Cave Diving in Mexico: Choosing between Tulum and Playa del Carmen
Both ProTec facilities are carefully designed to meet the needs of cave divers visiting Mexico’s cenotes. We take special care to ensure that your stay in Mexico is comfortable and diving and gear care is as easy as possible. For more information about the diving-related amenities at each facility, please see ProTec Playa Del Carmen or ProTec Tulum.
When trying to decide between our two facilities, you need to consider what you are looking for in a vacation outside of diving. Tulum and Playa Del Carmen are very different. Here we example the differences between these two locations to help you decided which location best suits you.
Playa del Carmen
Originally a little fishing village, Playa (as locals call it) has grown incredibly over the last 15 years. The heart of Playa is “La Quinta,” or 5th Avenue, which is a pedestrian plaza that stretches almost the length of town. There is incredible shopping on La Quinta, including crafts, tequila, clothing, art, jewellery, even luxury brands.
The beach and 5th Ave are walkable from our location (and Mom’s Hotel). The are several up scale beach clubs that offer food and drink service whilst you relax in your sun lounger, underneath an umbrella, enjoying the incredible view. Most beach clubs also have pools and lifeguards should you and your family prefer to stay out of the ocean.
Keep in mind that Playa is a world-famous vacation destination, so there will be more hustle and bustle, but also more shops, restaurants and nightlife to choose from. In fact, just grabbing a spot for a coffee or drink on La Quinta and people watching is an experience in itself.
If you want a more up-scale experience, Playa has many chic restaurants, bars, and beach clubs that fit the bill.
Please browse through our Playa Del Carmen cultural gallery below:
Tulum
Tulum is located about 45 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. While Tulum is world-famous for its pristine, white sand beaches, please note that our Base Camp accommodation is located in town, not on the beach.
Tulum has a quieter feel than Playa, with fewer restaurants, shops and bars. It has a more local, Mexican feel. When people think of Tulum as a vacation destination, they are generally thinking of the hotels that are located along the beach, and may not be aware that the actual town of Tulum is located slightly inland.
If you are interested in Mayan Ruins, you are a quick taxi ride from the Tulum ruins and not too far from the ruins at Coba. A quick taxi ride will also take you to the beach where you can find plenty of beach clubs, restaurants and hotels to choose from. Our staff is happy to recommend a location based on what you are looking for.
The beaches in Tulum have an organic, beach-town vibe. Expect to see lots of healthy food, yoga, live music and more. If you’re looking for a siesta under a palm tree with the waves crashing nearby, this is where you want to be.
Please browse through out Tulum Cultural Gallery below:
