lionel all day as our guide, sorting the ferry and taxis and ensuring we had everything we needed. The dives were everything I could have hoped for and more, again Lionel was a brilliant instructor/dive buddy and he really built my confidence. My partner was able to snorkel with a guide from the boat and we both had an amazing day!
We felt the prices for everything were very good and it was awesome to have a 1:1 experience diving with a qualified instructor each time, especially given my initial nerves being a relatively new diver.
Would highly recommend choosing The Reef Marina for diving around the Riviera Maya area as they have been fantastic throughout and it’s clear why they are a 5 star PADI dive centre.
Written September 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wolfey K
2 contributions
Apr 2022
I stayed at the Reef Coco Beach Hotel, the Reef Marina was on the property and easy to get to, although the hotel itself wasn't as fancy as others, It was a great affordable place to stay while on my scuba diving adventure. I booked 10 dives with my friend, and the Instructors, Master divers, and staff of the Reef Marina were absolutely incredible to deal with and dive with. I had a different guide almost and each one was professional, knowledgeable, and new what they were doing. We were treated like gold here and Im a new diver, only had 4 dives under my belt before arriving, and all the guides provided tips, tricks, and had a lot of patience. I felt taken care of. Every dive, all 10, was truly epic, no dive was the same, and there main goal was to show us the best of the underwater world. Lots of laughs shared and we met so many cool like minded humans on this trip. Thank you Reef Marina! I will be back!
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much Kelleen!!!
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and especially your dives. It was a pleasure to share with you, we hope you can come back!
Written April 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julia
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
Feb 2022
We had a fantastic experience with The Reef Marina dive shop! We are open water divers and booked the package for a refresher + 6 dives. 2 in Playa del Carmen, 2 in the Cenotes, and 2 in Cozumel. Good location, right on the Reef Resort and very close to the beach. You can still dive with them even if you are not a guest at the hotel. We were staying at a nearby condo and they were extremely welcoming and accommodating. You check in with the front desk of the Reef Resort and you are given access to so you can go to the diveshop. You can also access the diveshop by walking in from the beach. Everything was great from start to finish, and all the staff were extremely kind, friendly and helpful, including the dive instructors, the boat crews and everyone helping at the shop. Special shout-out to our dive master Perrine! Thank you for a great experience and 4 wonderful dives. She went out of her way to point out amazing things for us to see, like Moray Eels, Drum Fish, Barracuda, Turtles, Lobsters and more! Another shoutout to our dive master BIRRO! We had a great time at the cenotes with him and he made us feel calm and relaxed in all situations. Finally shout out to Tamara who works in the shop! She is always so friendly and accommodating, and always welcomes you with a great smile! Highly recommend the Reef Marina dive shop!
Written March 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your nice comment!
It was a pleasure to have you at the center, you two gave us a very friendly energy.
We hope you come back soon!!
Written March 5, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael S
1 contribution
Nov 2020 • Couples
My 15 year old son and I have been diving with the Reef Marina for 5 years and I have done most of our PADI training with them as well. From top to bottom, this is a first class organization.
Our instructors have been top professionals whose patience and professionalism have always made us feel well prepared and completely safe.
The office staff continues to impress. Booking internationally can be a challenge, but the staff at the Reef Marina make it seamless.
Whether diving Playa del Carmen's beautiful reefs, or exploring the area's amazing cenotes, we've always been well taken care of.
If you are a seasoned diver you will be impressed by their professionalism. If you're new to diving, from the first time you breathe underwater in the pool to your first open ocean dive, you will feel confident that your safety is their top priority and having fun is the result!
I couldn't have picked a better dive shop to usher us into the amazing world of scuba diving.
Our instructors have been top professionals whose patience and professionalism have always made us feel well prepared and completely safe.
The office staff continues to impress. Booking internationally can be a challenge, but the staff at the Reef Marina make it seamless.
Whether diving Playa del Carmen's beautiful reefs, or exploring the area's amazing cenotes, we've always been well taken care of.
If you are a seasoned diver you will be impressed by their professionalism. If you're new to diving, from the first time you breathe underwater in the pool to your first open ocean dive, you will feel confident that your safety is their top priority and having fun is the result!
I couldn't have picked a better dive shop to usher us into the amazing world of scuba diving.
Written November 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola Mike!
Thank you for your review and recommendation and congratulations for your rescue diver course!!!
