Scuba Cancún

Scuba Cancún describes itself as the oldest continuously running dive centre in Cancún and the Riviera Maya, and it remains a family business. It was founded by Captain Luis Hurtado, who the company says was the first scuba instructor to teach diving in Cancún and who has marked 65 years in commercial, military and sport diving. The shop sits at kilometre 5 of Boulevard Kukulcán, on the calm northern arm of the Hotel Zone close to Playa Langosta, and it is a PADI 5 Star Dive Center.

For certified divers, the centre runs one- and two-tank dives with PADI instructors, not only around Cancún but also off Cozumel and Playa del Carmen, and it sells dive packages for those planning several days underwater. The reefs and sculpture galleries off Cancún are part of the national marine park, and the shallow Punta Nizuc and deeper Manchones galleries of the MUSA underwater museum lie within reach of local dive boats.

Beginners are well served too. Scuba Cancún offers PADI courses from first try-dives to advanced levels, including the Open Water certification, which it says can be completed in three days, and a range of speciality courses. If you are not ready to dive, snorkelling trips are an alternative, and the shop also organises a Whale Shark Adventure snorkelling trip, trips to the bird sanctuary of Isla Contoy, fishing and watersports, as well as photo and video services so you can take home a record of your dives.

The centre suits first-time divers who want to learn with an established local operator, experienced divers who want a reliable shop for a few days of reef diving, and families who want to mix snorkelling with island trips.

Booking is through the website's contact form or by phone, and the shop lists several numbers. The company says fishing and watersport tours run daily. The website also describes the boats the shop uses, which is worth a look before you choose a trip.

Combine a morning dive with an afternoon on the calm water at Playa Langosta nearby, or with a ferry trip to Isla Mujeres from Playa Tortugas, which is also on the northern arm of the Hotel Zone.