Pared Verde

Pared Verde is a drift-wall dive off Playa del Carmen featuring a near-vertical coral reef wall densely covered with corals, sponges and gorgonians and punctuated by ledges, overhangs and sandy channels. The wall drops from shallow ledges to about 20–30 m and is noted for spectacular coral formations and abundant marine life, with frequent sightings of Caribbean spiny lobsters, moray eels, hawksbill and green turtles, southern stingrays and reef sharks. Access is by boat and dives are typically planned as drift dives along the wall, with currents that are moderate to strong. Typical depths range from shallow ledges down to about 28–30 m (maximum), visibility is generally excellent (often around 30 m) and water temperatures are about 26–28 °C. The usual route follows smaller wall sections to the main wall and includes an overhead cavern or vertical chimney that can be used to ascend to a shallower plateau; the dive ends at a shallow ledge for ascent or boat pickup. Strong currents and the maximum depth make this site suitable for experienced or advanced divers with good buoyancy control.