We looking forward to see you again with your friends and family for new dives :)
Hasta luego !!
lety and the Reef Marina's team
Written November 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
paniz a
5 contributions
Nov 2020 • Friends
I heard Stephan the owner in the street talking to client. I asked about open water certification for my dad and cenote and Cozumel dive for myself. His price was great and he was very accommodating and I absolutely recommend them. I had a minor leak with the regulator and suggest if possible they check/service them more frequently. But that didn’t prevent me and my dad from enjoying some amazing scenes in Cozumel. When I come back again I will def do dives with them. 🙏
Written November 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred B
Scranton, PA5 contributions
Oct 2020
WOW, the Team at Reef Marina, is outstanding. We visited the last week of October. Not only did they make every aspect of our diving perfect; they bent over backwards to accommodate us in off property adventures too. On Monday of our stay Hurricane Zeta paid us a visit. The Reef Marina Team, checked on us (so did the staff Reef Playacar), made sure we were safe, and then laid out a pan to keep us diving. They took us inland to the Cenotes for three dives, then followed up later in the week with extra dives to fill out of dive card.
The Boat staff is great, the boats are clean and well cared for; the gear storage area is bright, and inviting. Most of all Lety the onsite manager, simply is a joy. She even went as far as re-confirming our transportation back to the airport at the end of our stay.
WE Will return I February with a large group.
The Boat staff is great, the boats are clean and well cared for; the gear storage area is bright, and inviting. Most of all Lety the onsite manager, simply is a joy. She even went as far as re-confirming our transportation back to the airport at the end of our stay.
WE Will return I February with a large group.
Written November 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Fred! Thank you for your outstanding review :)
We are happy you had great time with Joanne diving with us and we still have a lot of unique sites to dive with you and your group in February. It will be sincerely a pleasure to welcome you back!!
Meantine sunny regards from Playa!!!
The whole crew says hello
Hasta soon
Lety
Written November 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nane M
2 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
We had an amazing experience with The Reef Marina! They were incredibly helpful, gave a lot of information and suggestions for the activities they offer. I decided to go scuba diving with them, and since it was my first time, I was really nervous. Román, however, was an excellent guide and made the experience extremely enjoyable.
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Nane! Thank you for your review :) It was a pleasure to share this moments with you and Bryan and congratulations again for your first dives!!!!!
Hope to see you again in our little paradise!!!
Sunny regards,
Lety & the Reef Marina's Team
Written August 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kristin H
Orlando, FL5 contributions
Jun 2022
The Reef Marina dive shop operation is the best on the Yucatán peninsula. We researched and decided to go talk to them and ended up using them for 1) Our daughter’s open water certification, 2) a Whale Shark snorkel tour, and 3) Dives for mom and dad. As if that wasn’t enough, in between these excursions they also gave free tips and lessons to our youngest who is too small to get certified yet. On all levels they completely surpassed any expectations we had. They excel at what is important, safety and having a good experience. The entire staff is warm, friendly and fun…you will feel like you are part of their dive family. Thank you so much to Matthias, Tamara, Gabriel (Gabi), Peter, Thomas and the rest of the crew. We genuinely want to return when we can just so we can go on more great dives with these wonderful and professional ambassadors for the diving community.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristin, Katherine, Kailey and Keef what a nice comment, thank you so much!!!!
We loved your visit, it makes us very happy to see a whole family enjoying the adventures of the sea.
A special congratulations to Katherine for her course!
We will be ready when Kailey wants to get certified too ;)
We hope see you soon!!!
Written June 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
marpass76
Santiago, Chile132 contributions
Hay buceo con escafandra ? Estamos en Playa del Carmen
Tjspain
40 contributions
What is the cost for the whale shark day? I cant fi d it on their website.
Thereefmarina_team
9 contributions
The cost is 185 usd
Najar13
Merida, Mexico3 contributions
Buenas tardes, quisiera bucear el próximo domingo 15.
Estoy certificado en Open Water por SNSI.
¿Podrías enviarme opciones y precios?
Gracias.
Guillermo Najar
Nano_nano_1
Paris, France136 contributions
Bonjour,
Je serai au Mexique fin septembre / début octobre et souhaiterais faire une semaine de plongée intensive. Ces mois là sont-ils vraiment risqués côté météo (on lit un peu tout et son contraire...)? Dans le cas d’un forfait, y a-t-il une certaine flexibilité horaire sur les plongées pour attendre le beau temps?
Merci par avance, et au plaisir!
Anna
Thereefmarina_team
9 contributions
Bonjour Anna,
En septembre / octobre, il se peut qu il pleuve. En effet la saison de pluie commence en juin pour terminer en novembre. .....mais il y a aussi beaucoup de soleil.
