Cueva Del Pargo

Cueva Del Pargo is a reef off Playa del Carmen, a short run out from Coco Beach. It is split into two sections with a sandy, seagrass-lined area between them, and the site is easy to find along a sandy stretch bordering the edge of the reef.

The shallower section runs from about 6 to 9 metres and holds corals and sponges, with rocks and crevices to search. The second section lies parallel to it in 9 to 13 metres and has more structure rising from the sand, covered in corals. Between the two parts sits a large bronze statue in the form of a giant shell.

Green moray eels are found under the overhangs, and stingrays, turtles and squid are often seen here. Christmas tree worms, flamingo tongue snails and arrow crabs turn up among the corals, and lionfish are present. Training dives here typically last up to 60 minutes.