En tout cas, au niveau plongée, tu peux choisir et modifier ton programme comme tu le souhaite. Le mieux étant de se planifier les plongée une semaine avant ton arrivée.
En générale, les prévisions sont correctes.
Je reste à ta disposition
A bientôt
Stéphan
dannat007
Rawdon, Canada5 contributions
Bonjour à vous, je vais au xcaret hôtel du 22/02/2018 au 1/03/2018 et aimerait bien retourner Plonger avec votre merveilleuse équipe au moins une journée, savez-vous si le collectivo peut me transporter entre les deux hôtel et si oui devez combien il charge?
De plus à quel heure le bateau part le matin et l’après midi?
combien de temps à l’avance il faut réserver?
Mon fils a 14 ans et j’aimerais bien lui faire expérimenter un discover, à combien de profond vous allez pour vos discover?
Merci et au plaisir de revoir votre équipe
Thereefmarina_team
9 contributions
Bonjour Dan!
Oui vous pouvez prendre le colectivo (il faudra sortir sur la carretera), je pense que ce ne sera pas plus de 50 pesos.
Cependant nous pouvons vous organiser un transport qui viendrait vous chercher. Qu'en pensez-vous?
Le matin nous donnons RDV à 8h pour les plongées du matin. Si c'est pour un DSD (Discover Scuba Diving) le RDV est à 8h30AM au shop. Il verra une video le matin pendant 30 min, ensuite direction la piscine pour faire quelques exercices avec l'instructeur. Puis pause dejeuner et farniente sur la plage. A 1h15PM RDV au shop pour aller faire les 2 plongées en mer à une profondeur de 10m.
Plus tot vous reservez, mieux c'est ;) Mais 48h à l'avance suffit aussi.
Vous voudrirez plonger quand avec nous?
Tres bonne journee
nathgriggio
Malleray, Switzerland8 contributions
Bonjour Brahim, j'espère que tu vas bien et que tu as bien repris le rythme ! si tu penses à l'occasion de m'envoyer les photos et le film que tu avais fait de mon fils Luca, 10 ans ça serait sympa. Merci déjà ! bien cordialement
Nathalie
Thereefmarina_team
9 contributions
Nathalie,
Je viens de faire passer le message!
Tiens nous au courant.
Hegsfred
Dorset, UK57 contributions
Hi.
My husband & I have recently qualified as PADI open water scuba divers whilst we were on vacation in Turks & Caicos in April 2017, & we are coming to Playa del Carmen for a week from 11th -18th June & we would love to get a couple of dives in Cozumel as we've been told by several other divers that it's amazing.
Could you just answer a couple of questions for me please?
1) What is the ratio of instructors to divers ?
2) What is the price of hiring the diving gear?
Many thanks in advance for your help.
Regards
Kerry
Thereefmarina_team
9 contributions
Hi Kerry,
Thank you for your email. Indeed, Cozumel is a great diving site! Every diver should experience it. Check our website @thereefmarina, we have great diving packages, the Mexico package for instance, you get 2 dives in Playa + 2 in Cozumel + 2 dives in Cenotes ;)
To answer your questions:
1/ the ratio is one instructeur for 4 or 5 divers here in Playa or Cozumel. Regarding the Cenotes, it's one instructor for maximum 4 divers.
2/ the diving gear is 15usd/ day (with fins, mask, BCD, regulator & wetsuit). Maximum is 50usd/ stay.
Glad I could help.
Best regards,
Léa
Poisson S
3 contributions
Bonjour, j'ai vu que vous avez publié en mai,
A quelle date avez vous pu voir le requin baleine?
Merci pour votre publication
Thereefmarina_team
9 contributions
Bonjour,
Les requins baleines sont présent dans la région de fin mai à mi septembre. Si vous venez pendant cette période il sera possible de nager avec eux.
A bientôt
Stéphan
Cyrille S
3 contributions
Bonjour,
Je m'appel Alexandre 18ans et serai à playa del Carmen fin juillet début août à l'hôtel Riu tequila.
J'ai le niveau 1 FFESSM + 9 plongée 20m exploration + nitrox (niveau 2 fi août (UCPA)
Puis-je me joindre à vous pour des plongées et à quelles conditions?
Êtes vous situé loin de mon hôtel?
Merci par avance pour vos réponses pour me permettre de préparer mon séjour avec vous, je l'espère.
Merci
The Reef Marina - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
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